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.

 

here you go

 

The ft188 does have filter media in it. It's not a wire screen like some transmission filters were in the past.

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.

 

Thanks for all the Info fella's
Here's a video for "level check" procedure, from same Tech as service video :

 

I was just about to order this & thought "why can't I just use a Welding Glove" since I have those already.
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

 

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.

 

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

 

If I were to guess I'd say to keep people from overfilling or adding improper fluid.

 

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.....