Fluid Level Check
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Ford Pickup, 2006 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2006 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2006 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
The vehicle should not be driven if the fluid level indicator shows the fluid below the DO NOT DRIVE mark or internal failure could result.
NOTE:
If the vehicle has been operated for an extended period of time at highway speeds, in city traffic, in hot weather or while pulling a trailer, the fluid needs to cool down to obtain an accurate reading.
NOTE:
The transmission fluid may be checked in the cold temperature range if the ambient temperature is between 10°-32°C (50°-90°F). Checking the transmission fluid level using the cold range will indicate that the vehicle has sufficient transmission fluid to be driven. Adding fluid using the cold range may result in an over full condition when the vehicle reaches normal operating temperature. Fluid level must be checked while in the normal operating range of 66°-77°C (150°-170°F).
Under normal circumstances, the fluid level should be checked during normal maintenance. If the transmission starts to slip, shifts slowly or shows signs of leaking, the fluid level should be checked.
- Drive the vehicle 32 Km (20 miles) or until the vehicle reaches normal operating temperatures.
- Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
- With the parking brake applied and your foot on the brake pedal, start the engine and move the range selector lever through all the gear ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
- Place the range selector lever in PARK and leave the engine running.
- Remove the fluid level indicator and wipe it clean with a lint free cloth.
- Install the fluid level indicator until it is fully seated into the filler tube.
- Remove the fluid level indicator and inspect the fluid level. The fluid level should be in the designated area for normal and room temperature.