Transmission fluid level

[jtzako]

I'm doing some checks on my new 2023 Ranger and wanted to make sure the transmission fluid is correct. It is on the diamond 2nd from the bottom. (between 5 and 6). This is with the engine running and up to temperature and on a fairly level surface.

Isnt that a bit low? If so, is there a specific fluid I need to add? (not remotely close to a dealership or I'd go there). I see it is 'Mercon ULV' but nobody around here seems to sell that. Not sure if there is an equivalent that works.

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[Big Blue]

With all the issues showing up lately, I would not put anything but the correct Motorcraft Mercon ULV in it. Mixing fluids is never a good idea.

I'm planning on doing the dipstick and deep pan install on mine and I am ordering the correct fluid and filter kit.

 

[JasonTremor]

I'm doing some checks on my new 2023 Ranger and wanted to make sure the transmission fluid is correct. It is on the diamond 2nd from the bottom. (between 5 and 6). This is with the engine running and up to temperature and on a fairly level surface.

Isnt that a bit low? If so, is there a specific fluid I need to add? (not remotely close to a dealership or I'd go there). I see it is 'Mercon ULV' but nobody around here seems to sell that. Not sure if there is an equivalent that works.

This post had a copy of what the level it should be from the ranger service manual. Between 4 and 5 is the indicated hot fill level while running.


https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/transmission-fluid-fill.14372/post-286748

 

[Msfitoy]

 

[9zero1790]

ULV is very hard to find in my area too. I had to go to several places. Valveoline is the only brand i could find.
Unavailable from Local Vendor

 

[Langwilliams]

Autozone here has it but it's $13 a quart. I haven't priced it at the dealership

 

[BS67]

Autozone here has it but it's $13 a quart. I haven't priced it at the dealership

The quart of ULV I got at the dealership to top off my tranny was about $8 incl/tax.

 

[JasonTremor]

I paid $5.95 plus tax at my local Ford dealer for a quart of the ULV. Cheaper than I could get it anywhere else.

 

[TOMDEE]

I'm doing some checks on my new 2023 Ranger and wanted to make sure the transmission fluid is correct. It is on the diamond 2nd from the bottom. (between 5 and 6). This is with the engine running and up to temperature and on a fairly level surface.

Isnt that a bit low? If so, is there a specific fluid I need to add? (not remotely close to a dealership or I'd go there). I see it is 'Mercon ULV' but nobody around here seems to sell that. Not sure if there is an equivalent that works.

FORD REALLY MESSED UP WITH THE PLACEMENT OF THAT MINI DIPSTICK. THINK OF ALL THE ROAD DIRT AND CRAP THAT'S GOING TO ACCUMULATE AROUND THAT AREA AND FOR THE UNCAREFUL PERSON WHO CHECKS WITHOUT PRESSURE WASHING THAT AREA FIRST, IT WOULD BE SO EASY TO REPLACE THAT DIPSTICK A PUT A BUNCH OF ROAD GRAVEL IN WITH IT. PROBABLY WHAT FORD IS HOPING WILL HAPPEN. OH, YOU NEED A NEW TRANNY CAUSE YOU GOT DIRT IN IT WHEN YOU CHECKED THE FLUID

 

[TOMDEE]

With all the issues showing up lately, I would not put anything but the correct Motorcraft Mercon ULV in it. Mixing fluids is never a good idea.

I'm planning on doing the dipstick and deep pan install on mine and I am ordering the correct fluid and filter kit.

ARE YOU SAYING THAT THERE'S A KIT TO EXTEND TO DIPSTICK?

 

[jtzako]

ARE YOU SAYING THAT THERE'S A KIT TO EXTEND TO DIPSTICK?

B&M makes a dipstick that goes up into the engine bay for the 10r80 transmission. Would make checking/filling easier.

Its odd they didnt do that on the 4x4 versions at least. When offroading (or heavy towing) your fluid will be stressed more and you need to be able to check it since it will likely need to be replaced earlier than 'normal' usage.

 

[Big Blue]

ARE YOU SAYING THAT THERE'S A KIT TO EXTEND TO DIPSTICK?

There is a flexable dipstick for the 10R80 you can buy. There are also many kits you can find that include a filter, pan gasket and 6 or 7 quarts of ULV. There PPE makes a aluminum high capacity pan for the 10R80. You have to figure out how to mount the upper end of the flexable dipstick and add the markings to the lower end. Many posts about this in the MANY transmission threads.

I plan on doing this because I tow and want my currently well functioning transmission to stay that way.

 

[Msfitoy]

ULV is very hard to find in my area too. I had to go to several places. Valveoline is the only brand i could find.
Unavailable from Local Vendor

Rockauto...the best prices and fast shipping...

 

[Jason B]

 

[9zero1790]

the lack of a real dipstick was on purpose. they dont want us checking or servicing our own cars and trucks. we are supposed to be slaves to the dealer.

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