Transmission filter
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1,016
From: Central KY
There is a dipstick, but it's not the traditional type. It's about 6" long and it's mounted to the front of the transmission on the passenger side just above where the pan bolts up. There is a steel cap that covers it and you'll need a 3/4" wrench to break it free. Be cautious because these transmissions build up pressure and when you first break the cap free you may hear the air pressure release.
Under that cap is the plastic dipstick that's maybe 4-6" long. When the engine is running you have to check the fluid level using that dipstick. It is very difficult to do because the catalytic converter is immediately adjacent to it (on the 5.0L V8...EcoBoost might be different).
The process of removing the pan and changing the filter was simple. However, after reinstalling the pan I developed a leak at the rear of the pan. I'm fairly mechanically inclined and followed the procedure well but still had a leak. If you drop the pan, I'd recommend cleaning the pan and gasket with brake cleaner well, then wipe the mating surface of the trans. case down until it's totally dry for the gasket to fit against, then carefully line it all up and bolt the pan back up. Use a criss-cross pattern to tighten the bolts slowly and don't over-tighten them.
I found the Mercon LV fluid on Amazon for $68 per 12-pack. That's a great deal.
Under that cap is the plastic dipstick that's maybe 4-6" long. When the engine is running you have to check the fluid level using that dipstick. It is very difficult to do because the catalytic converter is immediately adjacent to it (on the 5.0L V8...EcoBoost might be different).
The process of removing the pan and changing the filter was simple. However, after reinstalling the pan I developed a leak at the rear of the pan. I'm fairly mechanically inclined and followed the procedure well but still had a leak. If you drop the pan, I'd recommend cleaning the pan and gasket with brake cleaner well, then wipe the mating surface of the trans. case down until it's totally dry for the gasket to fit against, then carefully line it all up and bolt the pan back up. Use a criss-cross pattern to tighten the bolts slowly and don't over-tighten them.
I found the Mercon LV fluid on Amazon for $68 per 12-pack. That's a great deal.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 116
From: St James, Missouri
I was under the understanding, it does not need to be changed because there is no pleated material inside it (Kinda like a bug screen) 
Both local dealer's advised me, the best option was to do a "hot flush" because it will flush any large debris that's on that screen, but most importantly replaces ALL the Fluid, whereas when you drop the pan your not even replacing half of it.
Both local dealer's advised me, the best option was to do a "hot flush" because it will flush any large debris that's on that screen, but most importantly replaces ALL the Fluid, whereas when you drop the pan your not even replacing half of it.
People could argue all day about flush vs pan drop transmission services and bring up valid points for both sides of the argument. Last dealership I was at we would perform the fluid transfer then drop the pan and change the filter. I felt like that was the best overall option though not as quick. Shops like to just do the flush or fluid transfer because the tech can work on something else at the same time if they have two bays.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 4
From: Denver, NC
I bought a heat resistant glove from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This was a must have item! Even with the engine running, the catalytic converter didn't burn me as I was putting the dipstick in/out to check the fluid!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This was a must have item! Even with the engine running, the catalytic converter didn't burn me as I was putting the dipstick in/out to check the fluid!
Answer...Because u cant manipulate small things with your fingers, that's why...LOL
Is this glove fairly thin, most important, can u still grab smaller things w/just your finger tips
Thread Starter
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1,016
From: Central KY
Yes, I specifically bought that glove because it's made of a knitted type fabric that allows you to have dexterity and manipulate the dipstick. It's still tricky, but doable.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 4
From: Denver, NC
I am just glad it is "checkable" as it was described to me as "sealed" & when a fella does not see a dipstick under the hood, you believe it...lol
Does anyone know a reason for the lack of a dipstick & a sealed cap
Does this Trans have to be under Pressure to operate correctly OR is Ford just being a PITA
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 116
From: St James, Missouri
Thank u sir
I am just glad it is "checkable" as it was described to me as "sealed" & when a fella does not see a dipstick under the hood, you believe it...lol
Does anyone know a reason for the lack of a dipstick & a sealed cap
Does this Trans have to be under Pressure to operate correctly OR is Ford just being a PITA
I am just glad it is "checkable" as it was described to me as "sealed" & when a fella does not see a dipstick under the hood, you believe it...lol
Does anyone know a reason for the lack of a dipstick & a sealed cap
Does this Trans have to be under Pressure to operate correctly OR is Ford just being a PITA
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1,016
From: Central KY
Yeah, a lot of newer cars and trucks are built without trans. dipsticks now because too many people were servicing them improperly. It allows the manufacturer to have more control over HOW and WHEN the transmission is serviced. It saves them money on warranty claims, and makes them money because they are the only ones who can do the service for people.
Wise consumers like us figure out how to do it on our own anyhow. Shhhh.....
Wise consumers like us figure out how to do it on our own anyhow. Shhhh.....
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