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.

 

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

 

Thanks for answering.

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.

 

Feel lucky that you even have a tranny dipstick. The newer ones don't come with one.

 

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

 

our 2002 dont have a stick. I thought it was eliminated on all newer EXPs.

 

It was; my '04 doesn't have one either. You gotta go thru the drain plug to check fluid level.

Steve

 

Something smells funny here.

 

my 04 dont have one either.