2006 V8 4.6 Trans Pan Drop Problem

[bman289]

Just talked to the mechanic at my local shop (not the dealership) and he won't do a pan drop & new filter on my 06 Explorer due to no dipstick, and issues with refilling the trans. Said he had done one and it was a nightmare to get the fluid back in the trans.

Of course Ford will probably want over $200 for this when my shop would've done it for $99...argh.

Anyone run into this? Is it really that tough to get the trans fluid back in the trans after a pan drop on this model? Is it possible to buy a dipstick tube to put on it or would that be a nightmare in itself? Ford really dropped the ball here - ridiculous to not be able to check your trans fluid...

Thanks!

 

[edwx]

There are plenty of threads on this subject on this site. Well, actually, from what I understand, there is a plug on top of the transmission that can be used to fill it. That's the one my tranny guy used. Also, fluid can be added through the drain/fill plug in the pan. There are several ways to get fluid out and into the tranny. Check the threads on the '02-'05 forum, and the Transmission forum. The Bob Is The Oil Guy site also has a lot on this issue.

 

[bman289]

Plenty of threads but not necessarily from someone that's actually done it on my model & trans. Gettiing the fluid out isn't as problematic (with the pan drop) as getting it back in. Like you, I've heard there's a plug where the dipstick would normally be, but I don't know for sure, so here's hoping someone who's done it can shed some additional light.

Ultimately I'll bet dealerships charge a fortune (will post the dealer estimate asap) so may be money ahead to catch a special at a transmission shop...

 

[swetrid]

The 6speed uses mercon sp which is good for 100k miles. There is a dipstick under the screw in plug on the right side front of transmission. Ford has a special fill tool that looks like a really big J to fill.

 

[edwx]

Agree with Swetrid. The other place to add transmission fluid is in the center of the drain plug. It's a drain plug/fill tube all in one. You remove the fill plug with a 3/16" allen wrench, and pump (I use a small hand pump) the fluid in.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=118654

 

[waskly]

find a different mechanic......

dont take that as me being an ass, but a hes inexperience or just a parts changer.

its not a horrible trans to fill, considering most cars these days are dipstick free.

 

[swetrid]

Agree with Swetrid. The other place to add transmission fluid is in the center of the drain plug. It's a drain plug/fill tube all in one. You remove the fill plug with a 3/16" allen wrench, and pump (I use a small hand pump) the fluid in.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=118654

V8 6 speed transmissions don't have the same drain plug and plug to ck the fluid as the 5 speed transmissions.

 

[dinks07]

its a sealed tranny and has to be pumped back in

 

[edwx]

OK, thanks Swetrid. Good to know. Thought the refill procedure was the same as my 5R55S. Sorry 'bout that.