Remote Transmission Dip Stick Aftermarket Support?

[TJC]

Ford isn't happy about anything that does not have FORD stamped on it. It doesn't matter if it is a real upgrade or an improvement, it's not "Bona-Fide". The Ford tech may love it, but he is going to question the accuracy.

That PPE pan is far superior to the plastic pan Ford produced, and Ford knows it.

You can change your engine oil, but you can't change your transmission fluid or pan... that's a bridge too far, and Ford will not honor their warranty if you do.

I've held off installing my PPE deep pan for far too long. I'm just going to do it, and when (not if) my transmission fails, Ford and I will just have to sort things out. But I am going to demand that they prove that I caused the failure by changing the fluid on a regular basis (the same as I have done in all my previous autos for years now).

Forgive me my outburst, but I find Ford Service to be poor and overpriced.

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[Big Blue]

They disconnect the transmission lines and flush out the fluid, then refill, the pan does not come off.

This is interesting, because in the case of our Rangers it means removing the transmission cooler, AKA heat exchanger. There are no external fluid lines, it mounts directly to the side of the transmission. The term backflushing is also a scary thing, at least to me. Sounds like your are pushing fluid in the reverse direction through areas that were not designed to have fluid go that direction. Possibly pushing contaminants into areas it is not suppose to go. That and not changing the filter sounds like a really bad idea, as most filters are not designed to take the pressure in the reverse direction.

 

[Fitzmotor]

I'm late in responding to this, but I can't let it go

Wait a minute. Instructions. Who reads instructions, just look at the pictures. ? As said before excelent job

Ouch, (and thanks) the new instructions are even longer now, 7 pages, it's a bunch of super specific, overly detailed instructions, with 13 pics.

I'm normally the guy who only reads the instructions when something doesn't work, but in the case with the dipstick, if you want it to be a correct fit and be accurate... follow the instructions!!

But hey, the dipstick is a snug, precise fit, it has to be, so I tried to make instructions that were really helpful and that any skill level installer can understand?

 

[got3fords]

I'm normally the guy who only reads the instructions when something doesn't work, but in the case with the dipstick, if you want it to be a correct fit and be accurate... follow the instructions!!

Totally agree! At first I wasn't sure if I had it on the right side of the small wire leading to a connector. Then when I took the adjustable wrench to that bracket like the instructions point out, everything was freed up perfectly.

 

[dtech]

This is interesting, because in the case of our Rangers it means removing the transmission cooler, AKA heat exchanger. There are no external fluid lines, it mounts directly to the side of the transmission. The term backflushing is also a scary thing, at least to me. Sounds like your are pushing fluid in the reverse direction through areas that were not designed to have fluid go that direction. Possibly pushing contaminants into areas it is not suppose to go. That and not changing the filter sounds like a really bad idea, as most filters are not designed to take the pressure in the reverse direction.

I believe the term "backflushing" is misleading . I've used the tranny heat exchange lines for decades on cars to replace old fluid without experiencing any issues. To be absolutely safe if it's fluid that is high mileage some shops will advise to drop the pan and replace the filter prior to performing the flush to lessen the risk of dislodging particles from the filter, but that's when flushing gets expensive owing to the extra fluid involved. Link to an article pros/cons of flushing

https://blog.amsoil.com/transmissio...or one, it's&text=The flushing procedure may

 

[TJC]

In a perfect world I agree that the flush method is best. But we don't live in a perfect world.

It only takes 1 mistake to destroy an automatic transmission. Incorrect fluid, dirty/contaminated/poorly maintained flush machine, or a lazy or poorly trained mechanic.

I have heard too many horror stories concerning transmission flush disasters.

I have a couple of mechanically inclined friends that have kept old GM iron (mid 80's) running for 300K miles with perfect transmission performance by simply changing the filter and fluid every 50K miles. One of those fellows has a Rav4 with 350K miles on it, and hasn't even had the first thought about replacing it.

The one thing I hate most about getting older is allowing a mechanic to maintain my vehicles. It is difficult to find high quality mechanics that you can trust. They are out there, but they are rare. When you find one, support them.... your vehicle and wallet will thank you!

I am still turning wrenches, but it does get a little harder each year. It takes a brighter drop light, and my near vision is not what it used to be. I tell you, I need bifocals with the reading part at the top of the lens instead of at the bottom. It would sure make looking up from under a lift in tight quarters easier! The last time I visited my optometrist they told me they actually make them for mechanics, so I may invest in a pair!

 

[HeatXfer]

The last time I visited my optometrist they told me they actually make them for mechanics, so I may invest in a pair!

Yep, "Double-Ds" or 'dual readers'. I've been looking at those lately.

 

[TJC]

Is that what they are called? Double Ds or Dual Readers. I think I'm going to have a pair made!

Thanks!

Update:
Just did a quick search and found this image... just what I need

 

[fjwlobo]

Yep, "Double-Ds" or 'dual readers'. I've been looking at those lately.

I bet you've been watching the DOUBLE-Ds
?? ??

Remember, this forum is family friendly
????????

 

[Fitzmotor]

The flush that used to worry me was the backflushing of engines, I have seen it work miracles on sludged up engines for bringing oil pressure back up, but the thought of pumping hot solvent backwards, it just has to send debris throughout the engine.

It's good to know that I'm not the only one who's vision has gone south, I just have a pair of +2 and +3 cheap non bifocal glasses for up close, like under a dash.

And I'm with you on the wrenching thing, I think I have to put a clutch in the Mustang soon, it's like damn, that kind of work used to be no problem, now the old wore out skeleton just complains, especially the back, but the knees, shoulders grumble as well.

So, how do they connect up for flushing?

 

[TJC]

Try supplementing with Boron. Seems there is none present in the US soil. And the latest studies have found countries whose soil is rich in Boron have no height shrinkage as the population ages. Additionally, arthritis, joint pain, nor osteoporosis are present in their populations. Turkey has the most Boron and the average person consumes up to 160mg / day from the fruits and veggies growing in their soil.

Both my wife and I have just begun taking it daily and my Doctor is now starting a study on the subject.

 

[Cabose-1]

couldnt you just zip tie a piece of rubber on the a/c line instead of bending it like that in the video?

You can loosen the bolts on the line and move the brackets as well. Easy to do, and good way to ensure the ac lines are not stressed by unnecessary contact.

 

[vaoverlandranger]

I would like to be added to the list as well!

thanks!

 

[got3fords]

I finally got around to checking the tranny fluid level after installing the MSB dipstick. Looks to be a little low, below the 5 mark, like 5 1/2 or 6. I figured this would be a good time to add a bottle of Lubeguard Platinum my local NAPA had in stock. Added it when I got home, probably won't drive it all weekend.
Begs a couple of questions.
From 6 to the recommended level of between 4 and 5, how much low is that?
Also, how many tranny failures can be attributed to improper fluid levels because it is such a pain in the ass with the stock 'stubby' dipstick?

 

[Stevedbvik1]

I finally got around to checking the tranny fluid level after installing the MSB dipstick. Looks to be a little low, below the 5 mark, like 5 1/2 or 6. I figured this would be a good time to add a bottle of Lubeguard Platinum my local NAPA had in stock. Added it when I got home, probably won't drive it all weekend.
Begs a couple of questions.
From 6 to the recommended level of between 4 and 5, how much low is that?
Also, how many tranny failures can be attributed to improper fluid levels because it is such a pain in the ass with the stock 'stubby' dipstick?

What was the trans temp when you checked the level?

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