03 XLS Transmission fluid Change

[jones391]

How do you add transmission fluid to a 03 XLS since there is no dip stick.
Is the fluid Mercon 3?

I want the change the fluid and filter

 

[Curtis]

do a search here for 3rd gen and dipstick and you'll find that its a common complaint.

Ford service manual says the transmission doesnt use fluid, is a sealed unit and doesnt need fluid checked.

I ask the same question as you - what happens when it starts to leak and you need to add fluid?

There is a tool required (although some have made their own) and you will need to suck up fluid, and pump it up thorugh the tool into the trans.

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

Supposedly, if the fluid were to leak, pressure solenoids would prevent the transmission from engaging and/or if it were to happen while driving, the trans. fluid temperature would increase as fluid level decreased, and a warning would illuminate on the dash.

Horrendously stupid idea, but most manufacturers are doing it now. BMW hasn't had a trans. dipstick since the mid-'90s, and their filling procedure is similar.

I remember I zinged a service writer at Volkswagen once when I asked where the tranny dipstick was on a New Beetle, and he told me it was "filled for life". I replied, "The life of the car, or the life of the tranny?" He had no response.

By that logic, anything could be "filled for life"...Even your engine. It just wouldn't have a very long one.

One of these days, I'm going to get around to doing my ATF service. It's not that hard, just a bit messy. I have a real nice suction gun to add the new fluid, and the fitting is nothing more than a threaded hose fitting that could be obtained at a hardware store. The exact dimensions are listed in at least one thread over in the transmissions forum.

These trannies take Mercon V or suitable equivalent such as Pennzoil's Multi-Vehicle ATF. Under no circumstances should Mercon III be used.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Check the sticky in the transmission section called 5R55W fluid fill: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=118654.

 

[jones391]

Thanks Thank really helps.
I also saw the add from Transmission Pros $49.49 in San Diego for a complete fluid, filter and gasket change.
Seems worth it with having to buy a suck gun and adapter nipple with all the mess.

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

For that kind of money, I can almost guarantee they won't be using the correct fluid. Mercon V is over $4/quart. With a quality filter and gasket kit and the proper amount of Mercon V, they'd have close to that in parts alone!
They're probably adding a "water into wine" additive to supposedly convert regular bulk Dex/Merc ATF into Merc V and calling it good enough. If they're even doing that.

I'd ask a few questions before I made the appointment.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Lubegard sells that friction modifier additive.

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

Lubegard sells that friction modifier additive.

That was the stuff I was referring to. Although Lubegard does make some excellent products, most tranny shops at least around this area still don't believe in the whole "one size fits all" ATF with the correct additive to convert to the OEM fluid. The place that builds trannies for our dealership when we need them uses only the correct OEM fluids and no additives. The only instance where a non-OEM fluid was used by them was on a BMW tranny that called for ATF that cost $29/liter, and the tranny took 13 liters to fill!
We used Pennzoil Multi-Vehicle ATF, per the recommendations of some Bimmer nuts, but the shop put no warranty on the tranny because of it.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Lubegard is OEM approved unlike other additives.

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

Lubegard is OEM approved unlike other additives.

True, but I still don't trust it. It might work fine, but by the time you factor in the cost of the additive in addition to the cost of the Dex/Merc ATF, you come out almost at the same money as Merc V, so the way I see it, why bother?

For the extra couple bucks, it's peace of mind to know that the proper OEM-installed fluid is being used.

 

[creef1014]

For that kind of money, I can almost guarantee they won't be using the correct fluid. Mercon V is over $4/quart. With a quality filter and gasket kit and the proper amount of Mercon V, they'd have close to that in parts alone!
They're probably adding a "water into wine" additive to supposedly convert regular bulk Dex/Merc ATF into Merc V and calling it good enough. If they're even doing that.

I'd ask a few questions before I made the appointment.

Thats a very bold accusation to make with no basis. Lots of shops are running deals like these because

(a) they don't pay anywhere near retail prices for the fluid especially since they to do large volumes of work because of the price

and

(b) some take the $2-$3 profit per car knowing that you'll come back for major repairs

and

(c) all mechanics aren't crooks

Paying more doesn't always mean getting more or better (see dealer service depts for proof of that)

 

[Squirrelmaster]

True, but I still don't trust it. It might work fine, but by the time you factor in the cost of the additive in addition to the cost of the Dex/Merc ATF, you come out almost at the same money as Merc V, so the way I see it, why bother?

For the extra couple bucks, it's peace of mind to know that the proper OEM-installed fluid is being used.

Be careful when you go to a Ford dealer for service then, because many of them do use Lubegard. Just an FYI.

Tom

 

[muzzymaniac]

Way to beat up a 3 year old thread

 

[Squirrelmaster]

Way to beat up a 3 year old thread

Hahaha!! Good eye. I normally catch that kind of stuff myself, but I missed it this time. Dang it!

Tom