Transmission Dipstick?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Manassas, VA
Transmission Dipstick?
Posted this on the bronco forum but wanted to get input from you all here as well. I'm working on getting my younger brother's bronco running right now after sitting for approximately 2 years. Its a 1988 with the 5.8 and, as far as I can tell, a C-6 auto (trans code K). The issue is that I can't find a transmission fluid dipstick in the engine compartment at all! This is my first automatic and first C-6 so I don't know what to expect. I would assume it does have a dipstick and mine is probably missing. When running it doesn't leak fluid that I can tell, and the transmission firmly goes into reverse and drive.
I want to check the ATF fluid and level before we take it on a drive so we don't burn up the transmission. Also, does anyone know how much ATF a C-6 takes and what kind of filter? I'd like to change it out before we start driving it on the road. TIA for any help.
I want to check the ATF fluid and level before we take it on a drive so we don't burn up the transmission. Also, does anyone know how much ATF a C-6 takes and what kind of filter? I'd like to change it out before we start driving it on the road. TIA for any help.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Posted this on the bronco forum but wanted to get input from you all here as well. I'm working on getting my younger brother's bronco running right now after sitting for approximately 2 years.
It's a 1988 with the 5.8L (351W) and, as far as I can tell, a C-6 auto
(trans code K). The issue is that I can't find a transmission fluid dipstick in the engine compartment at all!
I want to check the ATF fluid and level before we take it on a drive so we don't burn up the transmission. Also, does anyone know how much ATF a C-6 takes and what kind of filter?
It's a 1988 with the 5.8L (351W) and, as far as I can tell, a C-6 auto
(trans code K). The issue is that I can't find a transmission fluid dipstick in the engine compartment at all!I want to check the ATF fluid and level before we take it on a drive so we don't burn up the transmission. Also, does anyone know how much ATF a C-6 takes and what kind of filter?
Dipstick & tube located at the right (passenger side) rear of the engine compartment adjacent to the engine.
E7TZ-7A020-F (replaced E1TZ-7A020-B) .. C6 Dipstick - Use with 5.8L (351W) only / Marked: E1TP-BA or E3TP-CA or E7TP-EA or E8TP-AA / Obsolete
1981/95 F150/350 & Bronco.
BOSS MOTORS in Marysville KS has 1 = 800-453-3696.
C6 takes approx. 13 quarts of ATF including the torque converter. Originally this was Mercon.
The C6 filter is specific to 4WD: D3TZ-7A098-B (Motorcraft FT-48), but it's not specific to an engine size.
1973/76 F100 4WD; 1973/95 F250 4WD; 1975/95 F150 4WD; 1978/95 Bronco; 1983/95 F350.
Should be available from any auto parts store. The C6 gasket is the same for ALL 1966/95 FoMoCo vehicles.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Manassas, VA
Bill and Sandy - thanks so much! To make a bad situation worse - no there's no dipstick or dipstick tube. Looks like I'll have to make some phone calls or source one at a pick a part...... Thanks for the help.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Manassas, VA
Guys - I think i earned the stupid guy of the week award. Buried low on the passenger side underneath a pile of leaves and behind some wires was indeed a transmission dipstick...... Fluid looks old and brown. Tomorrow we're planning on oil change, trans flush, brake/power steering fluid change, and rad flush. With a fresh, full pan of ATF I'm not afraid to drive it up and down the road.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 6,185
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From: Houston/Sugar Land
Guys - I think i earned the stupid guy of the week award. Buried low on the passenger side underneath a pile of leaves and behind some wires was indeed a transmission dipstick...... Fluid looks old and brown. Tomorrow we're planning on oil change, trans flush, brake/power steering fluid change, and rad flush. With a fresh, full pan of ATF I'm not afraid to drive it up and down the road.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
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You mention trans flush. If just a fresh pan is what you are talking about that is what I would do. If the fluid is really bad or smells burned I would change it again in about 1K miles. I am not familiar with the C6 but if a filter is in the pan of course change that also. Glad you found the dip stick it is far back there. Sandy
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: Manassas, VA
Yeah sorry for the terminology mix up guys. I’m just dropping the pan and changing out the fluid. Not a complete flush - just a garage job. I’ll definitely follow Sandy’s advice and change it again after 1K miles of drive time.
The fluid on the dipstick had had a brownish tint to it but didn’t smell nasty and burnt.
Thanks for sticking with me guys, this is my first automatic transmission and they are like Greek to me.
The fluid on the dipstick had had a brownish tint to it but didn’t smell nasty and burnt.
Thanks for sticking with me guys, this is my first automatic transmission and they are like Greek to me.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2016
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From: Houston/Sugar Land
I have always heard that doing a pan at a time was best for an unknown condition transmission. The reason I was given is that you avoid shocking (for lack of a better word) the transmission with all new fluid and it is better to ease it into new fluid. Since I am only going on what I do from what I have heard, I am curious as to why your opinion of the flush vs the pan change. I am not doubting if either of us is right, I just respect your opinion. Thanks for the help. Sandy
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Manassas, VA
To close this thread out:
The symptoms were slipping in forward and reverse and sometimes not going into gear. The dipstick showed brown fluid but it didn't smell burnt. Dropped the pan - no large metal chunks or flakes - some small metallic buildup at the bottom of the pan. Fluid was mostly brownish-red. Replaced filter and put in 9.5 qts of Mercon ATF. Ran thru all gears while stationary - checked the fluid and according to the dipstick it was good. The trans firmly grabbed both forward and reverse - took it on a test drive and it had all three forward gears.
After 1,000 miles of driving I'll drop the pan again just to change the fluid out. At that time I'll see about draining the TQ.
The symptoms were slipping in forward and reverse and sometimes not going into gear. The dipstick showed brown fluid but it didn't smell burnt. Dropped the pan - no large metal chunks or flakes - some small metallic buildup at the bottom of the pan. Fluid was mostly brownish-red. Replaced filter and put in 9.5 qts of Mercon ATF. Ran thru all gears while stationary - checked the fluid and according to the dipstick it was good. The trans firmly grabbed both forward and reverse - took it on a test drive and it had all three forward gears.
After 1,000 miles of driving I'll drop the pan again just to change the fluid out. At that time I'll see about draining the TQ.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
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Brown and not burnt is just old fluid. I wouldn’t bother with draining the torque converter since there isn’t a clutch in a C6 converter. You change about half of the fluid when you drop the pan. It might have just been low on fluid causing the trans to slip.
Fleet Owner
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From: Kentucky
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2016
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From: Houston/Sugar Land
If done correctly a flush is good. Not done correctly may leave contamination in critical areas. I agree with you if you have a flush machine and know how to use it and you use it properly. Sandy