Low ATF
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 295
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From: Kountze, Texas
Low ATF
I just bought a 2010 F150 with 5.4 and 6R80 transmission. According to records the trans fluid was changed only 1 time at 101,000 miles. Shift from 1-2 and 2-3 was a little sloppy, but really not too bad. Everything else shifts and downshifts nicely. It now has 227,000 miles, so I decided to pull the pan, look and see how much trash was in the pan and on the magnet. Very, very light film on the magnet, the fluid was brown colored, but no burnt smell at all. What concerned me was the fact that I drained out only 5 1/2 qts of fluid. Replaced the filter and added a drain plug to the pan for next time. On the refill, I started with 5 qts but I ended up adding another 4 1/4 qts (1/2 qt at a time between checks) to fill the trans for a total of 9 1/4 qts. Of course, trans was at operating temp in park (Damn those catalytic converters and exhaust get hot!!) I even let it warm up and re-checked it the next day just to be sure it wasn't overfilled or low. No apparent leak except for a little dampness around the driveshaft yoke. Should I be concerned about taking so much to refill? Haven't had a chance to drive it (Will tomorrow) to make sure it drives OK.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1,016
From: Central KY
Sounds like whoever changed it the first time filled it up when cold and didn't check it again after it had warmed up with engine running. I hear that they'll take about 4.5 quarts or so when cold and not running.
And yes, whoever signed off on the stupid little plastic test stick directly adjoining the catalytic converter should be fired.
And yes, whoever signed off on the stupid little plastic test stick directly adjoining the catalytic converter should be fired.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,298
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From: Damon (South East Texas)
Where did you place the drain plug? Did you use the "bulkhead type"? Do you have any pics? I have the plug kit. But haven't decided on a location for it, since I haven't removed the pan yet, and don't know what clearances there are inside.
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 295
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From: Kountze, Texas
I placed it on the front side of the small sump area. It is not quite at the very lowest point but will drain most all of the fluid. I just drilled a 9/16" hole, tack welded a 1/2"-20 (fine thread) nut on the inside, and use a 1/2"-20 magnetic drain plug.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Maine, Virginia
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...6T8C5p1QFMMq7g
Pretty cool article here about the pros and cons of a transmission dump and a flush. Worth a few minutes to review.
Pretty cool article here about the pros and cons of a transmission dump and a flush. Worth a few minutes to review.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1,016
From: Central KY
I have a question for the experts. When I checked my ATF using the little dipstick on the trans. case last week, it was showing right in the hatch mark with ENGINE OFF. Is it normal for the trans. fluid to be at the perfect level on the dipstick with the engine off?
I'm about to do a filter change, and I wonder why I can't just refill the trans. to the point of getting it back to the hatched area on the dipstick while engine is off like it is now? Why isn't that an accurate way of doing it?
I'm about to do a filter change, and I wonder why I can't just refill the trans. to the point of getting it back to the hatched area on the dipstick while engine is off like it is now? Why isn't that an accurate way of doing it?
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priley
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
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Sep 17, 2001 09:53 PM
