2002 mustang missing trans dipstick

[mikec35]

I bought this car with 28,000 miles 1 yr ago. Had it at Super lube for an oil change. They came out and told me that they were trying to check the transmission fluid and it was missing the dipstick. I see the tube and it is covered with dust inside as far as you can see by shining a flashlight. This was bought used from the local Ford dealer that supposedly did a 100+ point inspection. How they could check the transmission fluid I do not know. Could this thing develop trans problems since it has sucked dust in? Should I just buy a new dipstick and forget about it or go back and see if they will atleast change my transmission fluid?

 

[n0v8or]

The "100+ point inspection" means the inspection is worth 100+ points, not that they actually check anything besides youir credit score.

 

[SteveC]

If your car is a 5-speed, they have never had a dipstick.



Some other newer Ford automatics (like the Explorers) do not have a dipstick either since they are "maintenance free"

 

[mikec35]

Its an automatic. I should have mentioned in my 1st post. I have purchased a new dipstick and have installed it. I am going to have my transmission fluid changed. Any opinions on the flush method vs. drop the pan and filter?

 

[bdcardinal]

the completely proper way is on crownvic.net http://www.crownvic.net/tech/transservice.htm
they use the same transmission. only thing i recommend is having more fluid on hand. make sure that you use Mercon V only. do not get Dexron3/Mercon with a tube of modifer fluid. that stuff hardly ever works. changing the filter is a really good practice to do. there is a OEM pan for the 4r70w that has a drain plug in it. i think it is used on the econoline vans. having a drain plug in the transpan makes futer services so much easier.

 

[mikec35]

Thats a great article! Thanks.