Ford Falcon BA Transmission Fluid Change – Guide

Maintaining the transmission fluid in your Ford Falcon BA is important for ensuring the longevity and smooth operation of the transmission system.

Transmission fluid is responsible for lubricating and cooling the gears and facilitating gear changes.

Over time, the fluid can become contaminated with debris, reducing its effectiveness and potentially causing damage to the system.

By changing the fluid regularly, you can keep the transmission in good condition and extend its lifespan.

This guide will provide a step-by-step process for changing the transmission fluid in your car, including the necessary tools and materials, preparation steps, and important safety reminders.

Transmission Fluid Change – Full Guide

Here is the step-by-step guide to changing your Ford BA transmission fluid.

1. Tools and Materials You Need in Changing Fluid Transmission

If you plan to change your Ford Falcon BA transmission fluid, you must prepare these tools and materials.

Here is a list of tools and materials you’ll need to change the transmission fluid on your Ford Falcon BA:

1. Transmission fluid pump
2. Clean, lint-free rags
3. New transmission fluid (check owner’s manual for recommended type)
4. Gloves (optional)
5. Eye protection (optional)
6. Jack and jack stands or a hydraulic lift
7. Drain pan or container to catch the old fluid
8. Funnel
9. Ratchet and socket set
10. Wrench set
11. Pliers

2. Preparation and Steps to Take Before Starting the Fluid Change

Before you start the fluid change, there are a few steps you need to take to prepare your Ford Falcon BA:

1. Park the vehicle on a flat surface and set the parking brake.
2. Locate the transmission fluid drain and fill plugs. 

• • The drain plug for the transmission fluid of Falcon BA is located on the bottom of the transmission pan. The pan is typically located beneath the vehicle and can be accessed by removing the drain plug, which is usually a square or hex head bolt.
  • The fill plug for the transmission fluid is typically located on the side or top of the transmission case. It is usually marked by a dipstick or a fill hole with a threaded cap. The exact location may vary based on the specific year of the vehicle, so always refer to your car’s manual.

     3. Ensure you have all the tools and materials at hand.
     4. Warm up the engine to operating temperature to ensure the fluid is at its correct level and to allow any contaminants to circulate.
     5. Once you have completed the preparation steps, you are ready to start the fluid change.

3. Draining the Transmission Fluid and Steps to Remove the Old Transmission Fluid

Here are the steps to remove the old transmission fluid from your Ford Falcon BA:

1. Raise the vehicle using a jack and jack stand or a hydraulic lift to ensure the car is secure and level.
2. Locate the transmission fluid drain plug and place the drain pan underneath it. (Refer to step #2 for the location of the drain plug.)
3. Remove the drain plug with a ratchet and socket or wrench.
4. Allow the fluid to drain completely into the drain pan.
5. Examine the fluid to see if there are any metal particles. The previous transmission might be overfilled, which can cause damage. Also, check oil pans if there are metal particles. If there are any, they should be checked by an experienced mechanic.
6. Remove the gasket carefully, and don’t use any sharp materials to avoid damage to the surface.
7. Clean the oil pan with a clean cloth and replace the transmission filter; it should be changed when you change the fluid.
8. Install the new gasket, ensure to use the manufacturer’s specific sealant if needed, insert the oil pan again, and tighten it securely.
9. Reinsert the drain plug and tighten it securely.
10. Repeat the drain and fill process a few times to ensure all the old fluid has been replaced.
11. Dispose of the old fluid properly and follow local regulations.

4. Refilling the Transmission Fluid Steps to Add New Transmission Fluid to the System

Here are the steps to add new transmission fluid to the transmission system of your Ford Falcon BA:

1. Locate the transmission fluid fill plug. (Refer to step #2 for the location of the drain plug.)
2. Using a transmission fluid pump, add the recommended fluid through the fill plug until it drips out.
3. Reinsert the fill plug and tighten it securely.
4. Check the fluid level using the dipstick (located on the transmission) and add more fluid if necessary.
5. Repeat the draining and refilling process to ensure the system is completely flushed and filled with fresh fluid.

It’s essential to use the correct type of transmission fluid recommended by the manufacturer and to follow the recommended fluid level specified in the owner’s manual.

Overfilling or using the wrong type of fluid can cause severe damage to the transmission system.

5. Testing the Transmission Fluid Level Steps to Verify the Fluid Level Is Correct

Here are the steps to verify the fluid level is correct in your Ford Falcon BA transmission:

1. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to warm up the fluid.
2. Locate the transmission fluid dipstick, which is typically located on the transmission.
3. Drag the dipstick out and clean it with a clean, lint-free rag.
4. Insert the dipstick and remove it again to check the fluid level.
5. The fluid level should be between the “Full” and “Add” marks on the dipstick.
6. If the fluid level is low, add more fluid until it reaches the correct level.

It’s important to check the fluid level with the engine running and at operating temperature to ensure an accurate reading.

Overfilling the transmission can cause damage, so follow the recommended fluid level specified in the owner’s manual.

6. Finishing Up

Here are the final steps to complete the transmission fluid change in your Ford Falcon BA:

1. Dispose of the old fluid properly, following local regulations.
2. Check for leaks around the drain and fill plugs and the fluid lines, and tighten any connections if necessary.
3. Take the vehicle for a test drive to ensure the transmission is shifting smoothly.
4. After the test drive, recheck the fluid level and add more if necessary.
5. If necessary, repeat the draining and refilling process to ensure the system is completely flushed and filled with fresh fluid.

Safety Reminder:

Here are some important safety reminders to keep in mind when changing the transmission fluid in your Ford Falcon BA:

1. Always work safely and use caution when under the vehicle.
2. Use jack stands or a hydraulic lift to support the vehicle; never rely solely on a jack.
3. Make sure the vehicle is secure and level before starting the fluid change.
4. Wear protective gloves and eye protection to prevent exposure to hazardous fluids.
5. Avoid smoking or using open flames near flammable liquids, such as transmission fluid.
6. Properly dispose of old fluid, following local regulations, to avoid potential environmental harm.
7. If you experience any difficulties or have questions, consult your owner’s manual or seek the help of a professional mechanic.
8. Remember, if you are unsure of any of the following steps, ask for help from an experienced mechanic to avoid any significant problems with your vehicle.

Conclusion

Changing the transmission fluid in your Ford Falcon BA is an important task to perform regularly to ensure the longevity and smooth operation of the transmission system.

The process is straightforward and can be done with the proper tools and materials – also a bit of knowledge and patience.

Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly and easily change the fluid and keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Always work safely, use caution when under the car, and properly dispose of old fluid.

If you experience any difficulties or have questions, consult your owner’s manual or seek the help of a professional mechanic.