I just found out there is no dip stick/fill tube for my 07 Expy. Anybody got any ideas on how to refill after service without using a flush machine. I also can't find any spec sheet on how much to refill or how to tell when it's full.

 

There should be a 2 sensors on the top of the trans and have an 8mm bolt holding them in. I usually take one of those out and use a pump to get the oil in that way. It takes some time but is less messy that filling it through the bottom standpipe like Ford wants you to do. Are you dropping the pan or just draining it from the plug at the bottom of the trans? If you are just draining it from the plug then that should leave you with approximately 4 quarts left in the pan and about 4 in the torque converter., so 5 quarts should fill you from there. I guess's may be wrong and if I am someone else pipe up please.

 

Well I have to admit when I went to service the wife's Expy I never dreamed it would have been so interesting. So, for you guys and gals who want to do your own servicing here goes the facts:

Ford's recommended service interval for the 2007 Expedition with the 6R six speed with two overdrive grears is 100,000 miles, extreme service interval is 60,000 miles. With that said the owner's manual is no help warning that there is a different than typical service procedure. Ford's intent it NOT to drop the pan, change the filter, yes there is a filter, and clean the debris magnet and pan. The accpeted service procedure according to my local Ford tranny guy is to use a heated back flush to service/replace the fluid. Being the typical old school wrench I found this out the hard way by dropping the pan, cleaning the magent, replacing the filter ($24.00 with a two day wait at local dealer), and reinstalling the pan after cleaning it up. Image my surprise when I could not find the filler tube/dip stick. However, you can service this tranny yourself. There is nut on the passenger (right side) of the transmission where the fill tube typically is found. When you remove this 1" tall nut it has a yellow plastic dipstick inside that comes out of the metal nut. It clearly states to remove the dipstick from the nut. Because it is almost impossible to check it with it in due to the catalytic converter proximty. Ford spec's show capacity of transmission is 11.1 qts. I used 9.3 qts. of Mobile 1 synthentic transmission fluid @ $7.50 a qt. to refill bring the level back to hot full in park on the dip stick. I put in the fluid using a pump that fits a one gallon container which the Mobile 1 bottle caps matched. I put in 5 qts before starting to check after each subsequent quart until I used 9.3 qts. I'm giving you fair warning there is not much room between the catalytic convetor and transmission housing to get the dip stick or fill tube in (be careful to keep the plastic tubing off the Catalytic convertor). Based on the dry specification I left about 3/4 qt. in the transmission cooler/torque convertor/valve body. In my case I used this truck for 80% highway use, 5% towing up to the 9K limit, and the remainder in town driving. I had very little debris on the magnent, pan, and in the filter. But, I feel better knowing I have cleaned it all up, and replaced the filter. Is it a pain YES, is it worth it, that you will have to decide, but you can service your own 07 Expy. I would have taken pic's but I can't post them yet, but with this information you should be able to get through it IF you want to diy.

 

Thanks For the advice. I am planning on tackling this, this coming Saturday. What type of Mobil 1 did you use and have you experienced any problems?
Dan

 

synthetic...shop around for best price.

 

That's the wrong fluid for this transmission!

The 6R transmission requires MERCON SP or MERCON LV fluid. That fluid is rated for MERCON and MERCON V, not MERCON SP or MERCON LV. Mobil 1 Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
The wrong fluid can damage the transmission. I recommend changing the fluid to the right stuff.

 

What synthetic fluid would you consider the right stuff. Please advise. Also dturnersr have you experienced any problems?

 

Either MERCON SP or MERCON LV. Anything else can damage the transmission.

 

Mark,
Thank you for preventing me from doing damage to my transmission. That is the last thing I need to happen. I have also read on this forum where you have discussed Ford dealers now using Valvoline max life instead of mercon lv. That was back in 09, and at the time you were very much against the idea. Where do you stand now on this? The only reason I ask is that the valvoline is more readily available.
Thanks for the advise,
Dan

 

Valvoline MaxLife ATF does have MERCON SP and MERCON LV ratings. It should be fine, but I am a bit suspicious that it also have a MERCON and MERCON V rating.