Transmission Pan question

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Mar 7, 2026 | 11:22 AM

#31

kry226

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Dec 2016

Posts: 1,820

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From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlie98

Nice!

I wondered how it would work with a gasser... definitely more room with the diesel. That video answered a lot of questions. I don't really understand why Ford made it so difficult to check the fluid level, or even add fluid...

Thanks! And very much agree...

Mar 7, 2026 | 11:38 AM

#32

longhaultransport

Laughing Gas

Joined: Mar 2008

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Likes: 510

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlie98

It's a closed system and shouldn't need fluid. They don't burn fluid and if you have a leak it should be obvious from spots on the driveway.

Differentials don't have dip sticks. Transfer cases don't have dip sticks. Same reason.

Mar 7, 2026 | 11:58 AM

#33

Charlie98

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jun 2023

Posts: 1,158

Likes: 648

From: McKinney, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by longhaultransport

An, yet, we're expected to check the fluid levels as part of the maintenance schedule, and, likewise, change the fluid on schedule. 'Closed system' sounds just like 'lifetime lubricated' ball joints, etc. I think what they likely mean is 'should be good enough from the factory to get you through the warranty period,' but that would be my cynical and petty point of view.

Mar 9, 2026 | 06:21 AM

#34

kry226

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Dec 2016

Posts: 1,820

Likes: 545

From: Florida

Also, it's been well-documented here that all fluids aren't always topped off correctly from the factory.

Mar 9, 2026 | 08:26 AM

#35

Mark Kovalsky

Frmr Ford Trans Engr

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 24,739

Likes: 2,669

From: SE Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by kry226

Also, it's been well-documented here that all fluids aren't always topped off correctly from the factory.

But the dealer is supposed to check all fluid levels and fill as needed as part of the pre-delivery inspection.

Mar 9, 2026 | 08:38 AM

#36

Charlie98

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Joined: Jun 2023

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From: McKinney, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky

But the dealer is supposed to check all fluid levels and fill as needed as part of the pre-delivery inspection.

You put that in italics for a reason...

You and I both know the low man on the totem pole is the one hustling the vehicles through the pre-delivery checks... in addition to his other duties, like cleaning the bathrooms, and shuttling irate customers around.

Mar 9, 2026 | 11:34 AM

#37

kry226

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Dec 2016

Posts: 1,820

Likes: 545

From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky

But the dealer is supposed to check all fluid levels and fill as needed as part of the pre-delivery inspection.

Indeed, sir. Looks like both the factory and dealers are culpable in these cases.

Mar 9, 2026 | 03:52 PM

#38

Mark Kovalsky

Frmr Ford Trans Engr

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 24,739

Likes: 2,669

From: SE Florida

The 2000 Lincoln LS was the first Ford product with an automatic that didn't have a dipstick for the transmission. I worked on that transmission.

To set or check the fluid level in the trans you took a plug out of the pan. This plug was in a standpipe that went up into the pan. The top of that standpipe was the fluid level. To check the level, you removed a fill plug in the extension housing and pumped new fluid into the trans until fluid ran out of the standpipe. Then you replaced both plugs and all was good.

Shortly after the vehicles hit the dealers I was reading reports from dealers of any PDI problems. One stood out. The dealer said the transmission was 4 or 5 quarts low on fluid. This is impossible. The trans wouldn't operate with the fluid that low.

I called the dealer and spoke to the service manager. I asked if they removed both the standpipe plug and the fill plug. He told me there was only one plug in the extension housing, and that the proper way was to fill the trans until fluid ran out of the fill plug. He would not listen to me that this trans was 4-5 quarts overfilled and that it was going to be a problem. He hung up on me. I still wonder how far that vehicle ran, and if all that extra fluid spraying out of the trans burned the car to the ground.