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Fitzstick Dipstick Problem

Rp930

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Another something I don’t need.
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TJC

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Went to do a 6 quart trans fluid swap this morning via the Fitzstick tube. Pulled dipstick out, wiped and reinserted it to get a fluid level check.....dipstick only went in part way, as if the tip was catching on something. Tried re-orienting it with same result. Tried my old/first edition dipstick with same result.
Tube from the electric pump will also not bottom out...feels like it hanging up.
The engine/trans is cold. This is the first time this has happened as I check fluid at least every other week.
Any of you had this happen ? Seems like something is blocking the dipstick and pump hose.
Maybe run engine and shift thru trans gears ???????
Not panicking as trans is still full.......
I changed my fluid last night. While i was at it I did a little experiment. I inserted the dipstick with the lettering upside down, and my dipstick stuck at the same place as yours. I turned it over and tried again, and it went it effortlessly. It was definable/repeatable.

I am anal enough to insert it with the letters up each time check the fluid and I have never had the problem.

I am choosing to believe that this is a design choice made by Fitz to insure the lettering is correctly positioned. :LOL:

It is certainly NOT a problem.

That dipstick has made transmission fluid changes quick, accurate, and simple.

Thanks again Fitz!
 
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Grumpaw

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For some reason, yesterday was the first time the stick ever hung up, and I check the fluid at least every 2 weeks. But, I have a very early production model, and Mike thinks it was hanging up on the hose end fitting. And, I did try inverting the stick several times, still hung up.
Per his tip, I just bent the very tip, maybe 1/3 on an inch, to more of an angle, and that got rid of the problem.
His Stick is one of the best purchases you can make for your Ranger.
 


NotBudule2

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Actually, it's not Ford's problem, it's ours. If the former were the case they would have fixed the problems by now instead of continuing to sell a defective product.
I meant Ford will be paying for it , on mine till 2031 at least, and it seams to me that they didn't really want me to mess with it anyway, fluid and filter is good for 150000 miles (20 years for me ) and they didn't give me a way to see if it's low or not, so if it is, it's on them, they can't say I ran it on low on fluid or I should have seen it was dirty and had the filter changed... imho...
 

Fitzmotor

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I missed this topic, but I got Grumpaw sorted out in a message, the tip can sometimes catch the inside of the hose fitting on the very first dipsticks.

It's weird, on the first dipsticks, sometimes out of the blue it would hang up, then be fine, especially if you put it in slowly.

This is the first time a tip had to be adjusted, it's pretty simple, a small tip adjustment helps it past the fitting and makes it smoother going in.

The lower fitting now has a larger ID and the reshaping and curve on the tip was the countermeasure for this.

Uh, I can see the jokes now about "hanging up when you stick it in slow" :LOL:
 
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Grumpaw

Grumpaw

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I missed this topic, but I got Grumpaw sorted out in a message, the tip can sometimes catch the inside of the hose fitting on the very first dipsticks.

It's weird, on the first dipsticks, sometimes out of the blue it would hang up, then be fine, especially if you put it in slowly.

This is the first time a tip had to be adjusted, it's pretty simple, a small tip adjustment helps it past the fitting and makes it smoother going in.

The lower fitting now has a larger ID and the reshaping and curve on the tip was the countermeasure for this.

Uh, I can see the jokes now about "hanging up when you stick it in slow" :LOL:
Maybe if I had left a bit of lube on the stick before sliding it into the tube..........:blush:
 

5thranger

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I missed this topic, but I got Grumpaw sorted out in a message, the tip can sometimes catch the inside of the hose fitting on the very first dipsticks.

It's weird, on the first dipsticks, sometimes out of the blue it would hang up, then be fine, especially if you put it in slowly.

This is the first time a tip had to be adjusted, it's pretty simple, a small tip adjustment helps it past the fitting and makes it smoother going in.

The lower fitting now has a larger ID and the reshaping and curve on the tip was the countermeasure for this.

Uh, I can see the jokes now about "hanging up when you stick it in slow" :LOL:
Well, you beat me to it
 

Msfitoy

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I posted my experience at my build thread...no sticking going in but getting the extraction tube in/out was bit vague...it kept catching on some sharp edge and resist being pull out...next time I go for filter change, I'm going to disassemble the dip stick fittings and smooth out what ever is catching the tube...
 
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subquark

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I'm guessing it is catching on the fitting into the trans. My early dipstick would catch all the time, but the new one Mike sent goes in smooth now. I'd just gently try and insert it a few times and I'm sure it will go in.
Good advice for many situations ... =p
 

NotBudule2

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I AM NOT downing this product, I wish Ford had used it, I would have been MUCH HAPPIER (and have an unbanned dad ) if I could have been trusted to keep an eye on things, like I always have ... early on I was interested in one but now I fear to even touch the damn thing as they may use it to void my warranty, or at least delay it...
 

ctechbob

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Exactly what I'm doing...got one of those Amazon 12 volt pumps and have 2 gallon jugs marked with quart measurements....going to drain 3 quarts into each.
Yep this works great!

Until you have a hose pop out of the jug and spray hot fluid all over you, the truck, inside the truck because the windows are down, and all over your TL Type-S sitting next to the truck.

Not that I would know anything about that.

Ohh, and those pumps will pump a LOT of thin fluid when you're using an 18V tool battery as well.
 
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Friday yet?

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So Korea back in the 80s when we were in our 20s? Different issue you're saying...? o_O
I was there! 84-85.
:LOL: :surprised: :facepalm:

Hey! Did I tell you about the time.... oh, ah, ummm nevermind.


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