Hey everyone, I recently did a drain and fill on my car’s transmission. I drained about 4 quarts of cold fluid and refilled with 4 quarts. I’d like to confirm if it’s at the right level. Does anyone know the correct way to check the transmission fluid level?
You should run the vehicle until it’s hot. There’s a plug near the front driver’s side axle. With the engine running, pull the plug. When the fluid stops dripping out, it means it’s full.
Lake said:
You should run the vehicle until it’s hot. There’s a plug near the front driver’s side axle. With the engine running, pull the plug. When the fluid stops dripping out, it means it’s full.
Thanks for the info!
Lake said:
You should run the vehicle until it’s hot. There’s a plug near the front driver’s side axle. With the engine running, pull the plug. When the fluid stops dripping out, it means it’s full.
If the fluid level is too low, it will drip slower or not at all.
Here’s a helpful video on the process: https://youtu.be/rvljKBa9rIs?si=_9ebYKkgoTMh8K2n
It’s a bit of a hassle. First, you need to drive it for about 10 miles so it’s fully warmed up. After that, you’ll need to remove the driver’s wheel to access the level plug. Make sure the car is level before removing the wheel (measure the ride height). You’ll need a long extension with an Allen bit to remove the plug while the engine is running. Also, leave the underbody shield off so it can drain into a pan, but keep the rear 3 bolts in place to hold the diaper up.
Doesn’t the car have a dipstick for the transmission? What year is your Escape?
Hale said:
Doesn’t the car have a dipstick for the transmission? What year is your Escape?
No dipstick for transmission, it’s a 2017 model.
Hale said:
Doesn’t the car have a dipstick for the transmission? What year is your Escape?
Many newer cars with automatic transmissions have sealed systems, so there’s no easy way to check the fluid for owners.
Hale said:
Doesn’t the car have a dipstick for the transmission? What year is your Escape?
Nope, that would make it too easy! It’s a Ford Escape, so working on it is always complicated. Typical Ford design.
