• Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech

TR-3650 ACTUAL FILL LEVEL?

  • Thread starter Thread starter smokin91'
  • Start date Start date Oct 8, 2007
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last

smokin91'

New Member
Feb 19, 2006
204
2
0
Oct 8, 2007
#1
  • Oct 8, 2007
  • #1
So i went out and bought 4 bottles of RP Synchromesh and am going to swap out the fluid this coming weekend.

WHAT IS THE CORRECT/BEST AMOUNT OF FLUID???? I have seen many different levels.

The Ford TSB Recommends 3.0 Liters but the manual for the TR-3650 specifies the fill level at 3.8 liters as does the owners manual that came with my car (2002) GT.

What fluid levels are you guys running? Also id like to hear some feedback from anyone running the RP synchromesh that I will be using.
 
D

darkside03gt

Member
Feb 19, 2007
851
8
18
Sacramento CA
Oct 8, 2007
#2
  • Oct 8, 2007
  • #2
make sure the car is LEVEL and fill it till it spills out my tranny took all 4qts to fill.
 
G

GettinThere

Member
Jul 29, 2005
553
1
19
Central Texas
Oct 8, 2007
#3
  • Oct 8, 2007
  • #3
According to TSB 04-15-6, publcation date July 20, 2004:

"Fill the transmission with 3.0 liters (6.3 pints) of Motorcraft Mercon ATF (XT-2-QDX). The full fill level is approximately 19 mm (0.75") below the fill hole."

I did this last weekend, through the shifter, but I used Mobil 1.
 

smokin91'

New Member
Feb 19, 2006
204
2
0
Oct 8, 2007
#4
  • Oct 8, 2007
  • #4
There we go again contradicting things, one guy 3 liters another 4 quarts. I think im going to go with the 4 quarts becuase I belive that tremec operation manual would be right over fords TSB.

Does anyone know what the fill spec in the 2004 Owners manual says?
 

Superhereaux

chicks make me feel inadequate
Founding Member
Jul 30, 2002
538
3
59
South Texas
Oct 8, 2007
#5
  • Oct 8, 2007
  • #5
smokin91' said:
I think im going to go with the 4 quarts becuase I belive that tremec operation manual would be right over fords TSB.
Click to expand...

the TSB is updated information. it was issued because the original level (found in the Tremec operation manual) was incorrect


i'd go with the most up to date info available, the TSB
 
S

SilverBullet00

New Member
Jul 5, 2004
1,150
0
0
Wichita, KS
Oct 8, 2007
#6
  • Oct 8, 2007
  • #6
When I put in 3.2qts it sounded like my tranny was going to grind itself to death. When I put in ~4qts it sounded much smoother.

With the factory fluid i had a hard time getting the tranny in second gear. When I switched to 4qts of dino fluid it shifted much smoother, but made the tranny sound louder (more of a metal on metal sound).

I dont know, I am waiting for mine to blow up so I can get a t-56......
 

smokin91'

New Member
Feb 19, 2006
204
2
0
Oct 8, 2007
#7
  • Oct 8, 2007
  • #7
What is the factory fill level on the '04's?
 
S

SilverBullet00

New Member
Jul 5, 2004
1,150
0
0
Wichita, KS
Oct 8, 2007
#8
  • Oct 8, 2007
  • #8
smokin91' said:
What is the factory fill level on the '04's?
Click to expand...

Thats what the debate is... seems anywhere from 3-4 qts
 

smokin91'

New Member
Feb 19, 2006
204
2
0
Oct 8, 2007
#9
  • Oct 8, 2007
  • #9
Can someone with an 04 check their owners manual?
 
G

GettinThere

Member
Jul 29, 2005
553
1
19
Central Texas
Oct 9, 2007
#10
  • Oct 9, 2007
  • #10
smokin91' said:
Can someone with an 04 check their owners manual?
Click to expand...

http://myford.fordvehicles.com

You may be able to log on to this site, input some info, and download an owners manual. I'm also curious what the 2004 manual says. Hope this helps.
 

SVT32VDOHC

waiting for the next hack atta
Founding Member
Nov 22, 2001
3,501
28
119
Motor City
Oct 9, 2007
#11
  • Oct 9, 2007
  • #11
Dude, just pull the top fill plug out. FIll it through the shifter, when it is done leaking out the fill hole, put the plug in, seal the shifter and put it in, then go for a ride. That is all. Now guess work.
 

Silvergto2

Member
Jun 8, 2005
179
1
16
UTAH
Oct 9, 2007
#12
  • Oct 9, 2007
  • #12
I'm not a technician or a mechanic, but from what I've read and personal experience I would say to the thread starter to fill it up using only 3.2 quarts. I had the same problem in my 02 GT but I replaced the shifter with the MGW one and drained and refilled the tranny fluid with RP Syncromax and used 3.2 quarts and the problem is 90% gone. When its cold, its still an issue from 1 to 2 but I've learned how to gently shift it until it warms up, then its smooth with no grinding at all. I came to the conclusion a long time ago that this transmission is crap and that later on i'll upgrade to something else.
 

bullitt 736

Member
Jan 16, 2004
120
0
17
Magnolia, Texas
Oct 9, 2007
#13
  • Oct 9, 2007
  • #13
Silvergto2 said:
I'm not a technician or a mechanic, but from what I've read and personal experience I would say to the thread starter to fill it up using only 3.2 quarts. I had the same problem in my 02 GT but I replaced the shifter with the MGW one and drained and refilled the tranny fluid with RP Syncromax and used 3.2 quarts and the problem is 90% gone. When its cold, its still an issue from 1 to 2 but I've learned how to gently shift it until it warms up, then its smooth with no grinding at all. I came to the conclusion a long time ago that this transmission is crap and that later on i'll upgrade to something else.
Click to expand...

Ford specifies Motorcraft Mercon ATF (XT-2-QDX) in their TSB for the 3650. Tremec recommended Texaco Dexron III. I've used Mobil 1 and now I have Royal Purple. The main thing is the quantity. 3.2 quarts. Do not overfill. Synchromesh is incorrect regardless.
 

hotdog71

Member
Dec 8, 2004
427
0
16
Seattle, Eastside
Oct 10, 2007
#14
  • Oct 10, 2007
  • #14
Hi All,

I had the TSB done on mine 03 over 2yrs ago and have to say Ford did 3 qts pre TSB and yes it's sounds louder then before they did the TSB work, but no clunck and grind from 1 to 2nd.

I guess they changed the fill level for a reason
 

smokin91'

New Member
Feb 19, 2006
204
2
0
Oct 10, 2007
#15
  • Oct 10, 2007
  • #15
hotdog71 said:
Hi All,

I had the TSB done on mine 03 over 2yrs ago and have to say Ford did 3 qts pre TSB and yes it's sounds louder then before they did the TSB work, but no clunck and grind from 1 to 2nd.

I guess they changed the fill level for a reason
Click to expand...

I have the Premium Care Extended warranty until 100,000KM, my car currently has 61000km on it and im having a hell of a time to get ford to perform the TSB.

What did you have to do to get yours done? I dont know what else they need me to prove, shift from first to second *CLUNKKKK*. Does EXACTLY what the TSB says the problem is, yet I still get the runaround from ford. Im getting really pissed off.
 

Superhereaux

chicks make me feel inadequate
Founding Member
Jul 30, 2002
538
3
59
South Texas
Oct 10, 2007
#16
  • Oct 10, 2007
  • #16
smokin91' said:
I have the Premium Care Extended warranty until 100,000KM, my car currently has 61000km on it and im having a hell of a time to get ford to perform the TSB.

What did you have to do to get yours done? I dont know what else they need me to prove, shift from first to second *CLUNKKKK*. Does EXACTLY what the TSB says the problem is, yet I still get the runaround from ford. Im getting really pissed off.
Click to expand...

a warranty is a warranty, have them fix it. talk to the service manger and ask why they're so reluctant to do it. don't be a dick about it, just ask and more than likely you'll get what you want

at least that's how it works in my shop. my service manager ALWAYS kisses the customers ass for fear of a bad score (bad score = low paycheck)


worse comes to worse take it elsewhere. BUT, if you have messed with the trans in ANYWAY they can deny your claim and there's nothing you can do about it
 

smokin91'

New Member
Feb 19, 2006
204
2
0
Oct 10, 2007
#17
  • Oct 10, 2007
  • #17
Superhereaux said:
a warranty is a warranty, have them fix it. talk to the service manger and ask why they're so reluctant to do it. don't be a dick about it, just ask and more than likely you'll get what you want

at least that's how it works in my shop. my service manager ALWAYS kisses the customers ass for fear of a bad score (bad score = low paycheck)


worse comes to worse take it elsewhere. BUT, if you have messed with the trans in ANYWAY they can deny your claim and there's nothing you can do about it
Click to expand...


Only thing done to the trans was a fluid change to the correct type and level as stated in the TSB at A COST TO MY WALLET! When they were reluctant to perform the TSB I had them(Ford) change the fluid to see if it would fix the problem, but it didnt. So from 4 months ago there is record of that and my complaint in their computer, so at least i have something to back it up.

Also the tranny tech that they say has to test drive it CANT DRIVE STANDARD, how the hell is someone that doesnt drive standard supposed to know what its supposed to feel like.
 

smokin91'

New Member
Feb 19, 2006
204
2
0
Oct 10, 2007
#18
  • Oct 10, 2007
  • #18
OK I just got back from the dealership, Next tuesday I am dropping my car off at night, and the tranny tech and (my idea) a service tech that owns a mustang are Both going to take it for a test drive. By leaving it overnight i can guarantee both of them will experiece the clunk/grind because first thing in the morning it takes at least 20 mins for it to get a bit better.

The first time they shift from 1st to 2nd that should be enough for them to at least say "Hey this thing definatly doesnt shift right". Once they have verified what I already know, then Im going to bring up the TSB.

Hopefully all goes well, Ill keep you guys posted. Im not going to let up until something is done about this.. and going to another dealership, screw that. I shouldnt have to walk around on eggshells to try and get a problem that ford acknowledges fixed.

I didnt pay all this money for a car to have it shift like a piece of chit and make me cringe everytime i do the 1-2 shift. I can live with notchy but i cant live with grinding.
 

hotdog71

Member
Dec 8, 2004
427
0
16
Seattle, Eastside
Oct 10, 2007
#19
  • Oct 10, 2007
  • #19
smokin91' said:
I have the Premium Care Extended warranty until 100,000KM, my car currently has 61000km on it and im having a hell of a time to get ford to perform the TSB.

What did you have to do to get yours done? I dont know what else they need me to prove, shift from first to second *CLUNKKKK*. Does EXACTLY what the TSB says the problem is, yet I still get the runaround from ford. Im getting really pissed off.
Click to expand...

I had to convince them the issue was there first, so I had them keep my car over night and test drive it first thing in the morning and sure enough clunk and grind was heard.

I also took down the service TSB number that was posted on here and gave it to dealer service manager when I took the car in for diagnositc. Plus I basically told them I didn't want the car back if they didn't get it fixed since it was under warranty,, a discussion I had with the service manager and he was very helpfull after that.

One thing to note, it took them basically 2 weeks to get everything together to complete the job, would have been handy to know before they took my gear box out I had a loaner for 2 weeks
Note I put my stock shifter back on before I took it in for diagnosis.

Be nice but firm and talk to the service manager luck the others have said.

good luck
 

smokin91'

New Member
Feb 19, 2006
204
2
0
Oct 10, 2007
#20
  • Oct 10, 2007
  • #20
Hopefully next tues they hear the sound that I hear all the time. Its not only the sound though, the feeling that it makes going into 2nd gear makes me want to skip 2nd gear all together. Plus there is a tech that drives mustangs as well as the tranny tech going for the ride.

I have a feeling they are going to try and pull some funny business on me and give me the run-around.

If they fix it without giving me a hard time or making me jump through hoops I will be pleasantly surprised.
 
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Drivetrain 83’ Glx convertible C5 Trans help!
  • JacksonJared2113
  • Dec 25, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
2
Views
354
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Dec 26, 2025
JacksonJared2113
C
Progress Thread 2004 Comp Orange GT
  • ctandc
  • Jun 26, 2023
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • 2 3
Replies
56
Views
5K
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Jun 1, 2026
ctandc
C
8.8 Axle Gear Oil and Modifier Question
  • Red50Fox
  • May 18, 2020
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
13
Views
16K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- May 19, 2020
96pushrod
C
Engine Turbo 306 Running Hot
  • CPalmer72
  • Aug 14, 2019
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
16
Views
3K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Aug 21, 2019
CPalmer72
C
R
Fox Closed PCV System, Dual Valve Catch Can
  • RTW0223
  • Dec 6, 2019
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
3
Views
14K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Dec 30, 2021
jay98
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?