Transmission Assembly for 2013 Ford & Lincoln • Edge, MKS, MKX, Taurus

A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right transmission shows up:

• Check the Driver's Door Jamb Sticker: Under the 'TR' (Transmission) code, verify that it displays the letter 'J'.
• Confirm your Drivetrain is AWD: Look under your vehicle to confirm you have a rear driveshaft and a Power Transfer Unit (PTU).
• Verify your Engine Size: Confirm your vehicle has the 3.7L V6 engine (or the 3.5L non-turbo V6 for Taurus).
• Locate your Transmission ID Tag: Confirm that the ID number matches DA8P-7000-EA or DA8P-7000-LA.

What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:

Special tools this job needs:

• Engine support bar
• Heavy-duty transmission jack
• Torque converter alignment/holding tool
• Ford-compatible scan tool (Ford IDS, FJDS, or FORScan with a compatible pass-through OBD2 adapter)

Budget for these consumables at install:

• Motorcraft Mercon LV Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - ~10.9 quarts total capacity
• Transmission Filter and Pan Gasket Kit (Note: internal filter cannot be serviced without splitting case halves, but some sources recommend replacing filter/pan gasket if opening front cover)
• Torque converter input shaft seal (front pump seal)
• Left and right CV axle seals
• PTU intermediate shaft seal and compression seal
• Professional transmission cooler flush solvent

What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:

What’s involved: Solenoid Body Strategy Programming and TCM Adaptive Relearn

Every solenoid pack is individually flow-tested and has a unique 13-digit Solenoid Strategy Code and 7-digit Solenoid ID Code. If you install this transmission and do not program these codes into your vehicle's computer, the computer will apply the wrong pressure calibrations, causing extremely harsh shifting, slipping, and permanent clutch damage. Alternatively, you can swap your original solenoid pack and valve body into this replacement transmission to avoid reprogramming.

Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:

• Document the Strategy Codes BEFORE Installation: Take a clear photo or write down the 13-digit Solenoid Strategy and 7-digit Solenoid ID printed on the tag on top of the transmission case before bolting it in, as it will be hidden under the battery tray.
• Verify Torque Converter Seating: Ensure the torque converter is fully pushed back and seated onto the transmission pump gears (must click/drop into place three distinct times). Forcing the engine and transmission together with bolts will destroy the internal oil pump.
• PTU Spline Alignment: Align the splines carefully by hand when mating the PTU to the transmission to avoid damaging splines or tearing the intermediate shaft seal.
• Fluid Level Check Procedure: Check fluid level with the vehicle running, on a level surface, and at operating temperature (175°F to 190°F / 80°C to 88°C) with the engine idling in Park.
• Dowel Pins: Ensure the alignment dowel pins between the engine and transmission are clean and in place.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Forgetting to write down the Strategy Codes before installing the transmission.
• Using the wrong fluid (e.g., Mercon V or generic ATF instead of the required Motorcraft Mercon LV).
• Skipping the cooler line flush, which allows old metal debris to flow straight into the replacement unit.
• Drawing the transmission to the engine with bolts when the torque converter is not fully seated.
• Driving the vehicle immediately without performing the electronic programming/adaptive relearn procedure.
• Ignoring the Transmission ID Tag and buying a transmission from a FWD or 2.0L EcoBoost model.

Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every transmission of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer: