As a novice mechanic and professional idiot I accidentally drained my transmission fluid while meaning to drain my oil for a simple oil change.

I added more transmission fluid though the dipstick hole, but I still get minor "slippage" in my transmission. Especially when putting the gear in reverse.

Also, the oddest thing is an electrical crackling noise from the transmission drain pan after the truck is shut off.

Should I just add more fluids or bring it in and get the transmission fluid and filters done professionally?

Any thought would help greatly.

 

Welcome to the forum. I'm by no means an expert, but my first question would be what kind of fluid did you put in it?
Also, tell us what year, model, engine, etc. Somebody will be along to help you.

 

1. Year, model, engine, trans.

2. What type of ATF did you use?

3. Did you drain out until it stopped, or put the plug back in when you realized the mistake?

4. How many quarts of new did you put in?

 

I have a 02 f250 7.3 lt diesel.

I drained approximately 3 to 4 qt out.

I have only replaced about 2 qt., but the dip stick reads full. Not sure how long it takes to settle when warm or cold.

 

Automatic transmissions should be checked when warm and running. Cycle through all gears and reverse, then put it in park and check with the engine running. On my '03 automatic it reads at the top of the hot range when cold and not running, so that's not an accurate way to check it.

 

Cartmanea

If your level reads high on the hot side when cold, then what is an accurate way to tell the actual levels.

 

Also, does anyone have a clue about the noise from the transmission pan?

 

Reading with the vehicle off is not consistent though, different vehicles will drain back to the pan different amounts. The proper way of checking is engine running and warm in park. Check the level the correct way, the sound you're hearing could be due to the fluid being low.

 

Thanks cartmanea.

 

So what kind of fluid did you put in?

 

The type of ATF i used was DEX III/M

 

Supposed to be Mercon V isn't it?

 

My book says use mercon ATF for 4 speed and mercon sp for 5 speed. Not sure what I have. Probably 5 speed. Guys at advanced auto told me that other fluid was fine. Did I screw up again?

 

Is your book for an '02? If you have the 4-speed automatic (the only automatic) I'm pretty sure its Mercon V. If you have a manual it's different. Don't listed to the idiots at the auto parts store, most don't know their @$$ from a hole in the ground.

 

Should of guessed they were wrong. Also am changing my power steering pump and realized it needs mercon trans fluid. Looks like they just gave me generic (clear colored) steering fluid. Glad I caught that.

Should I drain the DEX III and refill with mercon?