Transmission fluid level check

[Jmckinley]

Does anyone here know if the engine should be running while checking transmission fluid? Shop manual is unclear. It says start engine, warm up the transmission, then check the dipstick. Doesn’t mention shutting off the engine.

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[Jmckinley]

yes.

I know they dont say to keep it running, but they also dont say to shut it off either.

That’s the way I read it. That’s good, it will keep the cat hotter so will make playing with the dipstick more exciting.

 

[Jmckinley]

By the way, I’m pretty sure mine is at least 2 qts low. Other Ranger, F150 and Mustang owners have reported low ATF as delivered. I wonder if that explains some total transmission failures on trucks being flat towed behind motor homes?

 

[Muscleford]

Where is the transmission dip stick?

 

[Big Blue]

Where is the transmission dip stick?

Down under the truck on the side of the transmission. Very close to the exhaust. So checking it hot is an adventure. Ford did not intend for the transmission to be an owner serviceable item. Basically a sealed unit with a 150K change interval.

 

[Chris M]

 

[Jmckinley]

Except, they forgot to fill some of them properly. It only holds 6 qts so 2 qts low is a big deal.

 

[landiscarrier]

Except, they forgot to fill some of them properly. It only holds 6 qts so 2 qts low is a big deal.

Pretty sure they hold 12.38 quarts.

 

[Dahveed]

Gloves, long sleeves, and a flex head ratchet make checking the transmission fluid a breeze.

 

[Jmckinley]

Pretty sure they hold 12.38 quarts.

I stand corrected. But, 2 quarts short out of 12 is still a big deal IMHO.

 

[Utope]

I think you would also want to cycle the shifter through reverse and drive to fill the channels. Then put it back into park and check with the engine running.

 

[outdoorphotog]

Welding gloves worked for me - make sure it’s also ACTUALLY at the correct temp. It’s hard to get above 207F for me unless I try to get there

 

[Langwilliams]

I read somewhere on here to crack it loose while cold then snug it. drive it around to get it up to temp then check it.

 

[outdoorphotog]

I read somewhere on here to crack it loose while cold then snug it. drive it around to get it up to temp then check it.

Yes, definitely do this.

 

[ctechbob]

I subscribe to the method that FordTechMakuloco uses.

Check the fluid cold with the engine running and make sure it is at the very low end of acceptable (Between 4 and 5 IIRC). When it warms up, it will be where it is supposed to be.

That or spend $200 on the B&M dipstick.

https://www.youtube.com/c/FordTechMakuloco

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