Transmission Fluid Level Check

 CAUTION: Vehicle should not be driven if fluid level is below the bottom hole.

Transmission Hot—Operating Temperature

The automatic transmission should be checked at an operating temperature of 66°C-77°C (150° F-170°F) ( oil level indicator (7A020) hot to touch). The operating temperature may be obtained by driving 24-32 km (15-20 miles) of city-type driving with the outside temperature above 10°C (50°F).

 CAUTION: If vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speed, in city traffic, in hot weather, or vehicle is being used to pull a trailer, the fluid has to cool, approximately 30 minutes after engine has been turned off to obtain an accurate reading.

Transmission Fluid Indicator Reading: Fluid level at operating temperature.

Fluid level on oil level indicator should be within the recessed area marked HOT.

Transmission Cold—Room Temperature

If the transmission is not at an operating temperature of 66°C-77°C (150° F-170°F) and it becomes necessary to check the fluid level (such as pre-delivery), the fluid may be checked at room temperature of 21°C-35°C (70° F-95°F) ( oil level indicator cool to touch).

Transmission Fluid Indicator Reading: Fluid level at room temperature.

Fluid level on the oil level indicator should be within recessed area marked COLD.

NOTE: The fluid level indication on the oil level indicator will be different at operating temperature and room temperature. For the correct fluid level reading on the oil level indicator, follow the appropriate instructions stated previously.

Before adding fluid, make sure that the correct type will be used. Only use fluid that meets or exceeds the specification stamped on the oil level indicator .

 CAUTION: Use of a fluid other than Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose Automatic Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX equivalent could result in transmission malfunction and/or failure.

Check fluid level as follows:

1. With transmission in PARK, engine at curb idle rpm, foot brakes applied and vehicle on level surface, move the transmission range selector lever through each range. Allow time in each range to engage transmission, return to PARK, apply parking brake control (2780) and block wheels (1007). Do not turn off the engine during the fluid level check.

2. Clean all dirt from the transmission fluid oil level indicator cap before removing the oil level indicator from the oil filler tube (7A228).

3. Pull the oil level indicator out of the oil filler tube, wipe it clean, and push all the way back into the tube. Make sure it is fully seated.

4. Pull the oil level indicator out of the oil filler tube again and check the fluid level.

   If necessary, add enough fluid through the oil filler tube to raise the level to the correct position. Do not overfill the transmission. This will result in foaming, loss of fluid through the vent and possible transmission malfunction. If overfill occurs, excess fluid must be removed.

5. Install the oil level indicator, making sure it is fully seated in the oil filler tube.

   If the transmission fluid level is correctly established at 21°C-35°C (70° F-95°F), it will appear within the recessed area marked HOT on the oil level indicator when the transmission reaches an operating temperature of 66°C-77°C (150° F-170°F). Do not overfill or underfill.

   Underfill can result in transmission loss of engagement or slipping. 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 oil level indicator could indicate that fluid should be added if the oil level indicator 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) ( oil level indicator hot to touch).