Transmission Fluid-checking level
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 692
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Transmission Fluid-checking level
I'm having a heck of a time checking my transmission fluid. Maybe it's because I'm getting old but when I try to check the fluid level while it's hot and the vehicle is running in Park, I can't seem to see the level and it always appears to me that fluid it running down the stick at a level higher than what I see. My questions are: Do you have a trick for seeing an accurate level on the stick? Why do you have to check the level with the transmission hot and the truck running? The power steering has levels for cold and hot. Why not for the transmission? I seem to be able to see the transmission level when it's cold. Sorry for the dumb questions but I've been wondering about this for a long time.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 317
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
I too am curious why there isn't a cold and hot line. It has to be running so the fluid is suspended in the torque converter and such. When it is not running, there would be different amounts of fluid up in the tranny depending on many factors such as age adn time sitting. It is real easy to overfill a transmission. Usually the fluid will be just below the add mark on the dipstick when cold and running in park if you want to try that first, then try to read it hot. I pull the dipstick and making sure there is good light hold it as level as possible while rotating back and forth it in the light and quickly read it. Hope this helps.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Northwest Indiana
If you're asking about your X, with the 4R100 in it, the system has a dry fill capacity of over 17qts. Once you bring all that fluid up to temp, you can imagine the expansion that takes place. I scuffed the back of the dipstick with sandpaper and that helps with the level checking. Also try reversing the dipstick so the hash marks are facing the rear. Once you get the level where you want it hot, check it cold the next morning and remember where the level was.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
You need to follow the manual pretty much. One thing the manual specifies is how long you have been running and what speeds, before you check level.
I think it has to be something like 5 minutes at freeway speed and not more than 30. Also the outside air temp is usually specified. Plus you have to be level and you have to shift thru the gears in a specified sequence.
I assume you are wiping the stick dry along most of its lower half and then inserting and reading the level.
Fluid that is old may have turned a bit pink which is hard to see.
If you have been running hard and long, the fluid may have made it's way up the dipstick tube and is coating your stick higher than the actual level.
It can be tricky, so I usually do it a couple times and then repeat a day or so later.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
I think it has to be something like 5 minutes at freeway speed and not more than 30. Also the outside air temp is usually specified. Plus you have to be level and you have to shift thru the gears in a specified sequence.
I assume you are wiping the stick dry along most of its lower half and then inserting and reading the level.
Fluid that is old may have turned a bit pink which is hard to see.
If you have been running hard and long, the fluid may have made it's way up the dipstick tube and is coating your stick higher than the actual level.
It can be tricky, so I usually do it a couple times and then repeat a day or so later.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 5
From: Running Springs CA
My E4OD had two sets of level marks, cold and hot. It still had to be running to fill the converter. The cold was easier to read, two holes drilled in the dipstick, the hot scale was the usual embossed pattern.
Jim
Jim
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 692
Likes: 0
From: Houston
I am having the most trouble seeing the bronco line for the e4od. I didn't realize that their were two sets of marks.
I'll also try scuffing the hatch marks to see if that helps.
If this doesn't work, I'll ask the 18 year old kid next door to tell me what he sees.
thanks
I'll also try scuffing the hatch marks to see if that helps.
If this doesn't work, I'll ask the 18 year old kid next door to tell me what he sees.
thanks
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
On occasion I too have had trouble reading mine.
I found it helps to wipe the dip stick clean over it's entire length, reinsert it quickly, count one housand one, one thousand two & quickly without delay, pull it again.
Leaving it longer than about 2 seconds, will allow any splash to wet the stick & make it harder to read.
I found it helps to wipe the dip stick clean over it's entire length, reinsert it quickly, count one housand one, one thousand two & quickly without delay, pull it again.
Leaving it longer than about 2 seconds, will allow any splash to wet the stick & make it harder to read.
Trending Topics
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
On occasion I too have had trouble reading mine.
I found it helps to wipe the dip stick clean over it's entire length, reinsert it quickly, count one housand one, one thousand two & quickly without delay, pull it again.
Leaving it longer than about 2 seconds, will allow any splash to wet the stick & make it harder to read.
I found it helps to wipe the dip stick clean over it's entire length, reinsert it quickly, count one housand one, one thousand two & quickly without delay, pull it again.
Leaving it longer than about 2 seconds, will allow any splash to wet the stick & make it harder to read.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,860
Likes: 4
From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
Someone once suggested a series of tiny holes drilled into the stick would hold fluid to show the level.
I do the hot checks as specified in the manual, but also after it has sat shut off a long time, pull the stick and note where the fluid is. I think it generally will be at that level after it sits overnight or longer. Still, the OEM spec method should be used occasionally too.
I do the hot checks as specified in the manual, but also after it has sat shut off a long time, pull the stick and note where the fluid is. I think it generally will be at that level after it sits overnight or longer. Still, the OEM spec method should be used occasionally too.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 14,413
Likes: 3
From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!
Originally Posted by jimandmandy
My E4OD had two sets of level marks, cold and hot. It still had to be running to fill the converter. The cold was easier to read, two holes drilled in the dipstick, the hot scale was the usual embossed pattern.
Jim
Jim
-Matt
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
1L243
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
4
Mar 30, 2011 05:53 PM
priv8pilot
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
2
Nov 18, 2006 08:56 AM
fivehorses
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
2
Jul 6, 2003 08:31 PM
