Transmission Flush, or simple drain and fill?

[Termin8r]

On 10/7/2025 at 8:14 AM, atulo said:

For draining, I lift the left front to remove the drain plug, lower the car to drain, then lift it up again to install the drain plug.

That's a great tip. Will do it that way also. 👍

[3Charles24]

Just wanted to add my two cents based on my experience.

 

2019 Edge SEL FWD 2.0, 60k miles. I did a drain and fill a few weeks ago. about 4.5 quarts came out and I put that much back in. I watched as many YouTube videos as I could find on this topic. I am a little handy when it comes to cars than say your average Joe Blow. I watched Ford TechMakuloco when he did a drain and fill on the same engine and he did NOT remove the black fill plug entirely. He only removed the cap which is what I did. Yes the fluid flows in slower but I was able to make it work but twisting and moving the funnel to help it along. I do not see how you can have enough room to get any pliers on that snap ring to remove it. I'm sure removing it would help termendously but I didn't have to. 

 

I'll do another drain and fill next time its oil change time which I also do myself. Next time though, I'll try to remove the snap ring and snap in a fuel line hose to make it more accessible and still use the same cap. 

[Wubster100]

10 hours ago, 3Charles24 said:

I watched Ford TechMakuloco when he did a drain and fill on the same engine and he did NOT remove the black fill plug entirely. He only removed the cap which is what I did.

See the images in my previous post:

 

 https://www.fordedgeforum.com/topic/31501-transmission-flush-or-simple-drain-and-fill/?do=findComment&comment=237850

 

 

I tried what you did, to fill the transmission up through the vent hole. However, the fluid was going in extremely slowly and it even overflowed out! So I had to remove the cap piece using pliers. But I had to rotate the metal snap ring around and remove a few things that were close by. It took me a little while to get it off.

[atulo]

11 hours ago, 3Charles24 said:

 I do not see how you can have enough room to get any pliers on that snap ring to remove it. I'm sure removing it would help termendously but I didn't have to. 

 

 

 I use long nose locking pilers on the snap ring to remove the funnel.

[1004ron]

These work well in tight spots.

 

Amazon.com: Radiator Hose Clamp Pliers Automotive – Corrosion-Resistant Hose Clamp Tool with Non-Slip Polymer Coating, Tension & Ratchet Locking Mechanisms – Easy to Use, Time-Saving for Car Repairs : Automotive

[colinc755]

13 hours ago, 3Charles24 said:

Just wanted to add my two cents based on my experience.

 

2019 Edge SEL FWD 2.0, 60k miles. I did a drain and fill a few weeks ago. about 4.5 quarts came out and I put that much back in. I watched as many YouTube videos as I could find on this topic. I am a little handy when it comes to cars than say your average Joe Blow. I watched Ford TechMakuloco when he did a drain and fill on the same engine and he did NOT remove the black fill plug entirely. He only removed the cap which is what I did. Yes the fluid flows in slower but I was able to make it work but twisting and moving the funnel to help it along. I do not see how you can have enough room to get any pliers on that snap ring to remove it. I'm sure removing it would help termendously but I didn't have to. 

 

I'll do another drain and fill next time its oil change time which I also do myself. Next time though, I'll try to remove the snap ring and snap in a fuel line hose to make it more accessible and still use the same cap. 

It’ll test you and probably make some words fly out, but if you intend on keeping it for some time and doing this regularly, you’ll thank yourself for doing it.