Ford Mustang Auto Trans Fluid Level Check - No Dipstick

See how to check the fluid level on the Ford 5R55S 5- Speed Automatic Transmission without a dipstick.

TIMELINE
0:00 Start
0:07 Introduction
0:36 The standpipe type drain plug and fluid level check tube
1:34 Use the proper Ford fluid for your transmission
1:42 Using a scan tool to measure transmission fluid temperature
2:00 The fluid temperature specification = 80-12 degrees F (27-49 C)
2:15 Other conditions required for proper fluid level checking
2:33 Performing the fluid level check on the vehicle
2:45 The transmission oil pan and drain and fluid level check plug
4:50 Removing the fluid level check plug
5:28 We need to add fluid to the transmission
6:18 The Ford special service tool needed to add fluid to the transmission
7:55 Connecting the tool and adding fluid to the transmission
9:20 Checking the level and adding more fluid again
10:11 Checking the level again - We have a slow drip
10:43 Installing the fluid level check plug
11:15 Verifying proper fluid temperature
11:20 Video Summary
11:48 The Ford 6R80 Transmission mini-dipstick

TOOLS NEEDED:
The ATF pump shown in the video is the Mityvac MV6412 ATF Refill System. It can be found on Amazon.com for around $250.

ABOUT US:
Weber State University (WSU) - Department of Automotive Technology - Ardell Brown Technology Wing - Transmission Lab. This episode covers the fluid level checking procedure for the 2007-2010 Ford Mustang and any other 2002-2010 Ford or Lincoln with the 5R55S 5- Speed Automatic Transmission without a dipstick.

This procedure is taught as part of our 2-year associated degree program. For more information on the Weber Automotive program, visit: www.weber.edu/automotive

This video was created and edited by Professor John D. Kelly at WSU. For a full biography, see www.weber.edu/automotive/J_Kelly.html

COMMENTARY:
As an automotive professor, I hear from a lot of people and students who have a negative reaction to this video and wonder why they took away the dipstick. Think about this: if a dipstick is so easy to use, you should be able to answer all of the following questions:
1. At what temperature is the "cold" mark accurate?
2. At what temperature is the "hot" mark accurate?
3. What temperature does the dipstick even refer to? Outside air? Coolant temperature? Transmission fluid temperature?
4. How will you measure that temperature?
5. If the fluid is within the cold mark area marks when it is "cold", is the fluid level okay?
6. if you live in a cold climate area like Alaska, is the "cold" level accurate there? What if you lived in a hot climate area like Central America, is their "cold" mark accurate?

If you cannot answer all of the previous questions, should you be using a dipstick?

Toyota, Chevrolet, Chrysler, BMW, Mercedes, etc. all do the same thing. This is not just a Ford thing. See my other three videos:    • Transmission Fluid Level Checking  

See my dipstick video for details on dipstick usage    • How to use a Transmission Dipstick  

QUESTIONS FOR TEACHERS:
1. Does the vehicle need to be parked on a level surface or an inclined surface?
2. Does the engine need to be running during the fluid level checking procedure?
3. If the engine must be running, at what engine rpm should the fluid level be checked?
4. If the engine must be running at a specified rpm, how will you verify the proper rpm?
5. If the engine must be off, are there any conditions that must be met before checking the fluid level?
6. Are there any procedures or conditions that must be done/met before checking the fluid level?
7. Does the transmission cooler have a bypass valve? If so, how does it affect the ATF fluid level?
8. At what temperature range should the fluid level be checked?
9. What temperature is being referred to in the previous question? Outside air? Coolant temperature? Transmission fluid temperature?
10. How should you measure that temperature?

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