automatic transmission fluid change

[mikkelstuff]

It's time again, another 30,000 miles, to change out the transmission fluid in my '02 4WD Ranger XLT.

As I recall from the past, in older Ford LTD's one could unhook the transmission to radiator coolant lines, start the engine, and pump out most of the transmission fluid. This prevents a face full of transmission fluid when removing the oil pan - since they no longer come with a drain plug.

I know this works with my Ranger because I used this method some years back before I installed a transmission oil pan with a drain plug.

My question here is will this method empty out the torque converter? I do know that just draining the oil pan will not empty the transmission.

 

[Uncle Gump]

If you change fluid every 30K... I don't think I would worry one bit about draining it entirely. Unless it doesn't look and smell like new.

 

[19Walt93]

Please drop the pan instead, running the pump dry won't help it a bit.