Checking Transmission fluid level
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New User
Joined: Oct 2009
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Checking Transmission fluid level
2004 Explorer
I know now that the manual recommends to check the transmission fluid level after driving the vehicle for 30 miles.
Yesterday, before I read the manual, I checked the transmission fluid level after only a short drive, and it was below the low mark. If the fluid was hot, I know the level would have been higher.
Now, the manual says not to drive it when the fluid is low. Do you think it's safe to drive the van like that for 30 miles, and to check the level properly afterwards?
Do you think that the level will be OK, and that it showed low only because it was cold?
Thanks.
I know now that the manual recommends to check the transmission fluid level after driving the vehicle for 30 miles.
Yesterday, before I read the manual, I checked the transmission fluid level after only a short drive, and it was below the low mark. If the fluid was hot, I know the level would have been higher.
Now, the manual says not to drive it when the fluid is low. Do you think it's safe to drive the van like that for 30 miles, and to check the level properly afterwards?
Do you think that the level will be OK, and that it showed low only because it was cold?
Thanks.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,808
Likes: 83
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Welcome to the forum!
How far below the low mark was it? A fingernail amount below the low, not a problem to drive 30 miles. Half an inch below, it's not going to expand that much, add fluid before driving further.
You did check with engine idling like the manual suggests, right?
-Rod
How far below the low mark was it? A fingernail amount below the low, not a problem to drive 30 miles. Half an inch below, it's not going to expand that much, add fluid before driving further.
You did check with engine idling like the manual suggests, right?
-Rod
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Oct 2009
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Welcome to the forum!
How far below the low mark was it? A fingernail amount below the low, not a problem to drive 30 miles. Half an inch below, it's not going to expand that much, add fluid before driving further.
You did check with engine idling like the manual suggests, right?
-Rod
How far below the low mark was it? A fingernail amount below the low, not a problem to drive 30 miles. Half an inch below, it's not going to expand that much, add fluid before driving further.
You did check with engine idling like the manual suggests, right?
-Rod
The engine was running but I put it in neutral instead of park: I didn't know. Maybe that made a differnece?
The level was about a quarter inch below the low.
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
I don't know of any Gen III Explorer that has a tranny dipstick; where exactly in the engine bay is it located? Your question "Do you think it's safe to drive the VAN like that for 30 miles" makes me think maybe you don't have an Explorer.
Steve
Steve
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
It was; my '04 doesn't have one either. You gotta go thru the drain plug to check fluid level.
Steve
Steve
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