My tailgate lock recently broke on my 2009 Platinum so I ordered another cylinder online and had it match my existing key. Anyway that process took about a week. I drove my 2006 FX4 in the mean time. The lock came in today and after installing and testing it I was exciting to move my stuff back to my Platinum. As I walked around the truck I noticed a huge puddle of what looks like transmission fluid. I crawled under and took some pictures. Looks like maybe the gasket is leaking. I wanted to check with you all.

 

A pan gasket leaking that suddenly and severely is uncommon, check the electrical connector on the back of the trans and check the cooler lines just to make sure it isn't leaking from above and leaking down to the pan.

 

I agree! If the pan were leaking that badly, you would have been seeing drips prior to finding such a large puddle.

 

Follow the trail. Mine appeared to be coming from everywhere like that, turned out to be one o ring. See sig.

 

I fixed my transmission bulkhead connector too. If you Google it there's lots of info. Brief summary is when: happens when the truck is left for an extended period of time (I was on vacation for a week) and the connector is up high so the fluid can appear to drip from basically anywhere lower.
I did a transmission fluid and filter change at the same time. Never had done it myself before..wasn't a bad job. Adding fluid by the hot exhaust wasn't the most fun though

 

^^^ This. I just had to replace my bulkhead connector sleeve as well for a slightly smaller leak.

 

In a effort to save time over money I took it up to the local mechanic. He just called and said its the "pass through". Is that the same thing you are talking about? He said he'll have to drop the pan and remove the clip and will put a new filter while hes in there. It'll need new fluid and the total expense will be $285-$325. I'm not super mechanical so pardon my terminology.

 

Yes, same thing. Search bulkhead connector on the forums here and you’ll find a ton of info. Your mechanic is correct, the pan needs to be dropped so you may as well replace the filter while you’re in there.

 

Ok fellas...bulkhead connector is replaced now the trucks won’t start. Anti-theft light blinks in the dash. We tried my spare key and after market remote start....thoughts?

 

Did you mess with the electrical system at all?