Automatic Transmission Fluid Checking and Adding Procedure

Under normal circumstances, you do not need to check the fluid level of the transmission, since your vehicle does not use up transmission fluid. However, if the transmission is not working properly, for instance, the transmission may slip or shift slowly, or you may notice some sign of fluid leakage, the fluid level should be checked.

It is preferable to check the transmission fluid level at normal operating temperature, after approximately 32 km (20 miles) of driving. However, if necessary, you can check the fluid level without having to drive 20 miles to obtain a normal operating temperature if outside temperatures are above 10°C (50°F).

NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds or in city traffic during hot weather, or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow the fluid to cool before checking.

With the vehicle on a level surface, start the engine, set the parking brake. With foot on brake pedal, move the transmission shift selector through all of the gear ranges allowing sufficient time for each position to engage. Securely latch the transmission shift selector in the park position and leave the engine running.

 CAUTION: Your vehicle should not be driven with transmission cold if the fluid level is below the bottom hole on the dipstick and outside temperatures are above 10°C (50°F).

Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out and wipe the indicator end clean. Put the dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read the fluid level.

When checking fluid at normal operating temperature, the fluid level should be within the crosshatched area on the dipstick. When the vehicle has not been driven, and outside temperature is above 10°C (50°F), the fluid level should be between the holes on the dipstick.

The Ford A4LD automatic transmission requires Motorcraft XT-2 QDX or -DDX E4AZ-19582-B or equivalent transmission fluid. Before adding any fluid, be sure that the correct type will be used.

Add fluid in .25L (1/2 pint) increments through the filler tube to bring the level to the correct area on the dipstick. If an overfill occurs, excess fluid has to be removed.

Overfill can cause the fluid to foam and or spill out through the transmission vent either condition could resulting in possible damage to internal transmission components.

Underfill can result in transmission loss of engagement or slipping and could cause possible damage to internal transmission components. This condition is most evident in cold weather or when the vehicle is parked or being driven on a hill.

If the transmission fluid level is checked when the fluid is at room temperature the dipstick could indicate that fluid should be added if the dipstick is misread. If fluid is added at this time, an overfill condition could result when the fluid reaches operating temperatures of 66°C-77°C (150° F-170°F) (dipstick hot to touch).

Transmission Fluid Condition Check

1. Make the normal fluid check according to the above procedure.

2. Observe color and odor of the fluid. It should be dark reddish, not brown or black. A burnt odor can sometimes indicate that there is an overheating condition or clutch disc or band failure.

3. Use an absorbent white paper (facial tissue, etc.) to wipe the dipstick. Examine the stain for evidence of solids (specks of any kind) and for antifreeze signs (gum or varnish on dipstick).

   If specks are present in the oil or if there is evidence of coolant, the transmission oil pan must be removed for further inspection. If coolant is found in the transmission fluid, the in-tank transmission cooler must be serviced or replaced. If fluid contamination or transmission failure is confirmed by further evidence of coolant or excessive solids in the oil pan, the transmission must be disassembled and completely cleaned and serviced. This includes cleaning the torque converter and transmission cooling system. It would be a waste of time to perform any further checks before cleaning and servicing the transmission.

   During disassembly and assembly, all overhaul checks and adjustments of clearances and end play must be made.

Tools required: Extension Housing Seal Replacer T74P-77052-A