Check Transmission Fluid Level and Condition
Check Transmission Fluid Level and ConditionCAUTION: The vehicle should not be driven if the transmission fluid level is below the bottom line on the transmission fluid level indicator and the ambient temperature is above 10° C (50° F).
NOTE: Transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an accurate transmission fluid level check, drive the vehicle until normal operating temperature is reached, approximately 30 km (20 mi).
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic, during hot weather or while pulling a trailer the vehicle should be turned OFF for approximately 30 minutes to allow the transmission fluid to cool before checking.
NOTE: Incorrect transmission fluid level may affect the transaxle operation and could result in transaxle damage.
The transmission fluid level reading on the transmission fluid level indicator will differ depending on operating and ambient temperatures.
The correct reading should be within the normal operating temperature range.
Transmission Fluid Level Check
NOTE: The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating temperature 80° C - 93° C (175° F - 200° F) on a level surface. Normal operating temperature can be reached after approximately 32 km (20 mi) of driving and can be checked using the scan tool.
Under normal circumstances the transmission fluid level should be checked during normal maintenance.
If the transaxle starts to slip, shifts slowly or shows signs of transmission fluid leaking, the transmission fluid level should be checked.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 mi) or until the vehicle reaches normal operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With your foot on the brake, start the engine and move the selector lever through all the gear ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Place the selector lever in PARK and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the transmission fluid level indicator and wipe it clean with a lint free cloth.
6. Install the transmission fluid level indicator, making sure that it is fully seated in the transmission filler tube.
7. Remove the transmission fluid level indicator. The transmission fluid should be within the designated areas.
High Transmission Fluid Level
A transmission fluid level that is too high may cause the transmission fluid to become aerated due to the churning action of the rotating internal parts.
This will cause erratic control pressure, foaming, loss of transmission fluid from the vent tube and possible transaxle malfunction and/or damage.
Low Transmission Fluid Level
A low transmission fluid level could result in poor transaxle engagement, slipping, malfunction and/or damage. This could also indicate a leak in one of the transaxle seals or gaskets.
Adding Transmission Fluid
CAUTION: Motorcraft MERCON(R) LV, MERCON(R) V, MERCON(R) SP, Motorcraft Premium Automatic Transmission Fluid, Motorcraft Continuously Variable Chain Type Transmission Fluid and FNR5 Automatic Transmission Fluid are not interchangeable transmission fluids. The use of any transmission fluid other than what is recommended for this transaxle will cause transaxle damage.
If transmission fluid needs to be added, add transmission fluid in 0.25L (1/2 pt) increments through the transmission filler tube. Do not overfill the transmission fluid. For transmission fluid type, refer to the specification chart.
Transmission Fluid Condition Check
1. Check the transmission fluid level.
2. Observe the color and the odor. The color under normal circumstances should be a dark red color, not brown or black or have a burnt odor.
3. Hold the transmission fluid level indicator over a white facial tissue and allow the transmission fluid to drip onto the facial tissue and examine the stain.
4. If evidence of solid material is found, the transmission fluid pan should be removed for further inspection.
5. If transmission fluid contamination or transaxle failure is confirmed by the sediment in the bottom of the transmission fluid pan, repair the transaxle and clean the transmission fluid cooler tubes and transmission fluid cooler.
6. If the transaxle is to be overhauled or if installing a new transaxle, the transmission fluid cooler must be backflushed.