No fluid in PTU

[shafiro]

So I read about the PTU problems, and the recommended fluid change every 30K. I have no problems with mine so far, but decided to take it to the garage and ask them to do it. When I got there, the guy opened the draining plug (it was stinking) and no fluid came out. He then told me he filled it up again and it is good to go.
Please help me understand: How is it possible that no fluid came out? Was he supposed to pump out the liquid first?

 

[MattMPA]

Does yours have a "drain plug" or a "fill plug"?

 

[peterk9]

If the fluid was so low that nothing drained out, it may be an idea to have it drained and filled again after a few miles. Have you noticed any oil type spots where you usually park?

Peter

 

[shafiro]

Does yours have a "drain plug" or a "fill plug"?

Thanks. I am not sure. It had only 1 plug, the guy said it is used for both filling and draining.

 

[shafiro]

If the fluid was so low that nothing drained out, it may be an idea to have it drained and filled again after a few miles. Have you noticed any oil type spots where you usually park?

Peter

Thank you Peter.
Did not notice any oil spots. Did you mean to try and pump out the liquid, drive a few miles and refill? Is is OK to drive a few miles with no liquid?

 

[Mbrooks420]

Thank you Peter.
Did not notice any oil spots. Did you mean to try and pump out the liquid, drive a few miles and refill? Is is OK to drive a few miles with no liquid?

He means to drain and fill, and then drain at a short interval to “flush” the old fluid out.

 

[MattMPA]

Thanks. I am not sure. It had only 1 plug, the guy said it is used for both filling and draining.

If there's only one....it's likely the fill plug. The lubricant shouldn't come flowing out when that plug is removed. It should barely trickle out when "full"...that;'s how it's checked...
I guess some do it...but I can't imagine trying to put the fluid back in through a lower drain plug. I'd also expect that if the PTU was completely drained and empty that the PTU would be shot.
I'd suggest talking to your tech and find out where the plug he is discussing is really located. Then, we can help you better. Many Ford dealers refuse to service these, so I can understand how an independent tech isn't familiar.

 

[shafiro]

He means to drain and fill, and then drain at a short interval to “flush” the old fluid out.

Thank you. I understand.

If there's only one....it's likely the fill plug. The lubricant shouldn't come flowing out when that plug is removed. It should barely trickle out when "full"...that;'s how it's checked...
I guess some do it...but I can't imagine trying to put the fluid back in through a lower drain plug. I'd also expect that if the PTU was completely drained and empty that the PTU would be shot.
I'd suggest talking to your tech and find out where the plug he is discussing is really located. Then, we can help you better. Many Ford dealers refuse to service these, so I can understand how an independent tech isn't familiar.

Thanks. I will go take some photos and post here.

 

[MattMPA]

Thank you. I understand.


Thanks. I will go take some photos and post here.

It's obvious. The "Drain" plug is at the bottom....you'll need to look around the catalytic converters to see the "fill" plug.