Check Transmission Fluid Level and Condition

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Lincoln Navigator and 2017 Ford Expedition. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Transmission Fluid Level Check

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

NOTE: The transmission fluid fill plug is located near the exhaust system. The exhaust may be extremely hot during this procedure.

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

NOTE: If the transmission starts to slip, shifts slowly, or shows signs of transmission fluid leaking, check the transmission fluid level.

This transmission is equipped with an internal thermal bypass located in the case. This internal thermal bypass valve shuts off transmission fluid flowing to the transmission fluid cooler if the transmission fluid temperature falls below normal operating temperature. Refer to Transmission Fluid Level Check .

The transmission fluid level indicator has 2 areas for the fluid level, a crosshatched area (labeled A) and a dotted area (labeled B). Use the dotted (labeled B) area when checking the transmission fluid level. The correct transmission fluid level is at the upper level of the dotted marks on the transmission fluid level indicator.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

High Transmission Fluid Level

NOTE: Transmission fluid level that is too high can cause the transmission fluid to become aerated due to the churning action of the rotating internal parts. This may cause erratic control pressure, foaming, loss of transmission fluid through the vent tube, and possible transmission failure.

If an overfill reading is indicated on the transmission fluid level indicator, remove the excess transmission fluid. Refer to Transmission Fluid Level Check .

Low Transmission Fluid Level

Low transmission fluid level can result in poor transmission engagement, slipping, or failure. This may also indicate a leak in one of the transmission seals or gaskets.

Adding Transmission Fluid

NOTE: The use of any type of transmission fluid other than specified can result in transmission failure.

NOTE: The transmission fluid fill plug is located near the exhaust system. The exhaust may be extremely hot during this procedure.

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

Add transmission fluid using the refill procedure. Refer to Transmission Fluid Drain and Refill .

Transmission Fluid Condition Check

1.

Check the transmission fluid level.

2.

Remove the transmission fluid fill plug and transmission fluid level indicator, allowing the transmission fluid to drip onto a facial tissue. Examine the stain.

3.

Observe the color and the odor.

4.

If evidence of solid material is found, remove the transmission fluid pan for further inspection.

5.

If the stain is a foamy pink color, this may indicate coolant in the transmission. Inspect the engine cooling system at this time.

6.

If transmission fluid contamination or transmission failure is confirmed by the sediment in the bottom of the transmission fluid pan, disassemble and completely clean the transmission. This includes the torque converter and transmission fluid cooler tubes. Refer to Transaxle Transmission Cooling .

Water in Transmission Fluid

To correctly repair an automatic transmission that has had water or coolant introduced into the system, completely disassemble, clean, and replace the following parts:

All internal and external seals
All friction material
Torque converter
All parts with bonded seals
All solenoids
All transmission fluid filters

Prior to installing the transmission, flush and clean the transmission fluid cooler (s) and the transmission fluid cooler tubes and hoses.