So I was looking through my Ford manual tonight and discovered that the new 6-speed automatic transmission attached to the 5.4L engine has no dipstick?!?! I know I can monitor the temp from the instrament panel...but really? No dipstick? Further down it says that only a certified dealer should check and flush the ATF if necessary.

Not that I plan on doing this myself right now, but I would really like to know how to check and change the ATF if necessary.

Maybe I'm wrong (and in this case I hope I am), but it seems that this is a HUGE oversight...

Does anyone have any insight into why Ford doesn't include a transmission fluid dipstick?

 

I think alot of GMs are like this. There's probably a fill plug you can gauge it by. You'll just have to crawl under there to check it out.

 

It changed with the 09, and there is a dipstick, albeit but a tiny one right next to the cat (have fun checking when hot) and under a small cap.

 

My 2005 Dodge Magnum car does not have a dipstick. I thought it was just those crafty Germans doing crap like that. The Magnum transmission with the v8 is a Mercedes transmission. I have to take it to the dealer to get the fluid checked. Something I will consider when I buy another car or truck.

Are you listening Ford?

 

My wives 04 exploder doesnt have one either. Bull ****!

 

@kingfish51, thanks for the info! I'll be sure to check that out.

Wow, I had no idea other manufacturers were doing this too...You'd think that "Built Ford Tough" would mean engineering that was uncompromised...not swayed by the accountants that figure you'll have to bring your truck into them to have it serviced. I realize these are rather hard times, especially for the auto industry, but I think excluding such an item as a user-maintainable transmission is a bit weak.

Oh well, since posting this topic, I've heard that these transmissions are supposed to last a "lifetime" on their fluid...now we just have to figure out how long that means...(assuming that is true of course)

Do I see a business opportunity here for a user-maintainable transmission mod? *pokes aftermarket companies*

 

the simple reason is this...Ford doesnt want you messing with it while its on warranty. With so many different types of ATF out there now it is very easy to just say oh well its a Ford it takes mercon right? well...you got mercon V, mercon LV, mercon SP(which is what the new 6speed uses) ect... overfull transmissions or wrong fluid from missinformed customers or "lube shops" can cost them (Ford) money.

 

I think many manufacturers don't put a dipstick on manual transmission, don't know why, I just thought it was the way they do it.

I have had a Nissan 200SX with manual transmission and no dipstick, a Honda Civic with manual transmission and no dipstick, my wife had a Chevy with manual transmission and had no dipstick.

 

True- you will never see a manual tranny with a dipstick. haha- that sounds kind of gross.

 

The reason there is no dipstick on a manual tranny is because the fluid is just used to lubricate the synchros and gears, it is not under pressure like in an automatic.

But there is no such thing as a "lifetime" transmission.

 

[Can a regular size dip stick be installed. Anyone know of a after market kit?

 

My Festiva with a 5 speed manual had a dipstick.

The 6 speed (6R80) in the 2009/2010 F-150 doesn't take Mercon SP, it takes Mercon LV. You are thinking of the 6R75 in the Expy and 6R60 in the Exploder, which takes Mercon SP through 2008.

 

my mistake you are correct . I think this new mercon LV is going to be the new standard in Fords. I noticed today on a 2010 Superduty it now takes Mercon LV aswell in the torqshift.

 

Sure there is, if you never change the fluid then its sealed for life

If you think no transmission dipsticks is bad, get ready for the future, 2010 Land Rover products have electronic engine oil level dipsticks that you check from the instrument cluster option menu. But then again BMW has had cars for several years without engine oil dipsticks

 

Haha. It's not so much that I mind electronic monitoring, in fact I really like it in some areas. But dealing with robotics for 4+ years has taught me that if worst comes to worst, your electrical components will die, your mechanical components will last (longer at least), and you NEVER write 200 lines of software code when a simple mechanical fix will do.

i.e. put a dipstick with your tranny instead of ( or at least in addition to) a pressure sensor and multiple temperature sensors...and make the reservoir easily accessible

I agree with Paralyzer, Ford doesn't want to have to fix other people's mistakes when it's under warranty, I just don't like it.

@Patman03SprCrw, so I take it that you see more and more of this happening in the future...even to vehicles that are more likely to break and require maintenance in the field and on the job?