Transmission fluid low? - Ford Forums

ricksaint · 10-13-2009, 10:43

My vehicle is a 2004 Freestar.

I know now that the manual recommends to check the transmission fluid level after driving the vehicle for 20 miles.

Yesterday, before I read the manual, I checked it after only a 3 mile drive, and the level was below the low mark. If the fluid was hot, I know the level would have been higher.

Do you think it's safe to drive the van like that for 20 miles, and to check the level properly afterwards?

Do you think that the level will be OK, and that it showed low because it wasn't the proper temperature?

Thanks.

**rtg143** · 10-13-2009, 10:54

You are correct, it can be driven 29 miles. When you get there, check the level, if the dipstick isn't almost to hot to touch, it will be a little low on the stick. When it's almost to hot to touch, it should be at normal.

ricksaint · 10-13-2009, 11:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtg143

You are correct, it can be driven 29 miles. When you get there, check the level, if the dipstick isn't almost to hot to touch, it will be a little low on the stick. When it's almost to hot to touch, it should be at normal.

So you are saying that it showed low on the dipstick because it was cold. After I drive it for 29 miles it will probably check OK?

ricksaint · 10-13-2009, 12:22

I just thought of that now. When I checked the level, it was in neutral. Could that have made it check low?
I know now that I was supposed to check it in park.

**rtg143** · 10-13-2009, 13:01

It doesn't matter if it's in neutral or park. The fluid expands when it gets hot and if it's put at the full mark when cold, you'll have leaks from the dipstick or vent when it gets hot. Espacially climbing grades and any load.