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Home ZF 6HP26, 6HP28 Transmission Fluid

Service Procedure

Check ZF 6HP26 Transmission Fluid, Reset

Adaptations, and Procedure
Changing the fluid of the ZF 6HP , 6HP26 , and 6HP28
Transmission
Foreward
Use the right fluid. ZF Lifeguard Fluid 6 (Shell M1375.4), or the proven equivalent Ford Mercon SP. It has been
stated by RRPhil who rebuilds transmissions that is imperative to use ZF 6HP specific fluid. The easiest and
cheapest option is to buy Mercon SP which is the Fluid Ford designated for use with the ZF 6HP derived
transmissions in Ford vehicles. I have used Mercon SP for over 40,000 miles. Even with the right fluid it will be
important to drive the car in such a manner for the transmission to learn the new friction properties. It is important
to note that I do not neccisarily advocate for resetting adaptations it is still imperative to drive like you have for the
transmission to process the parameters it measures with the new fluid.

Procedure
1)Remove Oil Filler Plug (T50)
2) Remove Oil Drain Plug and Replace Plug after all transmission oil runs out.
3) With the engine stopped and the transmission in Park position, remove the oil filler plug. Add
transmission fluid until a small stream of oil runs out.
4) Insert the filler plug and tighten by hand. Start the engine.
5) With the engine running, remove the oil filler plug and add transmission fluid until a small stream of oil
runs out . Insert the filler plug and tighten by hand.
6) The transmission fluid temperature must be between 30°C and 35°C before checking can begin.
Use test equipment to determine the trans temperature or use an infrared thermal gun aimed at the oil stream or
bottom of pan
7) The vehicle must be level with engine running at idle speed and air conditioning turned on.
8) Step on the brakes firmly, apply parking brake f ully and shif t to D and R, bri efly pausing in each
position before shifting back to the Park position.
9) Wit h the engine running at idle speed and the selector in Park position, remove the filler plug. Monitor
the transmission temperature, if a small stream of oil runs out at 40°C, the fluid level is correct.
10) If no oil runs out when the filler plug is removed, the fluid level is too low and oil needs to be added
until it overflows.
11) With engine running, install the oil filler plug and tighten to proper torque.

Shifting Adaptations:
Executing the following is highly recommended after a fluid change for improved shifting quality:

Vehicle should be at normal operating temperature, transmission shifter in normal mode not sports.
Accelerate from a rest through the gears on a moderate throttleuntil 6thgear is engaged (about 55mph).
​Release throttle and allow car to coast down almost to a halt, do not use the brake until the car is at walking
pace (if the brake is used at any time whilst the transmission is above 2nd gear the adaption process for this
cycle will be aborted).
Note: using a slight uphill gradient will help the car slow much quicker. If traffic conditions necessitate the use of
the brakes during theacceleration or coasting process the cycle will have to be repeated.
Hold foot on brake for 15 seconds once car has come to a halt.
​Repeat this process a total of 5 times

2-1 Tip in Thump

Vehicle should be at normal operating temperature, transmission shifter in normal mode not sports.
accelerate gently to 15 MPH
Briskly Decelerate using ample braking power until 1 MPH
“Rapidly” Accelerate using 50%-75% throttle
Repeat the process a total of 6 times

Checking Fluid without a thermal Gun:

Dave Tallant, who always did a great job on my 4.6, has put up the best explanation for at home
mechanics/enthusiasts to check the ZF 6HP26 Transmission fluid level; which, has always been a bit lets say
specific, official ZF 6HP26 fluid level checking procedure calls for filling the transmission between 40-50 degrees
C, in other words no higher than 50.

Mercon SP is developed by ford for use in the Jaguar LR 6hp26, which is useful considering its available and
cheap. Here is the LR3 Transmission Drain & Refill Procedure and a general ZF 6 speed trouble shooting guide

In Dave’s Words (but my formatting):

“On the 6 speed, it can be done up to 50*C, but I prefer cooler. Best way to do it is just first thing in the morning,
and be quick about it.

With the truck cold, go under and crack the fill plug loose, but don’t remove. Have fluid and some sort of pump
ready in case you need to top off. Start the truck, let it idle for about a minute in P. Get under and remove the fill
plug, there should be a small stream coming out. If not, top off until there is, and put the plug back in. Don’t take
more then 5 minutes for the whole thing after starting it, as the fluid heats up pretty quickly.”

Dave Tallant has since moved to

http://independentbritish.com/

4972 Bradley Blvd. Chevy Chase, MD

301.656.5651
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