tmcolegr

Just remember if the fluid level when cold is within the specs below, it is not low. Once the fluid gets up to operating temp it will be at the bottom of the fill plug hole or higher.

Slowcar281

Thanks for the info and pics! I checked mine both after sitting overnight and after driving 30 miles into work and was never able to touch it either time.

I made sure to add the fluid when it was cold to allow for any expansion, and this was in my brand new truck with less than 250 miles on it.

id be curious for anyone still running the factory fill of gear oil/ transfer case oil to check theirs and see if it’s low and if so, how much.

Nicklaus

My 2019 truck (built April 15th 2019) had correct fluid levels in rear diff and transfer case from factory.

Gray-f150

Are you suppose to check the fluid while the engine is running?

tmcolegr

see step #3 of the attachment

Nicklaus

Unfortunately, yes. That’s the procedure. This
is what makes this process non-appealing being under a running truck, with the noise, heat, tight place to manipulate tiny plug and dipstick while avoiding contamination entering the transmission plug opening. Having an under the hood dipstick would have made this process a lot more easier and comfortable. I guess it was the objective: keep this process uncomfortable in order to keep average customers away of the transmission.

1viking

My transmission was okay. Front diff was okay. Rear diff was low. Transfer case was low. Trans fill plug wasn't excessively tight, I broke it loose with a standard open end/boxed end wrench. I just put it back good and snug, I don't have a crow foot that size to torque it with. No way to get it with a regular socket on standard torque wrench. As for getting dirt in the fill plug, I cleaned around that area good with brake cleaner, and a shop rag prior to removing the plug. Yes, you can do this without a lift. I did it by getting under the truck, and didn't think it was bad at all. The front diff fluid check was much more difficult. That idiotic splash/skid guard, was the worst part. That thing is hateful to remove/replace, both the main one, and the small one under the front diff. I didn't get burned, but I can see why it would be easy to do so. I didn't even wear gloves, I can't do stuff like manipulate that tiny dipstick with gloves on. I won't argue about the factory filling stuff by computer, but many on here have reported low transmission fluid, and no mention of a leak. I guess mistakes occur in even the most controlled environments.

I don't see where the trans fluid check is that difficult on an F-150. If I can do it, most anybody else can too. I'm nobody special. I suspect that checking the fluid in a Mustang would be much more difficult, and would require raising the car at least some.

elptxjc

Seems like if we're going to check fluid levels, might as well check ALL OF THEM. And since it's a bit confusing, let me list each one, and one of the resident experts can correct if I put something wrong. I have an additional question that nobody has stated: Is the transmission dipstick (tne 'little' one under the cap) screws in place, or is just pushed??? I ask because if it's screwed in, do you check the level by screwing it all the way in, or just resting the threads without screwing it? And what I plan on doing to check fluid levels is to remove all belly pans and transmission cap before using the truck to heat up the tranny, to minimize chances of getting burned. Here is the list of fluids to check:

1. TRANSMISSION: Fully hot (200+F), engine running (level 'B', or between '5' and '6').
2. TRANSFER CASE: Cold, engine off.
3. FRONT DIFF: Cold, engine off.
4. REAR DIFF: Cold, engine off.

Please correct if wrong. Thanks.

1viking

Looks right to me , but I would advise you to reference the trans fluid check procedure, the PDF file for this has been posted on this forum a couple of times. That is the way I did it, removed the splash guards, made sure the trans check plug wasn't stuck, checked/topped up all the other fluids, then drove the truck to heat up the transmission. The actual little plastic dipstick pulls out of the fill plug, wipe it off with a clean, no lint cloth, then you insert just the plastic dipstick until it bottoms out in the fill hole, remove it and read the level. That fluid check procedure PDF is in post # 4 of this thread. I didn't get burned, but be aware that EVERYTHING around there is plenty hot enough burn you, not just the exhaust. The exhaust is the hottest, but the trans housing, fill plug, fluid cooler, and coolant lines are all quite hot enough to burn you. Good luck!