Transmission Fluid Fill

[TheJackal]

Sorry for this seeming stupid question, but...

Did a pan drop on the 99 Explorer yesterday. I put in 3 quarts of Mercon V ATF but it looked like it could use more. I added a fourth quart and it still looks like it isn't full yet. How much fluid are you supposed to add? Chilton manual says 3 quarts but from what I see it could use more. Please let me know; I do not want to overfill the transmission.

 

[Blee1099]

Let the truck warm up and then check the fluid on level ground. Typically it should be 3-4 quarts for a simple pan drop & filter. Since you already put 3 in, I would first check it after its warm and then slowly add 1/4 quart at a time till it registers unless it registers on the dip stick.

 

[TheJackal]

Let the truck warm up and then check the fluid on level ground. Typically it should be 3-4 quarts for a simple pan drop & filter. Since you already put 3 in, I would first check it after its warm and then slowly add 1/4 quart at a time till it registers unless it registers on the dip stick.

That's what I did this morning, added ¼ of the 4th quart at a time until the whole 4th quart was in, still can't get it to show on the dipstick. I took the car for a drive and it seemed OK, but after getting back I checked and it was just at the very tip of the dipstick. I do need to drive this car around a bit tomorrow so I want to make sure I have the right amount of fluid inside.

It's not leaking out, either, I checked for that.

 

[aldive]

Keep adding small amounts till you reach the proper level.

 

[FordTony]

Also you want to make sure the truck is actually running when you check the fluid level for the tranny

 

[TheJackal]

Yes, it's running, and I shift through all the gears to make sure, I added a little at a time, until I eventually ended up adding a 5th quart. All seems to be OK, I was getting a reading on the dipstick. I checked again after coming home from the grocery store and didn't see much on the dipstick but then again it's night now and it's hard to tell. But I don't think I'll be adding anymore considering that I really don't think I took 5 quarts out. I drove on it today for a while and didn't have any trouble.

 

[daffy]

Could it have been low when you started?

I'd make sure that it is properly filled.

 

[TheJackal]

No, it didn't appear to be low. I had checked it with the engine running before attempting the service so it shouldn't have been. I think the real problem is my driveway isn't exactly level. Though my street isn't either. I'll try turning it around tomorrow and see what kind of reading I get that time.

 

[FordTony]

This is a strange problem...the only other thing I can think of is that maybee the dipstick isn't seating properly......when you put it back in wiggle it around and make sure its going all the way in.

 

[TheJackal]

Went to the Pepboys parking lot to check, and it looks like it's filled OK now, maybe a little more than it should be but OK. I couldn't believe my driveway is sloped that much, it doesn't seem like it. Seems to shift just fine now, too, no shuddering and a lot smoother operation.