I dropped the pan on my 05 F150 5.4 to change the transmission fluid. I found a plastic object that is shaped sort of like a top (a spinning top). The bottom is about 3/4" dia and has a "handle" 1" long. It has an o-ring on the bulbous portion. Any ideas as to what it is and do I need it? I looked for a place it would fit; there doesn't seem to be a hole that it would plug. It doesn't have any holes through it. I tried to see if it would fit in the bottom of the dipstick hole; however, it is too big.

 

I believe you are looking at a factory plug used during assembly of the transmission. This is a normal piece and can be discarded.

 

I thought it was I just didn't want to do any thing stupid.

 

It just proves that the pan has never been off before

 

Good point I hadn't thought of it like that. I has 53000 miles. I just bought it a month ago. I didn't know if the transmission had been serviced or not.

 

DC: Does yours have the re-usable pan gasket if so how is it to work with.?? How many quarts did you get out doing just the pan??

 

I'm embarrassed to say it but I was low on fluid. It didn't reach the dip stick. I only got about 3.5 qts. out. I put 6 qts. which seemed to be just right. Yes there is a reusable gasket. It's a piece of cake. I went to Napa for the filter; $16ish "on sale". However, it wasn't the right one. I went to advanced (after my pan was dropped), they originally tried to give me the wrong one again $28 (similar to the napa one). When I called them on it, they said they couldn't get one for that model. So I went to Ford $33. Of coarse it worked.

 

I say I'm embarrassed to say I was low on fluid; however, I just got this truck.

 

found the same plug in my transmission when i changed fluid, just something they left in on the assembly line, my transmission was also low on fluid to guess there wasnt enough put in at the factory

 

Just an FYI Ford specs the 5.4 transmission fluid as lifetime. No change needed. So if you were down then you may have other problems to look for.

ENHANCED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS

Matched to the new 5.4-liter V-8 is a new 4R75E automatic transmission, an evolution of the 4R70E used on the current F-150. Upgraded to handle the torque of the 5.4-liter engine, this transmission shares patented upgrades with the 4R70E, which backs the 4.6-liter V-8:

• A redesigned torque converter improves launch performance and increases efficiency.
• A turbine speed sensor improves transmission control, providing the basis for fully electronic shift scheduling to limit "hunting" and to fine-tune shift speed and feel.
• Increased microprocessor speed improves responsiveness and precision of the control system.
• "Smart" fully electronic shift scheduling knows what the torque will be in the next gear so it chooses the shift points based on the vehicle's projected performance in the next gear.
• Coupled with the electronic throttle strategy, the transmission computes the output torque required to maintain the vehicle speed, and chooses the correct gear and converter state accordingly.
• A sealed case and lifetime transmission fluid make the transmission maintenance free, while adaptive pressure control maintains consistent shift feel over time.

By predicting the performance of the truck in the next gear, the computer-controlled transmissions provide a more sophisticated solution to heavy demands than a simple shift delay switch, such as the one-size-fits-all "towing mode" some competitors use

 

Anyone have transmission failure on their 05-06 powered by the 5.4?

 

I think my truck has a 4R70W transmission. That notion of life time fluid sounds like a bunch of BS to me. Of coarse that is just my opinion. If I'm not mistaken the service maintence schedule calls for transmission service every 30k miles. It is true that I read in the manual that the rear end is supposed to be maintenance free in most cases.

 

If it rolls turns or slides It's gonna wear out. Everything needs mantainance.

 

I agree no fluid is a lifetime they all get dirty and metal shavings from normal wear and tear

 

Even though there is no call for tranny fluid change, I plan on having mine changed at 30,000. I do tow and carry some weight in the bed at times. As other have stated, no fluid lasts forever. Having it changed is good maintenance practices.