Ford Mustang (1999-2004) Service Manual: Transmission Cooling

Inspection and Verification

WARNING: Never remove the radiator cap under any conditions while the engine is operating. Failure to follow these instructions could result in personal injury and/or damage to the cooling system or engine. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of the radiator, use extreme care when removing the radiator cap from a hot radiator. Wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the radiator cap and turn it slowly to the first stop. Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When you are certain all the pressure has been released, press down on the radiator cap (with a cloth), turn and remove.

The transmission fluid cooler is integral to the radiator (8005). Whenever leaks or damage to the radiator are found, install an entire new radiator.

Symptom Chart

Condition Possible Sources Action
  • Transmission Overheating
  • Damaged radiator.
  • System leaks.
  • Incorrect fluid level.
  • Fluid condition.
  • Damaged, blocked, reversed, leaking or restricted cooler lines or cooler tubes
  • Engine concerns causing transmission to overheat.
  • Excessive towing loads.
  • Incorrect idle or performance
  • REPAIR or install a new radiator.
  • INSPECT for leaks. REPAIR as necessary
  • ADJUST to proper level
  • INSPECT according to instructions under Fluid Condition Check
  • INSPECT cooler lines and tubes. REPAIR or flush as necessary.
  • INSPECT engine cooling system. For additional information
  • CHECK gross vehicle weight
  • REFER to the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual
    Transmission Cooling - Integral
    This vehicle with an automatic transmission is equipped with an integral transmission fluid cooler. The cooler is contained inside of the radiator outlet tank and cannot be serviced separately. The ...

    Transmission Fluid Cooler Tubes
    Removal 1. Disconnect the battery cables. 2. Raise and support the vehicle. For additional information, refer to Section. 3. Remove the nuts. 4. Remove the fluid cooler tube bracket at the engine. ...

    Other materials:

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    Suction Accumulator
      NOTE: Installation of a new suction accumulator is not required when repairing the air conditioning system except when there is physical evidence of contamination from a failed A/C compressor or damage to the suction accumulator. In addition to th ...

    Parking Brake Control
    Removal 1. CAUTION: If any component in the parking brake system requires repair or if the rear axle housing (4010) is removed, the cable tension must be released. Place the parking brake control (2780) in the released position. 2. Remove the console. 3. ...