This AI-generated draft has not been independently verified for your vehicle. Confirm engine, trim, build date, tool fitment and torque specifications against the relevant service information before buying tools or starting work.
Every 2021-2024 F-150 runs the 10R80 10-speed, so this job is basically identical across 2.7 and 3.5 EcoBoost, 5.0 V8 and PowerBoost. A drain and fill only gets about 5.5-6 of the 13-plus quarts in the system, so many owners do it every 30,000-40,000 miles rather than waiting for the severe-duty interval. The mechanical part is easy: two hex plugs and a transfer pump.
The part people get wrong is the level check. There is no dipstick, so the level is set by the fill port overflow with the engine idling in Park and the fluid between 190 and 200 F, which means you need a scan tool that shows transmission fluid temperature. Also crack the fill plug loose before you drain anything, because if that plug is seized you have no way to put fluid back in.
| Item | Type | Product search |
|---|---|---|
| Floor jack 2-ton minimum Lift the truck to reach the pan and side fill plug. | Required | search retailer |
| Jack stands 3-ton pair, or 4 stands Truck must be supported level on all four corners for an accurate fluid level. | Required | search retailer |
| Socket set 8, 10, 13 mm, 3/8 in drive Removes underbody aero shields and any transmission heat shield in the way. | Required | search retailer |
| Ratchet 3/8 in drive with 6 in extension General access to pan and shield fasteners. | Required | search retailer |
| Hex bit socket 8 mm hex, 3/8 in drive (have 1/4 in and 5/16 in hex on hand) Fits the pan drain plug and the case fill plug. | Required | search retailer |
| Drain pan 10 quart low-profile Catches the 5-6 quarts that come out of the pan. | Required | search retailer |
| Fluid transfer pump Hand or lever pump with small-diameter flexible hose Only way to push fluid uphill into the side fill port. | Required | search retailer |
| Scan tool Reads Ford TCM/PCM live data (FORScan with OBD2 adapter, or bidirectional scanner) Sets the level at the 190-200 F fluid temperature window; no dipstick exists. | Required | search retailer |
| Torque wrench 3/8 in drive, 10-80 ft-lb Tightens drain and fill plugs without stripping aluminum threads. | Required | search retailer |
| Inch-pound torque wrench 1/4 in drive, 20-200 in-lb Needed only if you drop the pan or reinstall shield fasteners to spec. | Recommended | search retailer |
| Mercon ULV transmission fluid Ford XT-12-QULV, 6 quarts for drain-and-fill The 10R80 requires ultra-low-viscosity ULV; nothing else is compatible. | Parts | search retailer |
| Drain plug seal / crush washer Per Ford part catalog for 10R80 pan plug Cheap insurance against a weeping plug; reuse only if undamaged. | Parts | search retailer |
| Transmission pan gasket/filter kit 10R80 pan with integrated filter (pan replacement) if dropping the pan On the 10R80 the filter is part of the pan assembly, so filter service means a new pan. | Parts | search retailer |
| Brake cleaner and shop rags Aerosol Cleans the pan area and spilled ULV, which is thin and runs everywhere. | Consumables | search retailer |
| Nitrile gloves Keeps hot fluid off skin. | Safety | search retailer |
| Safety glasses Hot fluid drips from the pan and crossmember area. | Safety | search retailer |
| Wheel chocks Engine runs in Park during the level check, so the truck must not move. | Safety | search retailer |
| Infrared thermometer Backup temperature reference on the pan if the scan tool PID is unclear. | Recommended | search retailer |
Tool sizes are the same on all four powertrains because they all use the 10R80. The PowerBoost's MHT version adds the integrated electric motor and high-voltage cabling near the bellhousing, so route your hose and tools clear of the orange cables. 4x4 and off-road-package trucks may have extra skid plates or aero shields (8, 10 or 13 mm bolts) to remove first.
| Transmission pan drain plug | verify in the service manual (roughly 20-27 Nm; do not overtighten aluminum) |
| Case fill plug | verify in the service manual |
| Transmission pan bolts (if pan removed) | verify in the service manual |
| Underbody aero shield bolts | verify in the service manual (hand-snug, approx. 8-10 Nm) |
Mercon ULV only, Ford spec XT-12-QULV. A drain and fill takes about 5.5-6 quarts; total system capacity is roughly 13 quarts. Do not substitute Mercon LV or a universal ATF.
No. The level is set through a fill plug on the passenger side of the case with the engine idling in Park and fluid temperature at 190-200 F, which is why a scan tool reading transmission fluid temp is required.
Both are hex-socket plugs and an 8 mm hex bit socket on a 3/8 in drive fits most trucks. Sizes have varied by build, so have 1/4 in and 5/16 in hex bits on hand before you start.
The 10R80 filter is integral to the pan, so changing it means installing a new pan and filter assembly. Most owners do repeat drain-and-fills and only drop the pan if the fluid is burnt or at higher mileage.