Changing The Transmission Fluid on Your Hybrid Maverick (DIY Step By Step)

[Hardening2753]

I did this recently on my 2023 Lariat Lux Hybrid. While Ford and other manufactures say some fluids are lifetime, that's just because they want to say that it is cheap to own a vehicle. Due to the driving style and conditions that the truck operates on I have to preform regular transmission drain and fills. You can do this with Walmart or Harbor Freight tools. If you have done an oil change you can drain and fill a transmission. While this is specific to the Hybrid, it likely is the same for the EcoBoost (and JK jeeps for what it's worth just different sockets and fluid).

You are responsible for your actions and assume all risk.

Tools

• 3/8 ratchet
• 3/8 extension - 5 inches
• 14 mm socket - Transmission drain bolt
• 10 mm hex socket - Transmission fill
• 21 mm socket - lug nuts (or use the one that came with truck)
• 4 mm hex socket - under engine splash guard
• Flashlight
• Funnel
• Mop bucket or oil receptacle
• Safety glasses
• Mechanix gloves
• Truck Jack
• Jack Stand
• Tire chock

Supplies

• Paper towels
• Nitrile gloves
• degreaser
• 6 quarts of Motorcraft Mercon ULV (toxic)
  • I always get extra if I spill

Step By Step
Lifting the truck

1. Activate the parking brake
2. Loosen but do not remove the lug nuts (21 mm socket)of the front driver tire
3. Chock the rear tires
4. Jack the truck up
5. Put the jack stand and lift to appropriate height
6. Remove the tire and side it next to the jack stand
   1. If the jack and stand both fail the tire will function as a stand as a last resort
7. Remove the under engine splash shield

Draining the Transmission

(Note: the blue line is me bolt marking it after I filled it. It is not there from the factory)

1. You will open the fill plug first (picture 1)
   1. This is to ensure that you can fill the transmission. If you cannot remove the fill plug abort and call a mechanic
2. With the 10 mm hex socket remove the transmission fill plug
   1. Mine was pretty tight and I had to use a breaker bar
3. Place the mop bucket or oil receptacle under the oil
4. Remove the Transmission drain bolt using the 14 mm socket (picture 2)
5. Let the transmission oil drain
   1. It is normal for some metal flakes but they should be small

Filling the Transmission

1. Tighten the transmission drain plug. I did 1/4 extra after it got tight
2. Measure the amount of transmission oil that wan removed. This is the same that you will add. I had 4.2 quarts come out and I put 4.5 back
3. Using the funnel begging to fill the transmission through the fill hole
4. Transmission fluid will start to leak as you get near the amount you removed
5. When full, tighten the transmission fill bolt. I did 1/4 extra turn after it got tight.
6. Congrats you did a transmission drain and fill!

Finishing

1. Replace the tire
2. Finger tighten the lug nuts
3. Make sure there is nothing under the truck
4. Jack the truck up some to remove the jack stand
5. Slowly lower the truck
6. Tighten the lug nuts
7. Turn the truck on
8. Cycle from parking>reverse>neutral>drive 4-5 times
9. Road test the truck by driving it to a local car part store to recycle the transmission fluid
10. Enjoy a cold beverage when you get home

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[Oscarcat]

I did this recently on my 2023 Lariat Lux Hybrid. While Ford and other manufactures say some fluids are lifetime, that's just because they want to say that it is cheap to own a vehicle. Due to the driving style and conditions that the truck operates on I have to preform regular transmission drain and fills. You can do this with Walmart or Harbor Freight tools. If you have done an oil change you can drain and fill a transmission. While this is specific to the Hybrid, it likely is the same for the EcoBoost (and JK jeeps for what it's worth just different sockets and fluid).

You are responsible for your actions and assume all risk.

Tools

• 3/8 ratchet
• 3/8 extension - 5 inches
• 14 mm socket - Transmission drain bolt
• 10 mm hex socket - Transmission fill
• 21 mm socket - lug nuts (or use the one that came with truck)
• 4 mm hex socket - under engine splash guard
• Flashlight
• Funnel
• Mop bucket or oil receptacle
• Safety glasses
• Mechanix gloves
• Truck Jack
• Jack Stand
• Tire chock

Supplies

• Paper towels
• Nitrile gloves
• degreaser
• 6 quarts of Motorcraft Mercon ULV (toxic)
  • I always get extra if I spill

Step By Step
Lifting the truck

1. Activate the parking brake
2. Loosen but do not remove the lug nuts (21 mm socket)of the front driver tire
3. Chock the rear tires
4. Jack the truck up
5. Put the jack stand and lift to appropriate height
6. Remove the tire and side it next to the jack stand
   1. If the jack and stand both fail the tire will function as a stand as a last resort
7. Remove the under engine splash shield

Draining the Transmission

(Note: the blue line is me bolt marking it after I filled it. It is not there from the factory)

1. You will open the fill plug first (picture 1)
   1. This is to ensure that you can fill the transmission. If you cannot remove the fill plug abort and call a mechanic
2. With the 10 mm hex socket remove the transmission fill plug
   1. Mine was pretty tight and I had to use a breaker bar
3. Place the mop bucket or oil receptacle under the oil
4. Remove the Transmission drain bolt using the 14 mm socket (picture 2)
5. Let the transmission oil drain
   1. It is normal for some metal flakes but they should be small

Filling the Transmission

1. Tighten the transmission drain plug. I did 1/4 extra after it got tight
2. Measure the amount of transmission oil that wan removed. This is the same that you will add. I had 4.2 quarts come out and I put 4.5 back
3. Using the funnel begging to fill the transmission through the fill hole
4. Transmission fluid will start to leak as you get near the amount you removed
5. When full, tighten the transmission fill bolt. I did 1/4 extra turn after it got tight.
6. Congrats you did a transmission drain and fill!

Finishing

1. Replace the tire
2. Finger tighten the lug nuts
3. Make sure there is nothing under the truck
4. Jack the truck up some to remove the jack stand
5. Slowly lower the truck
6. Tighten the lug nuts
7. Turn the truck on
8. Cycle from parking>reverse>neutral>drive 4-5 times
9. Road test the truck by driving it to a local car part store to recycle the transmission fluid
10. Enjoy a cold beverage when you get home

Excellent details and write up! Thank you so much. I particularly liked your advice to loosen the fill plug to insure you can refill BEFORE draining. "Begin with the end in mind" [Stephen Covey]

I do that each oil change. I make certain I can loosen the oil filter before I drain the oil.

 

[MichaelHigh]

Well executed! Thank you. Saved to my fav's.

Mike

 

[Hardening2753]

Excellent details and write up! Thank you so much. I particularly liked your advice to loosen the fill plug to insure you can refill BEFORE draining. "Begin with the end in mind" [Stephen Covey]

I do that each oil change. I make certain I can loosen the oil filter before I drain the oil.

Thanks! I figured out the hard way about not checking the fill hole first. Long story short but I was young holding the flashlight for my dad while he said a lot of colorful words when he could not get the fill plug out

 

[Vaportrail]

Already serviced the eCvt?

How many miles do you have on your year old truck?

I'm at 36k, but haven't considered doing anything to the eCvt...

I thought there's very little wear and tear on the fluid???

 

[Hardening2753]

Already serviced the eCvt?

How many miles do you have on your year old truck?

I'm at 36k, but haven't considered doing anything to the eCvt...

I thought there's very little wear and tear on the fluid???

Based on the manual you have to adjust the service intervals on the type of driving you do. For most normal driving you don't have to.

But there were very fine metal shavings when I first took the bolt out. That is normal to have metal dust or shavings in all transmission types

 

[Vaportrail]

Based on the manual you have to adjust the service intervals on the type of driving you do. For most normal driving you don't have to.

But there were very fine metal shavings when I first took the bolt out. That is normal to have metal dust or shavings in all transmission types

I don't autocross my hybrid-

I do drive a lot in Phoenix, so I'm not sure how severe that would be?

What interval are you following?

What does the manual say anyway???


Like I said, I was under the impression that the eCvt doesn't wear the fluid much, unless you're towing, racing, ect...

 

[Montana]

Looks good!

My first service will be in a couple weeks and my interval for tranny fluid is every 50k. That was with dropping the pan and changing the filter, as well as quite a bit more fluid and knowing the PTU placement (on the EB's) and the amount of heat these things are susceptible to with how little fluid is in them, I'll probably be doing mine every 30-40k. I already did my PTU/RDU and it was pretty nasty. Checked them again 1000 miles later and all looked well so I'll push to 20-30k intervals on those. That's where you Hybrid owners are lucky No PTU to service.

But correct me if I'm wrong, isn't the vehicle supposed to be on and running in neutral when checking the fluid level? Pretty sure that's what I had to do and mine needed 2/3rds a quart from the factory. Again, this was on the 8F35, not the eCVT.

 

[gp1200x]

Looks good!

My first service will be in a couple weeks and my interval for tranny fluid is every 50k. That was with dropping the pan and changing the filter, as well as quite a bit more fluid and knowing the PTU placement (on the EB's) and the amount of heat these things are susceptible to with how little fluid is in them, I'll probably be doing mine every 30-40k. I already did my PTU/RDU and it was pretty nasty. Checked them again 1000 miles later and all looked well so I'll push to 30k intervals on those. That's where you Hybrid owners are lucky No PTU to service.

But correct me if I'm wrong, isn't the vehicle supposed to be on and running in neutral when checking the fluid level? Pretty sure that's what I had to do and mine needed 2/3rds a quart from the factory. Again, this was on the 8F35, not the eCVT.

Yep...supposed to be running for checking level at normal operating temperature and it should just be dribbling out when you reinstall plug. With it not running the fluid level will be higher than it should be for checking.

 

[jerrisn]

I did this recently on my 2023 Lariat Lux Hybrid. While Ford and other manufactures say some fluids are lifetime, that's just because they want to say that it is cheap to own a vehicle. Due to the driving style and conditions that the truck operates on I have to preform regular transmission drain and fills. You can do this with Walmart or Harbor Freight tools. If you have done an oil change you can drain and fill a transmission. While this is specific to the Hybrid, it likely is the same for the EcoBoost (and JK jeeps for what it's worth just different sockets and fluid).

You are responsible for your actions and assume all risk.

Tools

• 3/8 ratchet
• 3/8 extension - 5 inches
• 14 mm socket - Transmission drain bolt
• 10 mm hex socket - Transmission fill
• 21 mm socket - lug nuts (or use the one that came with truck)
• 4 mm hex socket - under engine splash guard
• Flashlight
• Funnel
• Mop bucket or oil receptacle
• Safety glasses
• Mechanix gloves
• Truck Jack
• Jack Stand
• Tire chock

Supplies

• Paper towels
• Nitrile gloves
• degreaser
• 6 quarts of Motorcraft Mercon ULV (toxic)
  • I always get extra if I spill

Step By Step
Lifting the truck

1. Activate the parking brake
2. Loosen but do not remove the lug nuts (21 mm socket)of the front driver tire
3. Chock the rear tires
4. Jack the truck up
5. Put the jack stand and lift to appropriate height
6. Remove the tire and side it next to the jack stand
   1. If the jack and stand both fail the tire will function as a stand as a last resort
7. Remove the under engine splash shield

Draining the Transmission

(Note: the blue line is me bolt marking it after I filled it. It is not there from the factory)

1. You will open the fill plug first (picture 1)
   1. This is to ensure that you can fill the transmission. If you cannot remove the fill plug abort and call a mechanic
2. With the 10 mm hex socket remove the transmission fill plug
   1. Mine was pretty tight and I had to use a breaker bar
3. Place the mop bucket or oil receptacle under the oil
4. Remove the Transmission drain bolt using the 14 mm socket (picture 2)
5. Let the transmission oil drain
   1. It is normal for some metal flakes but they should be small

Filling the Transmission

1. Tighten the transmission drain plug. I did 1/4 extra after it got tight
2. Measure the amount of transmission oil that wan removed. This is the same that you will add. I had 4.2 quarts come out and I put 4.5 back
3. Using the funnel begging to fill the transmission through the fill hole
4. Transmission fluid will start to leak as you get near the amount you removed
5. When full, tighten the transmission fill bolt. I did 1/4 extra turn after it got tight.
6. Congrats you did a transmission drain and fill!

Finishing

1. Replace the tire
2. Finger tighten the lug nuts
3. Make sure there is nothing under the truck
4. Jack the truck up some to remove the jack stand
5. Slowly lower the truck
6. Tighten the lug nuts
7. Turn the truck on
8. Cycle from parking>reverse>neutral>drive 4-5 times
9. Road test the truck by driving it to a local car part store to recycle the transmission fluid
10. Enjoy a cold beverage when you get home

Curious as to the fluid and where your getting it. I can't find Motorcraft locally.

 

[Mavreezy]

I did this recently on my 2023 Lariat Lux Hybrid. While Ford and other manufactures say some fluids are lifetime, that's just because they want to say that it is cheap to own a vehicle. Due to the driving style and conditions that the truck operates on I have to preform regular transmission drain and fills. You can do this with Walmart or Harbor Freight tools. If you have done an oil change you can drain and fill a transmission. While this is specific to the Hybrid, it likely is the same for the EcoBoost (and JK jeeps for what it's worth just different sockets and fluid).

You are responsible for your actions and assume all risk.

Tools

• 3/8 ratchet
• 3/8 extension - 5 inches
• 14 mm socket - Transmission drain bolt
• 10 mm hex socket - Transmission fill
• 21 mm socket - lug nuts (or use the one that came with truck)
• 4 mm hex socket - under engine splash guard
• Flashlight
• Funnel
• Mop bucket or oil receptacle
• Safety glasses
• Mechanix gloves
• Truck Jack
• Jack Stand
• Tire chock

Supplies

• Paper towels
• Nitrile gloves
• degreaser
• 6 quarts of Motorcraft Mercon ULV (toxic)
  • I always get extra if I spill

Step By Step
Lifting the truck

1. Activate the parking brake
2. Loosen but do not remove the lug nuts (21 mm socket)of the front driver tire
3. Chock the rear tires
4. Jack the truck up
5. Put the jack stand and lift to appropriate height
6. Remove the tire and side it next to the jack stand
   1. If the jack and stand both fail the tire will function as a stand as a last resort
7. Remove the under engine splash shield

Draining the Transmission

(Note: the blue line is me bolt marking it after I filled it. It is not there from the factory)

1. You will open the fill plug first (picture 1)
   1. This is to ensure that you can fill the transmission. If you cannot remove the fill plug abort and call a mechanic
2. With the 10 mm hex socket remove the transmission fill plug
   1. Mine was pretty tight and I had to use a breaker bar
3. Place the mop bucket or oil receptacle under the oil
4. Remove the Transmission drain bolt using the 14 mm socket (picture 2)
5. Let the transmission oil drain
   1. It is normal for some metal flakes but they should be small

Filling the Transmission

1. Tighten the transmission drain plug. I did 1/4 extra after it got tight
2. Measure the amount of transmission oil that wan removed. This is the same that you will add. I had 4.2 quarts come out and I put 4.5 back
3. Using the funnel begging to fill the transmission through the fill hole
4. Transmission fluid will start to leak as you get near the amount you removed
5. When full, tighten the transmission fill bolt. I did 1/4 extra turn after it got tight.
6. Congrats you did a transmission drain and fill!

Finishing

1. Replace the tire
2. Finger tighten the lug nuts
3. Make sure there is nothing under the truck
4. Jack the truck up some to remove the jack stand
5. Slowly lower the truck
6. Tighten the lug nuts
7. Turn the truck on
8. Cycle from parking>reverse>neutral>drive 4-5 times
9. Road test the truck by driving it to a local car part store to recycle the transmission fluid
10. Enjoy a cold beverage when you get home

Great write-up, thank you.

I have my Ford dealership do the drain & refill every time I go in for an oil change. I've had it done 4 times.

You're correct, the Ford tech tells me that a little over 4 quarts drains out.

I only get it done because my dealership only charges me $75 to drain & refill the transmission fluid. If my math is correct, I'm only getting charged around $20 for labor based on the the cost of 5 quarts at $11 a pop.

My tech said it's overkill what I'm doing based on the mileage my truck has (25k), but he doesn't mind it since the truck is already up on the lift.

Anyways, thanks again for sharing your write-up.

 

[jerrisn]

Great write-up, thank you.

I have my Ford dealership do the drain & refill every time I go in for an oil change. I've had it done 4 times.

You're correct, the Ford tech tells me that a little over 4 quarts drains out.

I only get it done because my dealership only charges me $75 to drain & refill the transmission fluid. If my math is correct, I'm only getting charged around $20 for labor based on the the cost of 5 quarts at $11 a pop.

My tech said it's overkill what I'm doing based on the mileage my truck has (25k), but he doesn't mind it since the truck is already up on the lift.

Anyways, thanks again for sharing your write-up.

How are you getting it for $75? I was told $200+

 

[Hardening2753]

Curious as to the fluid and where your getting it. I can't find Motorcraft locally.

If you go to a Ford dealership you can pick it up. I bought mine from rockauto.com and the fluid you're going to need is motorcraft mercon ULV. I paid about $7 per bottle. There's actually a plaque right next to the transmission fill bolt that tells you to only use mercon ULV

 

[Mavreezy]

How are you getting it for $75? I was told $200+

My service rep (young and naive female) still hasn't realized that what I'm doing is still considered a Transmission Service/Oil Change, which my dealership charges $179.99 for.

I explain it to her in a way that makes her think that I'm just having the tech unscrew a bolt real quick and filling it right back up with transmission oil. I tell her it takes about 30 seconds to do it. She looks at me confused when I explain it to her .

I'm pretty sure that once the dealership finds out, they'll probably fire her ass and I'll be charged the regular $179 if I want to have it done.

Until that day comes, I'm going to continue having it done.

 

[jerrisn]

makes her think that I'm just having the tech unscrew a bolt real quick and filling it right back up with transmission oil.

That is exactly all they are doing. I also have a Chevy Volt serviced in the same way for $69. Drain and fill, nothing more. But the Ford Dealership wants like $239 like it's some long process.

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