Along with a host of videos outlining useful information pertaining to Blue Oval engines, technician Brian Makuloco of the YouTube channel FordTechMakuloco has also provided us with some interesting transmission-related info, too. Thus far, that list includes a fatal flaw present in the 6R80 transmission and common leak points for that same gearbox, not to mention how to perform power transfer unit fluid changes. Now, Makuloco is back with another helpful video, this time outlining how to complete a fluid change service on the relatively newer Ford 8-speed automatic transmission.
This information pertains to the 8F35 gearbox, which is essentially just an 8-speed version of the older 6F35 transmission. Regardless, it seems as if the act of changing out the fluid in this particular gearbox is pretty easy and straightforward, and the fluid isn’t terribly expensive either, making this a reasonable job that only needs to be completed every 30,000 miles, as Makuloco points out.
In terms of the things one needs for this particular job, Makuloco recommends using five quarts of Motorcraft Mercon ULV transmission fluid and a transmission tunnel of some sort. A torque wrench is also highly recommended, as the drain plug on this transmission should be torqued to 124 inch-pounds, while the leveling plug should be torqued to 26 foot-pounds.
To access these plugs and complete this job, one needs to remove the underbody shield and the drain plug, allowing all of the old fluid to flow out. The leveling plug contains directions on how to ensure that the fluid is at the right level – as one might imagine – and from there, one simply refills the transmission with fresh fluid. As Makuloco points out in the video, these transmissions contain a filter that isn’t serviceable, so performing this job every 30k miles will ensure that one gets maximum life out of it, saving quite a bit of money on labor in the process.
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Comments
Im pretty sure my 6r80 bulkhead connector just sprung a leak
My Fusion is a hybrid so I never need to change the HF35 transaxld fluid.
Brian’s channel is legit gold for the DIY’ers out there. Very easy to follow instructions and quality footage. Solid and knowledgeable guy.
I like the way this guy points out the important temp sticker right on the trans – which I agree is critical, then just pours in the fluid with the engine running with no mention of the trans fluid temp. I am pretty sure that he had no idea of the temp either. IMO, the overflow port should be positioned for lower fluid change temps to account for cooldown while changing, addition of room temp fluid, etc. IMO, Its much easier to be at 100-120 degrees during the partial change than 185-200 degrees spec’d (nearly full operating temp). Who wants to leave the car running on a lift for an extended time (invariably indoors) to reach normal operating temp? The 100-120 range is great because it is warm approaching hot to the senses, real close to how you would wash your hands with hot water. Not asking for anything to be re-engineered here as there are more than a few of these over flow port trans in specing a lower temp range.