2010 ST transmission fluid

Can a knowledgeable member answer this question? To check transmission fluid level Should the oil be checked while the engine is running oil hot? Or check it cold? I’ve been told it needs to be running and hot. I’ve also been told cold.

Check it when it's hot. But be careful not to burn yourself on the exhaust.

Yes try and get warm, short drive works best, pressure in lines etc, i will check cold to feel the fluid and see if its dirty but check level after a quick drive. amsoil and other reps have stated the same and not when to hot. they say fluid will show slightly low when to hot, i have never noticed this but makes since.

Replaced the quick coupler on the bottom of the radiator. Transmission line has been leaking for a few months now. Started it and let it run for 15 minutes or so. Started taking the filler plug on the bottom of the trans out. Oil started running out. Mechanic says it’s full. How could that be? It’s been leaking for months. Looks like it’d have to be low. Another mechanic said check it cold. Oil expands when hot.

Rkb53 said:

Check it when it's hot. But be careful not to burn yourself on the exhaust.

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Thank you for the reply

curtis james said:

Yes try and get warm, short drive works best, pressure in lines etc, i will check cold to feel the fluid and see if its dirty but check level after a quick drive. amsoil and other reps have stated the same and not when to hot. they say fluid will show slightly low when to hot, i have never noticed this but makes since.

Click to expand...

Thank you for the reply

Stupidest thing ever for FORD to have not put a traditional oil tube and dipstick on these as well as others. Only new FORD I've ever owned and it is the last I'll ever buy! I like my Sport Trac but some things FORD designed or equipped these with is questionable IMO!

I agree. I couldn’t believe it didn’t have a dipstick to check or a way to add fluid without having to pay to put it on the rack. Minimal $85. I’ve had it to different oil changer’s. And I noticed on the bill, they
Never check off the transmission check. I asked a couple why. And was told it didn’t have a drain plug and didn’t know themselves how to check it. That was another red flag.

Well i have to disagree to agree, i have seen many odd and hard to check items, i never liked the way you have to climb under a vehicle to check differentials but the need to add trans fluid is very rare unless your having issues which fluid change is in the 60k range, is it more convenient to have a huge colored handled that say check here, well sure, is it needed, NO.if we are on that level then i would rather be able to see fluids in neon green to make it more visible.

Years ago I worked at a filling station. The mechanic said to check when it was up to running temperature. He said that the best way to know that the pump is running is to have it in gear. Also should put the shifter in every gear and then leave it in drive. Your Ford may be different but I had to check many different cars then. (In gear, be careful).
Ed

I can still remember the old days checking fluids in az on a hot day with a hot engine.. i did it back when full service was a thing. even doing fleet maintenance more recent has no comparison to those days..

Hot it is then. Thanks to everyone that replied much appreciated

1. Drive the vehicle until the transmission is at operating temperature and make sure it is level.
2. When the parking gearbox and engine are idling, remove the oil level check plug from the middle of the gearbox chassis
3. There are two plugs, one inside the other. The oil check plug is located in the center of the 3/16in hex key. Note: When full, oil should drip from the hole
4. Remove the internal fuel plug from the gearbox. Hold the outer nut with a wrench to prevent all fluid from draining.
5. Install the transmission fluid filling connector.
6. Enter the transmission to the correct liquid level to add liquid in small increments, and keep checking until the liquid drips slowly.
7. Remove the gearbox oil filling adapter.
8. There will be some leakage, this is normal, you should let this happen in order to reach the appropriate level.
9. Reinstall the internal filler plug in the gearbox.

its really simple just lift it on stands level

Transmission should be checked at operating temperature and with the engine running. Depending on what you have depends on how you check it. Some you pull the dipstick and some you remove a sight plug.

Phil Frady said:

Transmission should be checked at operating temperature and with the engine running. Depending on what you have depends on how you check it. Some you pull the dipstick and some you remove a sight plug.

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There is no dipstick or sight plug!

2001-2005 have a dipstick
07-10 V6 use the center plug test method in the pan.
07-10 V8 HAS a small dipstick on the passenger side of the trans UNDER The 18 or 19MM hex plug on the passenger side. If the stick is gone its dry rotted and broke or some one left it out.
PERIOD !!!

Todd Z said:

2001-2005 have a dipstick
07-10 V6 use the center plug test method in the pan.
07-10 V8 HAS a small dipstick on the passenger side of the trans UNDER The 18 or 19MM hex plug on the passenger side. If the stick is gone its dry rotted and broke or some one left it out.
PERIOD !!!

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I have a 2004 and there's no dipstick... It's the 5R55 and I've had them apart a few times swapping solenoid packs and valve bodies. But definitely NO dipstick

Thanks for the help. Much appreciated

2004 has a dipstick. Unless some one removed yours. The 5r55e has a dipstick. I had a 2004 too. How do you fill your then?? The pan plug?

So with all you super smart sport trac. owners out there, how come none of you have found or made a transmission dip stick tube yet. You could design and patten the idea and make millions on this. So what are you guys waiting for. Todd, rally the troops.....!!!!!!