How to Check the Fluid Level on a Ford 5R55X Transmission

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Drive the vehicle for 10-15 minutes to warm it up.

   No need to get racy, just bring it up to operating temperature. , Give yourself enough room to work, and make sure it is both secure and level. , Stop in each position and allow the transmission to engage. ,, Make sure the vehicle is stable.
   
   Get out and leave it idling in PARK and with the brake set. , Carefully crawl under the vehicle.
   
   Warning:
   The hot exhaust pipes will burn you in an instant! Move slowly and carefully; no need to rush. , Bring rags. , Don't loosen that larger plug or you'll be walking! The fluid that will come out will be very hot! , A little bit of fluid should dribble out
   - this is normal. , The transmission needs to have fluid actively being pumped into all the passages.
2. 2

   Step 2: When you get back to your garage or favorite shade tree

   ,,,,, You just need to be patient for a couple of minutes until the flood subsides, then wrap it up. ,, If the level is in the crosshatch area, you are good.
   
   If it's low, add til full.
   
   If it smells burnt, have it flushed.
   
   No need to crawl under the vehicle to check the level unless you have a manual transmission.
3. 3

   Step 3: drive it up on equal-height ramps or blocks.

4. 4

   Step 4: Move the range selector lever slowly through each gear.

5. 5

   Step 5: Place the range selector lever in the PARK position.

6. 6

   Step 6: Set the emergency brake.

7. 7

   Step 7: Don your protective gear.

8. 8

   Step 8: Position your drain pan underneath the drain.

9. 9

   Step 9: Hold the larger drain plug with a wrench and remove the small (center) fluid level indicating plug using the Torx bit.

10. 10

    Step 10: Keep the motor running until you have replaced the drain plug

11. 11

    Step 11: tightening it to 89 inch (226.1 cm)-pounds (hand tight with a screwdriver-handled tool).

12. 12

    Step 12: Keep the motor running.

13. 13

    Step 13: Screw your (clean) fluid pump onto your bottle of high quality transmission fluid.

14. 14

    Step 14: Carefully screw the special Ford transmission plug adapter into the drain hole.

15. 15

    Step 15: Push the output-hose onto the special Ford transmission plug adapter.

16. 16

    Step 16: Carefully pump about half the quart into the transmission

17. 17

    Step 17: then pause to check.

18. 18

    Step 18: Make sure your drip pan is in place

19. 19

    Step 19: then remove the hose and watch for fluid flowing out.

20. 20

    Step 20: Once fluid starts flowing out you're almost done.

21. 21

    Step 21: Keep the motor running until you have replaced the drain plug

22. 22

    Step 22: tightening it to 89 inch (226.1 cm)-pounds (hand tight with a screwdriver-handled tool).

23. 23

    Step 23: With the engine at operating temperature

24. 24

    Step 24: and the transmission in park

25. 25

    Step 25: remove the transmission dipstick located conveniently under the hood.

Detailed Guide

About the Author