Hello, I hate to say it but I cant find the transmission dip stick on this van! Im not a big car guy but I can do general maintenance. The van belongs to a family member and its been in my driveway for a while. I was going to get it up and running to be able to sell it. I've topped up all the fluids and it runs fine but when I put it in gear it just sits there. If I rev the motor it it will sometimes start to move slowly. Someone told me to check the transmission fluid but I cant seem to find the dipstick!

 

It's right behind the aircleaner box. next to the A/C unit.

 

What engine is it?

I have a 96 351w/5.8L

There is no drain on the transmission pan, so I had to syphon out the transmission from where the dip stick goes with a pump and some tubing. Also filled it through the same.

You can get a tranny pan with a drain plug and switch it out, but it looks like a messy job.

The fluid was brownish, and since it feels my tranny is running better.

I hope a fluid swap fixes your problem.

 

You can drain the an by loosening the rear pan bolts going forward as you go (loosen, do not remove) and letting the pan hang down enough to let the excess fluid out into a large pan ( use a mortar pan for laying brick, the hardware stores have these for a few dollars) Once you've drained enough out, remove the rest of the bolts while holding the pan, letting it dump into the mortar pan. When you have it off and cleaned, install a drain plug kit, available from the parts houses, Summit and Jegs. The E4OD holds nearly 4 gallons of fluid including the torque converter. Should be a drain plug in that too.

 

He's asking about checking the fluid not changing it.

The transmission dipstick is on the left side of the engine compartment. There should be a air scoop coming off the aircleaner assembly. On my 96 The dip stick is just behind that scoop. I pull that scoop off mine when I check the transmission fluid. Getting it out of the way makes it easier to get to the dipstick.

I hate the dipstick on my 96! It's a mile long thin piece of wire with a white plastic pill shaped piece on the end. I miss the old style flat dipsticks!