Verses standpipe - but to be technical, there are dipstick tubes with dipsticks and then the fill plug with indicator. Not trying to split hairs or argue, I say this for the sake of the OP's question when the manual refers to 'no dipstick.' Ford does not intend for you to regularly check the level - the indicator is there for service procedures (fluid change or adjustment from component change or fixing a leak) - it is their intent in fact that you do not check it as the vehicle owner.

 

In my previous truck one day during a delivery I stopped for a bite to eat and noticed transmission fluid dripping to the ground. Upon further inspection I discovered a line leak at the radiator. Pulled the stick and could find no oil on the stick. I drove to the nearest parts store and got some Dex 6. Dumped in two quarts and was good on the stick to get home since it was a slow leak. Without the dipstick I would have been clueless how much fluid was in the tranny.

 

Thanks, Bernie. I've owned ZF transmissions without dipsticks before(6HP and currently 8HP), so it's not unfamiliar to me, but certainly inconvenient. Never thought it would come to the Super Duty, though.

 

 

Manufacturers have been steadily eliminating transmission dipsticks for some time now. Mercedes-Benz starting back in 1996 has pretty much deleted them. The MB 722.6 5 speed autos had a dipstick tube with no stick, Just a locked cap that says "MB Workshop Only". The actual stick is a special tool. The newer 722.9 7 speeds & 725 9 speed uses the overflow method & is filled from the bottom. I know, TMI, but the reasoning behind it was unless the transmission develops a leak, it should never need fluid. MB also doesn't really want the customers messing with it & possibly overfilling or putting in the wrong fluid. especially when the vehicle is under warranty.

 

My 17 has one.

 

Guess I got so caught up in the reasons why manufacturers deleted dipsticks, I forgot to mention earlier that my 2019 doesn't have a transmission dip stick.

 

My '17 has the dipstick but my 6r100 unfortunately doesn't have the drain plug. Gotta pull the pan to change the fluid when the time comes. Fortunately the gasket is reusable.

 

 

IF the dip has been removed then new threads will go viral-"how to flush/replace fluid" on my truck.
I'll be up front, as much as I truly enjoyed my Tundra tranny fluid threads on the forum run by the dozens.
The procedure to fluid drain plus the TC is about a 12 page ordeal requiring temperature compensation for proper levels.
So what I'm saying is, if no dip stick is the future, prepare for a painful transition into our world of a simple DIY project turn into a painful process.
I really hope it just a typical corporate snafu and nothing else....

 

My 2018 has the trans dipstick.

bernie165 -
thanks for the scan of the service manual, but it's just a perfect image of hypocrisy, is it not??? In the first NOTICE statement, there is the warning that states to not drive with a low trans fluid level, as internal damage may result. HOW WOULD THOSE WITHOUT A DIPSTICK KNOW IF IT'S LOW OR NOT?????? That is about as stupid a statement as one can find in any manual. Typical Ford crap (don't flame me; I love Fords, but I can admit when they are stupid at times).

bean counter - hey, let's save money and take the tool away that allows customers to check the trans fluid level; we can save money on the cost of the vehicle and yet charge the same money for the truck
lawyer - hey, let's make sure we cover our butts and tell them that if they drive with a low fluid level, they may damage the unit and therefore implicate possible invalidation of warranty via neglect.
bean counter - after the warranty is expired, we can sell them a new trans and the dealer can charge a butt-load of service hours to replace the trans, because they ruined it by being unable to check the fluid level ...
it's a win-win for Ford and a lose-lose for the customers.



For those without a trans drain plug, I offer this for consideration:
These things work great. I've put them on all manner of trans pans, and they flat work. Cheap and easy. When you pull the pan down the first time, install this before reinstalling the pan. Next time you can drain the fluid and make far less of a mess. I've probably installed 10 of these on various vehicles over the years, and never had one leak a single drop. Just use a bit of teflon tape on the small pipe plug and you'll never have a drip at all. The sealing washer is very pliable and never leaks no matter how hot or cold it gets. Worth every penny and I encourage anyone wanting a drain plug to try this product. (I sell or work for them, so this is an honest review).
There are other brands of these (Dorman 65128 for example). Probably would work just fine as well, but I've not tried that brand.

 

You all got me curious, so I just checked my 2019. No transmission dipstick.

 

I'm glad my 19 f-350 had one, I do get that in vehicles in general auto have gotten so good they have huge service intervals, my 13 jeep wrangler did not have neither does my wife's jeep renegade or the journey she had before... But seems off they don't put one on the gas f250 it is a truck that's meant to be worked and possibly abused and IMHO gives me better peice of mind to be able to look at the fluid after some extended towing trips to make sure the fluid isn't burnt or full of filings

 

I wonder if adding a dipstick to a 2019 would be as simple as ordering/installing parts from a 2017-18 model trans?

 

I was wondering the same thing. I'm thinking not as the 'new' mini dipstick is threaded in. Here's the two parts needed. Cheap enough:

HC3Z-7A228-D TUBE - OIL FILLER $12.24
HC3Z-7A020-D INDICATOR ASY - OIL LEVEL $6.21