Ford PTU Fluid Change Explorer, Edge & Escape AWD

By the Radman Auto Repair team, independent auto repair in Etobicoke since 1999 · Updated November 2026

All-wheel-drive Ford Explorer, Edge, Flex, Taurus and Escape models send power to the rear wheels through a small power transfer unit (PTU) beside the exhaust. Its small amount of gear oil cooks over time, and Ford doesn’t list a regular change, so PTUs fail early.

Symptoms

What Causes It

Before You Start

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels. Never work under a car held up only by a jack: use rated jack stands.
• Let the engine and exhaust cool before you touch them; coolant systems are under pressure when hot.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves, and disconnect the 12V battery before unplugging electrical parts or working near airbags.
• Check for open recalls on your VIN (Transport Canada or the manufacturer’s site) before you buy parts: a recall repair is free at the dealer.
• Let the exhaust cool; the PTU sits right beside it.
• The car must be level to set the oil level correctly.

Step-by-Step: Ford PTU Fluid Change

1. Lift the car level. Raise the car safely on stands or a hoist so it sits level.
2. Find the PTU. It is on the right side of the transmission, beside the exhaust, where the right axle comes out.
3. Remove the fill plug first. Always loosen the fill plug before draining, so you know you can refill.
4. Drain the oil. Remove the drain plug if fitted, or suck the oil out through the fill hole. Note its colour and smell.
5. Refill. Pump in the correct Motorcraft fluid until it reaches the bottom of the fill hole.
6. Refit the plugs. Refit the plugs with new washers or sealant and tighten to spec.
7. Check the seals and vent. Look for leaks at the PTU-to-transmission seal and the axle seal, and make sure the vent tube is clear.
8. Recheck. Drive a short distance and check for leaks. Repeat the change soon if the oil was black and burnt.

When to Stop and Bring It In

• Metal chunks or a very burnt smell in the old oil: the PTU may be failing.
• The leak is red transmission fluid, not gear oil: a different seal is leaking.
• Grinding or no drive: stop driving.
• Seal replacement needs the axle removed.

Not sure, or out of time? Radman Auto Repair in Etobicoke does this repair every week. Book online or call (416) 742-4521.

Also Known As

Searched as “Ford PTU fluid change”, “Explorer PTU failure”, “Edge PTU leak”, “Ford transfer case fluid”, “Explorer burning smell”, and “Ford AWD power transfer unit”.

Frequently Asked Questions

See also Ford Repair & Service, Transmission Fluid Service, Front End Noise Diagnosis, Multi-Point Inspection.

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