Transmission Fluid Level Check

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2021 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Check

NOTE: The vehicle should not be driven if the transmission fluid level is low. Internal failure could result.

NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high highway speeds, in city traffic, during hot weather or while pulling a trailer, the transmission fluid must cool down to obtain an accurate reading.

NOTE: If a new transmission fluid cooler or new fluid cooler tubes have been installed, drive the vehicle to warm the transmission fluid to 96 deg.C-101 deg.C (206 deg.F-215 deg.F) in order to purge the air from the transmission fluid cooling system.

NOTE: The engine must be running continuously while the transmission fluid check is in progress.

Connect the diagnostic scan tool and position the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to: Jacking and Lifting - Overview .
If equipped, remove the retainers and splash shield.

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With the engine running, place the transmission selector lever in each gear position, holding approximately 5 seconds in each position. Place the transmission selector lever in PARK.
Follow the steps below to enter the engine running diagnostic mode:
1. Place the vehicle in PARK.
2. Push the start button to enter the accessory mode.
3. Press the brake pedal and accelerator pedal together for 5 seconds.
4. Steps 5 and 6 should be performed within 15 seconds after completing Step 3.
5. Release both the accelerator and brake pedals.
6. Press the brake pedal and push the start button so that the vehicle is in drivable state.
7. Press the brake pedal and accelerator pedal together for 5 seconds.
8. NOTE: The READY TO DRIVE or DRIVE symbol should be flashing on the instrument cluster at a regular interval when the Engine Running diagnostic mode is active.
  
  When this sequence is complete, the vehicle enters the diagnostic mode and the engine should remain running continuously.
Remove the transmission fluid fill plug and remove the transmission fluid level indicator from the plug.

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Remove the transmission fluid fill plug and remove the transmission fluid level indicator from the plug.

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Check the transmission fluid level using the transmission fluid level indicator.

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NOTE: The transmission fluid level indicator uses 1 through 6 to indicate the fluid level. The different numbers are for different vehicle models. Use the area between 3 and 4 when checking the transmission fluid level. The correct transmission fluid level is between 3 and 4 on the transmission fluid level indicator.

NOTE: Do not overfill the transmission.

Using the scan tool verify the transmission fluid temperature is between 96 deg.C - 101 deg.C (206 deg.F - 215 deg.F). The transmission fluid level must be between 3 and 4 on the transmission fluid level indicator.

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If the transmission fluid is not at the correct level, follow the steps for adding or removing transmission fluid. Refer to: Transmission Fluid Drain and Refill .
Install the transmission fluid fill plug.
Torque: 35 lb.ft (47 Nm)

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If equipped, install the shield and retainers.
Torque: 71 lb.in (8 Nm)

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