Automatic Transmission Assembly for 2015-2017 Ford & Lincoln • Expedition, F-150, Navigator

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

• Confirm vehicle is a 2015-2016 F-150 or 2015-2017 Expedition/Navigator with 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine.
• Verify vehicle is a 4x4 / 4WD model.
• Locate the transmission identification tag on the driver's side of the case and verify it matches FL3P-7000-DA.
• Ensure the white barcode Solenoid Strategy Tag on the driver's side of the case is clean and readable.

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

Special tools this job needs:

• Heavy-duty transmission jack
• Torque converter holding strap/tool
• Scan tool capable of reading real-time Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) or performing adaptive table resets (e.g., Ford IDS or FORScan)
• Fluid transfer pump
• Transmission cooler line disconnect tools

Budget for these consumables at install:

• Motorcraft Mercon LV automatic transmission fluid (approx. 12.1 to 13.1 quarts for dry fill, 6 to 8 quarts for service fill)
• New transmission filter (Motorcraft FT188 or FT200 depending on auto start-stop feature)
• New transmission pan gasket
• New front pump/torque converter seal
• Transmission cooler line flush agent

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

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

sources differ on tool requirement: Arm 1 states a dealer scan tool or FORScan with an extended license is required to program the 13-digit Solenoid Strategy Code and 12-digit Solenoid Body ID. Arm 2 states a TCM adaptive learning reset is mandatory and can be done with Ford IDS or capable aftermarket tools like FORScan. Cautious choice: Yes, programming is required to prevent immediate internal clutch damage.

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

• Torque Converter Seating: Must rotate and push until feeling three distinct clicks/drops to ensure full engagement with front pump gears. Failure to do so will crush the pump gears upon engine startup.
• The 'No-Burn' Fluid Level Check: Checked via a short dipstick under a 19mm metal cap on the passenger side of the case next to the hot exhaust. Vehicle must be level, engine idling in Park, and fluid temp between 175°F and 185°F.
• Bellhousing Alignment Dowels: Ensure two alignment dowel pins are present in the engine block to prevent rapid wear on the front pump bushing and fluid leaks.
• Bulkhead Connector Sleeve: Replace the plastic electrical bulkhead connector sleeve (Ford Part # 6L2Z-7G276-AA) while the transmission is out to prevent future leaks.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Reusing the old solenoid strategy without programming the new 13-digit code into the PCM, leading to extremely harsh shifting or immediate limp mode.
• Forcing the bellhousing bolts to mate the transmission to the engine block when the torque converter is not fully seated, cracking the front pump.
• Skipping the transmission cooler line flush, which recirculates metal shavings and debris from the failed unit into the replacement transmission.
• Using non-LV fluids (like Mercon V or universal fluids), causing severe torque converter shudder and clutch slippage.
• Ignoring the sudden downshift recall, assuming the replacement transmission resolves the underlying vehicle calibration issue.

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: