Transmission Horror Story (replacement/factory underfilled?)

[Dgc333]

There’s no fluid below because I grabbed the bottom of the stick with the towel before readjusting to take the photo. No fluid drag. And you cycle the tranny for a cold check? Good to know.

Not sure if it is absolutely necessary but it is good practice.to cycle the tranny through the gears.
FWIW, the majority of automatic transmissions I have had over the years required the transmission to be in drive in order to get an accurate level check.

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[SteelWheelDeplorable]

Just took my truck to the dealer for routine oil change and asked if they would check my Trans fluid level. After some waiting I was told that they can't check the level in the QuickLane service line. I would have to make a special appointment with a Transmission Tech to check the level and he is booked two weeks out. So let me get this straight, not only can an owner not check the level, now no Ford tech can check the level unless they are a "Transmission Tech". Who was the idiot that Ok'ed this design? (Personal Rant) I was so angry I told them to forget the whole service. Now I'm going to have to spend the +$200 for the Dipstick kit.

Good lord I guess I'm in for some fun when I take my Ranger in for a Customer Pay trans flush. The "transmission tech" part sounds about right, it's a crap industry to be a technician period. The standards have fallen so low if your breathing your hired... So they probably have to pay someone a lot more to stick around (high turnover rate). I've been in the auto industry my entire life thankfully out of the dealership side of things now, but those places are truly falling apart. My biggest worry if a tech under or overfills my 10R80 and it blows and I'm modified, (Snorkel, 33's, MBRP cat back) how do I get a new trans? You know they will fight it, it's sad we are to the point where I worry my preventative maintenance could be a suicide.

 

[NotBudule]

I'm about to take mine in for first dealer visit , not even sure I should tell/ask about some pretty harsh downshifts and or slip yoke ...maybe I'll have them check the fluid . . . When they get it up in the air, I'll nose my way over to get their biscuit order as I'm going for breakfast (biscuits are the same as currency here in WV ) they ALWAYS get pretty friendly after that , then after some bragging on the truck I'll start with the questions and the Ole "what if it was your truck" and just feel them out on it , not the stupid service guy, the greasy guy who is actually working on it after eating a biscuit ...

 

[WolfgangVTS]

I'm about to take mine in for first dealer visit , not even sure I should tell/ask about some pretty harsh downshifts and or slip yoke ...maybe I'll have them check the fluid . . . When they get it up in the air, I'll nose my way over to get their biscuit order as I'm going for breakfast (biscuits are the same as currency here in WV ) they ALWAYS get pretty friendly after that , then after some bragging on the truck I'll start with the questions and the Ole "what if it was your truck" and just feel them out on it , not the stupid service guy, the greasy guy who is actually working on it after eating a biscuit ...

It’s amazing what biscuits can do, or get done.

 

[NotBudule]

It’s amazing what biscuits can do, or get done.

Especially here in WV , we have a whole world dedicated to the flour arts...

 

[WolfgangVTS]

Especially here in WV , we have a whole world dedicated to the flour arts...

I am actually from WV, but reside in TN. Biscuit currency is one of the things I am happy to say that both states have in common.

Next time I’m up around Morgantown I’ll have to give that place a try. Thanks.

 

[Jason B]

In the history of auto transmissions, has a failure ever occurred because it was 1 quart low, or 1/2 high? In a trans that hold a total of 13 quarts, I don't see a difference of 5% making a difference. It's all in your head. This transmission has been in use long before our 5G Rangers, even in GM cars.
People that worry about small things, are probably the type to get a semi-annual prostate and colonoscopy, beginning at the age of 20.
Anyway, here's good info on the 10R80.

10R80 Trans

 

[myothercarizahearse]

Especially here in WV , we have a whole world dedicated to the flour arts...

MMMM nasty chicken biscuit sounds good to me. I might do anything for that.... anything except love my damper

 

[Augie81]

Especially here in WV , we have a whole world dedicated to the flour arts...

WV pepperoni rolls are great. I'd prefer those over a biscuit.

 

[TJC]

As a result of this thread and others, I have ordered and received the PPE Aluminum transmission deep pan and the B&M transmission dip stick. Having looked over the dip stick, I believe that it is possible to fill the transmission through it. It is not as large in diameter as a standard dip stick housing, but it is big enough to do the job. I have a small aluminum funnel that I use for my vacuum pump oil changes that fits nicely. It may be slower than filling the 2005 ranger, but it beats filling with a pump from underneath the truck, even when using my 2 post lift.

It was a big expense, but I keep my vehicles for the long haul, and it is worth it to me.

I have also recently rebuilt my 2005 Ranger, installing Jasper 4L V6 and the auto transmission, as well as AC compressor, shocks, brakes, and suspension parts.

I ordered and received an automatic trannie steel pan with drain plug for the 2005 as well. I hated changing the trannie fluid in it due to it raining all over my garage when dropping the pan. I think that this lead to a shortened life for the unit.

I will be changing fluids in both every 30K miles from here on out. Oil is cheap... automatic transmissions are not. The 2005 Ranger pan is high quality and was only $35 new! I spent 5x that amount for the B&M dipstick! (it should be gold plated for that price, but they appear to be the only game in town) It is well made, as is the PPE pan.

Almost 13K miles on the 2020 Ranger, and 5K miles since the 2005 was restored. I like and regularly drive them both.

With any luck these 2 trucks should last me until I exit this world. Most of us have about 1000 months to enjoy this ride of life. I am approaching the 80% mark. I am going to enjoy riding in both of these nice trucks for as long as possible. I installed AMP Powersteps to the 2020 Ranger and it is now easier to enter than the 2005! I'd add them to the 2005 if AMP made them for it.

Cheers, T

 

[NOVA_Ranger]

My truck is having the same issues mentioned by the OP and it will be heading to the shop soon. Hangs on shifts, shifts hard, and slips when cold. First issue after 53k miles.

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