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To change the transmission fluid in a 2003 Ford Explorer, first raise the vehicle using ramps or a floor jack and secure it with jack stands. Locate the lower cover of the torque converter housing and rotate the converter until you see the drain plug. Position a drain pan under the plug, remove it, and allow the fluid to drain out. Disconnect the cooler lines at the transmission and blow them out with compressed air. Place a large drain pan under the transmission, then slightly loosen the retaining bolts on the oil pan using a socket wrench. Once the fluid is fully drained, tighten the bolts. Finally, refill the transmission with new fluid.
To simplify, locate the small plug within the drain plug on the transmission pan. Rather than removing the drain plug, take out the smaller inner plug for a slower but easier draining process. Get an adaptor for the hole where the small plug was and secure it in place. This adaptor allows you to measure the fluid level and add more fluid using a pump and hose. Since this transmission lacks a dipstick, this method is the only way to add transmission fluid without dismantling the entire system.
Find the transmission fluid tank and remove any old fluid. Replace the old fluid with fresh fluid and then reattach the cap securely.