The door sticker on my '04 Explorer XLT V8 shows a TR code of "V", but my Owner's Guide (page 280) doesn't list a "V" tranny; I'm wondering if the sticker is wrong or if I have a tranny not shown in the Owner's Guide? Ford Customer Service was no help when I called on this.

Also, does anyone know how to check fluid level on trannies with no dipstick, or is this a dealer-only procedure requiring special tools?

Thanks in advance for any info!

Steve

 

Tranny with no dipstick.... this must be a manual transmission I'm guessing. On manuals, there is a fill plug and a drain plug. Oil is added untill the level reaches the bottom of the hole for the fill plug. Your finger is the 'dipstick'. Put finger in hole and check how far down the oil level is. Fill plugs are usually on the side of the transmission case about halfway up.

 

Nope, it's a 5-speed auto with OD. I think all Gen III Explorers came with this "new non-feature" for the tranny, and possibly earlier as well.

Steve

 

Well that's a new one on me!

 

The Explorer uses a 5R55S transmission with about the stupidest idea ever for checking the oil. Here is what the manual says............


Using the scan tool (WDS), monitor the transmission fluid temperature (TFT) using PID: TFT.
Start the vehicle.
NOTE: Engine idle speed is approximately 650 rpm.

While proceeding with this procedure, run the engine until the transmission fluid temperature is between 27-49°C (80-120°F).
Move the range selector lever slowly through each gear, stopping in each position and allowing the transmission to engage.
Place the range selector lever in the PARK position.
With the engine running and the vehicle set as close to level as possible, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Section 100-00.
Hold the larger drain plug with a wrench and remove the small (center) fluid level indicating plug.

Install the special tool into the pan.

NOTE: Prior to filling the special tool with clean transmission fluid, make sure that the canister is clean.

Fill the special tool with clean automatic transmission fluid.

Hang the special tool under the vehicle. Position it upright and close to the transmission.

Connect the special tools.
Connect the open end of the fluid hose from the Fluid Transporter/Evacuator/Injector to the Fluid Level and Fill Plug Adapter at the bottom of the transmission fluid pan.

Apply a maximum of 206.85 kPa (30 psi) to the open end of the vacuum/pressure hose from the special tool. Fluid will immediately start flowing out of the special tool into the transmission fluid pan.

Add one pint of transmission fluid into the fluid pan. Stop the process by releasing the air pressure and removing the air nozzle from the end of the hose.
Inspect the fluid level in the special tool. If the fluid drains back into the canister, the transmission is full. If no fluid drains back, more fluid will need to be added. Repeat steps 12 and 13.
Once the transmission is full, place a hand vacuum pump on the open end of the hose of the special tool and apply vacuum to the system. This will pull out any extra fluid trapped in the system and direct it into the container.

Allow the fluid to drain. Make sure that the fluid temperature is between 27-49°C (80-120°F). When the fluid comes out as a thin stream or drip, the fluid is at the correct level.

Reinstall the small (center) fluid level indicating plug using a 3/16-inch Allen key.

Check the operation of the transmission by moving the range selector lever slowly through each gear, stopping in each position and allowing the transmission to engage.


The key sentence there for checking the oil is...... Allow the fluid to drain. Make sure that the fluid temperature is between 27-49°C (80-120°F). When the fluid comes out as a thin stream or drip, the fluid is at the correct level.
Unless you have a leak though it should never have to be checked. Supposedly

 

Good Lord!!

Could they POSSIBLY make a simple task like checking the oil any MORE complicated than THAT?!?!

I'd like to use a 'special tool' with a 6" long .450" diameter grooved outlet tube to inject a 280 grain copper half-jacketed recessed point lead projectile at 900 feet per second velocity into the engineer's head who came up with that crazy idea...

 

You could probably charge admission for people to watch

 

Racerguy -

WOW......guess I won't be checking my Explorer's tranny fluid level in the near future! This sounds like something the French would dream up.

I assume this is how the additive to correct "mis-formulated" fluid will be added; sure are a lot of steps to get right for a tech who MIGHT be in a hurry.

Thanks for the info!

Steve