How to check and fill the automatic transmission on a Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer

[@abdielperez6288]

12 years in the future you are still helping people that should feel great thanks bro I didnt knew that as am looking now at my 2002 ford explorer.💯💯

[@Freedomhawk1776]

Brian, Take as much time as you think is nessesary on your videos. You are a gifted teacher. Very thorough but easy to listen to, easy to understand, and entertaining too. You give lots of the little tips and tricks that are invaluable. Thank you for making these videos.

[@angelastacio]

This video is great nobody knew how to check the fluid in my mountaineer until I saw your video. Thanks. Make them long the more the better.

[@chefchristopher2006]

Thank you for putting this out there for the "Every Man." Informative with humor. Love it! Keep them coming!!!

[@greenusmc05]

You rambled for 8:00 and explained how to check the fluid in 00:23 seconds, but in those seconds I learned more than I have ever learned from a video. I appreciate you.

[@SpyderHeel]

Gotta love the 5R55W. Ford also used this transmission in 2005 and up Mustangs with an automatic. I used to work at a Ford dealership & I bought the special fill tool for them. I think I paid $20 or so for it. Keep up these vids!

[@brendasims5572]

I am a female and that helped me out a lot because I have a Mercury Mountaineer now I understand what he's going to have to go through at the garage to take out my transmission and also I have a few more questions for the man at the garage so yes this video helped me out a lot... Thank you so very much...

[@uglybagofmostlywater9565]

Very good. It not only answered my question of how to check the fluid but a good way to fill the thing. You got to the point and showed relevant information.

[@jakedeforus6779]

If it’s leaking out when you take out the center plug then it’s full. Similar to tundras

[@NancyBeegle]

Yay! Thank you so much for posting this video! Had my 03 Explorer in the shop because the alternator went, and of course, they checked everything else. Told me "no dipstick" to check transmission fluid, that I had to take it to a transmission shop to have it serviced. Lol. Not now! My mechanic, who's much cheaper and more honest, is gong to change the fluid and the filter now. So happy! 😁

[@joewhite8372]

Thanks Brian for posting this. I noticed mine was shifting hard so when I got home I opened the hood to check the fluid and thought I was losing my mind. Off to the dealer it goes for a fluid change.

[@mikeh7593]

I am glad you didn't do a 45 second video. You added lots of good tips.

[@rickargo4950]

For what I needed, that was perfect. Short & right to the point. Thank you. This was a big help.

[@dstill8946]

Very informative. Internal viewing of drain/fill plug was even better. Good job brother. Keep these videos coming for old school shade tree mechanics. Dipstick would have been ALOT easier!

[@vernonfindlay1314]

What was real slick was a drill pump,I spent 6 weeks,after work ,and my weekend's off .In my yard on stands and 2 jacks changed our my /02 explorer transmission, never want to do that again. Happy Sunday, God bless 🇨🇦

[@briansmobile1]

Take care- hope you're doing well!

[@vernonfindlay1314]

@@briansmobile1 Yes you take care,our country's being turned upside down. The wonder of the web,talk to people from all over.I follow a group of hunters in Pennsylvania, put out 3 or videos a year,chat every so often. Have a good Friday, the explorer running well,work at a Ford dealership plenty of good advice.

[@wrmartinez]

Thank you for posting this i have the same exact one and had to change the radiator twice i got it with 94k miles on it it needed a new radiator then i hit something on the freeway so transmission fluid leaked during the changing and haven't had the chance to add but shops wanted to charge 40 bucks saying the process is complicated lol your a life saver

[@Will6226roe]

Your Videos are very good and you dont miss one detail Now I own an Explorer 07 eddie Bauer Super clean and I just cant seem to want to get rid if it!! So my constant Maintenance is a plus but I never understood Why a sealed system was ever invented The only thing its good for is so the Dealerships can Rake customers over the coals and charge A big amount of money to service them …. So guys like you and I do it ourselves and You deliver easy step by step instructions So once again Thanks and ill keep going to you vids when i have a grey area on any repair or maintenance issue!!

[@justinmoore5201]

I use a 2 gallon pump sprayer I bought at Ace hardware to add transmission fluid. The tip on the wand is a perfect fit to the plug hole. I can't get under the running boards on my explorer unless I jack it up and the wand can reach it without me using my jack and jack stands.

[@shawnie2027]

Very helpful! You helped me catch the Midas dudes lie to me and over charge me! It was classic! 🤣 because you were so kind to show all of this I figured I’d just take it in and they would do it but no no no... they saw lil blonde and and thought they could just get away without doing it and I wouldn’t know😳 you should have seen their faces (3 of them 🤥) when they heard me say “how did you fill it?...I mean since it’s a closed system?” They we’re looking everywhere for a dipstick and I didn’t have the heart to say “I’m looking at three of them right now!”😂I was nice🙏but I did get a complete refund from Corp! So thx so much!!! Keep it up!🙏❤️🙏

[@tjkoker]

Video is informative and helped me do the job. Taking the pan off and showing whats inside helped me see what I was working with. Appreciate the time you took to make it.

[@bristolfarms1]

I appreciate the response no matter the time lenght. After researching the web about my Ford, I have determined that it was a mistake buying this truck!! The transmission fluid Ford original chose to use with this truck's trany seems to be what is causing the problem from the start. Someone figured out that the Ford's tranny fluid causes the solenoid responsible for the gears to be able to shift to burn out. 1st time at 33k miles/2nd at 95k $800 x 2=$1600. I'M NEVER BUYING A FORS EVER AGAIN!!

[@hankbridges5055]

The nut is a t-30. Get a fluid pump from Wal-Mart. The fill tool is CTA 7420 and Lubrimatic 55001. It screws into the hole and you connect the pump to the flared end. Pump fluid into the pan. Then warm the engine thru all the gears. Then remove the tubing and let it drain until it dribbles with the engine running. Remove the fitting. Install the torx fitting.

[@Badgirl4life773]

Thanks for the video. Wish you were in MD I'm dealing with transmission problems now and my mechanic can't find anything wrong yet! I looked for the dipstick and couldn't find it figured it was something weird - you confirmed that at least.

[@joemorsman6531]

I didn’t read through all the comments yet, so this may have been covered in one of them, but I have a 2007 Mountaineer with the 4.6L V8. I was trying to follow your video on filling the transmission fluid, but wasn’t getting very far as I couldn’t locate the drain plug to save my life. This may apply only to models build before or after a certain date, but there is actually a yellow plastic plug that screws into the upper side of the transmission that has what you might call a dipstick. I found this out when I broke down and took the car to a Ford QuickLane service location. Apparently the car has to be up on a lift to locate it. In my case, the dipstick part of the plug had actually broken off at one time and was long gone. The dealership had one on hand, so they just gave it to me. Anyway, I thought that was interesting. Loved the video anyway, and love your channel!

[@meanbear1425]

Sounds like a regular garden type pump sprayer would be easier to service the trans. You can easily pressurize it and it already comes with a trigger and a small hose.

[@andrejenkins3597]

Yes indeed exactly what I used

[@voltron979]

Man.., thanks for taking your time and give us that very helpful explanation and instructions. Thanks again!

[@srhaton1]

Very nice and it was helpful showing the disassembled oil pan and plug. I couldn't wrap my mind around how one hole was for drain and fill but after seeing it, I now understand.

[@briansmobile1]

@djmincer The fluid in the case is DEX-MERC I believe (looks the same though) and yes you could theoretically crack it from over tightening, more likely it would leak from lack of teflon tape on the threads or being too loose.

[@Suckmytoes11]

Any idea on the 6 speeds? It doesn't have that plug on the pan. It looks like they have a plug where a dipstick should go down into the pan from the top on the passenger side. Wondering if you pull that off to fill and drop pan to empty

[@charlietango5163]

Thank you. I just bought a 2005 Explorer. Shame on the design team that thought this was a good idea.

[@Swordsman99k]

You probably found this out by now, but the early 2000s explorers inspire many "WHY?" moments when doing maintenance.

[@affinityfunable]

Great description of how the valve backflows. Now understand it. Thanks

[@zolar7a]

Your vids are a good length right now, I wouldn't shorten them. I've watched many of them over the last few days and I haven't been bored yet. Hey, could you do a general ed vid about working with jacks/jackstands and safely working under cars without a lift? Thanks.

[@angeliquewagner1281]

Thanks for the extra explaining and showing. That helps so much.

[@briansmobile1]

@counkev They're all switch'n it up. I did an Acura MDX 2005 today that did have a dipstick, but you checked it with the engine off and it had a separate fill plug in the top.

[@briansmobile1]

Took my daughter out to see Tangled again last night- she insisted on charging the screne and unabashedly dancing her lil stuff off at the end. I thought I'd loose her in the crowd!

[@Jim-fe2xz]

Hey Brian, thanks for the information. My Mountaineer came to me used. I found the plug had been abused and stripped but also that it is very soft & I was able to tap a 3/16 "allen" bit into it to get it out. The stand pipe & plug threads are 1/8" pipe so if you wanted to get fancy you could get a fitting to go directly to your tubing. Of course they make a tool but your way is a bunch cheaper. Gotta love the "sealed unit" thinking only to find that front seal leaks seem to be common. Your pressure fill device is awesome - thank you! With the cat so close it's good to make it as easy on yourself as you can under there ("running, normal temp + level, etc.") Thanks again & keep the vids coming they are much appreciated!

[@lyvonshort464]

This is truly unbelievable! I was told 4 out of 6 guys that looked under the hood when I asked, "where's the dip stick to check the tranny fluid?" The answer was got to take it in to be served. Yeah right, $$$$$ To check fluid?!? What really? ! Well mechanics, yeah, you took this blonde for a $$$$ ride many times, but not this time! By the way the only answer I ever got, take it in to be served. Please! I'm learning computers without guidance and finally it pays off. AND THANK YOU U-TUB! HATES OFF!!!!

[@trackercausey9411]

Glad for the video. I have used several of your videos, and it's always good to see it before you do it. Thanks

[@briansmobile1]

@MikesFitnessGoals You're welcome- thanks for the feedback.

[@amygonzales4037]

Thank you this helped a lot I was trying to figure out how to check on my vehicle and my uncles called me crazy that I couldn’t find it so they tried looking for it too and they could t find it either so I seemed less crazy

[@backalleyspeedway919]

First off thank you for making this video. I learned some new tricks. Very informative and great detail. Terry

[@blazinloud]

dont forget the vehicle needs to be level too, i like the longer vids, more detail the better. thanks.

[@joesc641]

Worked for Ford dealerships over 20 years. Been told by a few Reps that Ford didn't want people to add and overfill transmissions for the Explorer/Mountaineer. I can understand that overfilling a automatic transmission is bad but did Ford really think that these transmissions were never going to leak?

[@warrenlane9956]

Try to put fluid in my 2007 mountaineer and it has a six speed can't find fill hole

[@GammaCruxis]

'I know alot of eyebrows are getting crinkled in the middle...' I was doing that exact same thing as you said it. Had me laughing out loud. Keep it up man! Cheers!

[@1BlubeTube]

Hey there Brian, I had an idea close to what you thought of with using the jug and hose and air-pressure to fill the transmission. But your idea is better, my idea was to put the filler-hose at the bottom, but putting it through the cap to the bottom of the jug is better. Thanks for showing your idea on youtube.

[@memoegly]

I thank you so much for this video. I know I would have never of found how to check my damn transmission fluid if I hadn't of found your video. I don't know who come up with the idea to do it that way, but what a moron. I will definitely check in with you on different things that I might need answers too. Just bought my Mountaineer and love it. Used vehicle so there is always going to be little things I'll want to replace and fix. Just to make sure that I take care of my vehicle. Thank you so much.

[@guesswhomartin9249]

I guess my question is: why would you push transmission fluid through that nut looking hole when you can add transmission fluid through the pipe where the transmission stick goes ? Am I missing something here ?

[@19josh77]

I was afraid of this. Thanks for posting. Very well spoken.

[@javierlajeunesse3533]

Very explanatory,thank you very much...I'm learning a lot from you...

[@misternic42]

Does the engine have to be running when you check the level?

[@94SexyStang]

yes

[@garybouwman2157]

Great video. Really like the idea of the improvised pump.

[@briansmobile1]

@prodriver1 Customer blamed me for a busted trans pan when I serviced control arms weeks ago- leaked all over their garage floor. Turns out it was a ruptured power steering line to cooler. I fixed it. I billed them for the repair, towing, and diagnostics. Needless to say it was unrelated and I haven't had the emotional fortitude to even look at the vids to edit them. I got kinda sideways about it because I was slammed and had to add that too.

[@wildlandkid]

When you add and check the fluild level, is the vehicle running and in park?

[@williamcarpenter3443]

I think the vehicle has to be cranked up to check the transmission fluid was that a allen wrench or was it a star-shaped I got a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer

[@briansmobile1]

Which seal? The car was sold- I don't have it now.

[@briansmobile1]

@84W150 Thanks for the heads up on the Mustangs.

[@briansmobile1]

@ronnyfry89 Thanks for the feedback. It seems that's the popular vote.

[@briansmobile1]

For sure. Plus they want to service it- more money and then you're there looking at the new stuff on the lot.

[@martyhorten3743]

After replacing the filter I tie-wrapped a gallon jug to the driver handle and ran a small plastic hose up threw the fill plug hole from the jug and let it siphon into the pan overnight - slow but cheap & easy. BTW You'll need to push enough hose up through the hole to keep it from falling out.

[@robertosottosr6864]

Glad that you discovered, otherwise I would have gone bananas looking for it on top! Very inconvenient Ford in comparison with most vehicles I've owned! Anyway thanks for sharing!

[@briansmobile1]

Ford doesn't want their cars to be easy to service. They want them to be difficult and expensive to own after 120k miles so you have motivation to buy a new one. Otherwise they would go out of business. The early 1990's escorts, explorer's and F150's were accidentally over-engineered and really hurt sales through the mid to late 1990's. They took care of that. The reputation sure helped them through the early 2000's though and help them get through the late 2000's without going into the red.

[@robertosottosr6864]

briansmobile1 Right you're, it's only business.Thanks

[@Foxxtrott1100]

How many quarts does this Job take?

[@kwelyroos71]

Can you actually show the filling of this. We are plagued with issues, so this was most helpful. Thank you

[@angelbelieves7496]

I have an 08 mountaineer that will not move when placed in gear. It will eventually go if the Engine is reved up. Couldn’t figure out how to add trans oil. Should the oil be black?

[@briansmobile1]

You didn't mention the miles, but it could be your clutch packs are worn thin and slipping. The clutch packs in an automatic transmission are a lot like those in a motorcycle clutch (video on my channel on how a motorcycle clutch works). They're made to wear over time like brake pads do, and they leave dust like brake pads do, but in the fluid instead of on the wheels.

[@dfur53]

Thanks, this really helped me 'cause I have a 2003 Ford Explorer and their is no dipstick. Now I know what to do. I'm happy ... Thanks

[@dannwatson1951]

Yeah you should Skip previous experiences with other makes of cars. And other irrelevant information. But thank you for answering how To check and top off transmission fluid. Very helpful.

[@turbobuick33]

Brain, What brand and size bleeder is that you are using in the jug? Is it a motormite?

[@MrTdubbz617]

Awesome man thanks for the video I was in the same boat looking for the dipstick and so funny about the crinkled eyebrow comment I didn't realize I was doing it until u said something then I started rolling 🤣🤣 ive never seen anything like this and am starting to regret buying my 07 awesome video tho thank u

[@babymamawright]

I have 2004 ford explorer and I was at least trying to put transmission fluid in but I don't see that part anywhere under my hood

[@Badgirl4life773]

Same here! I figured I could at least do that much but I guess not.

[@briansmobile1]

You bet- thanks for saying so.

[@benboland2652]

once u put the fluid in, will in not come outing back out? is there a one way valve or something to prevent it?

[@unicomp5705]

Great info... Got the same situation with my 2003 Ford Explorer. Mike in LA, Calif

[@lynetteassels6218]

I am looking for your video on ATF fluid and application. My professor at my Montana State University Northern in Havre, MT gave us a URL to get to the video but it is saying that the video is not available. I am in an Automatic Transmissons class at the school. My worksheet I am doing this on is due September 22, 2015. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Lynette

[@briansmobile1]

+Lynette Assels I don't have a video on transmission fluid and application. There are several different types that are somewhat manufacturer specific. In the late 1980's and early 1990's computers on cars were proprietary and it was a MESS! That's where trans fluid application is right now. Mercedes has their own, Honda has their "dual pump fluid" & CVT fluid. Toyota being the saints they are standardized one for theirs called "WS" for world standard, It used to be Dexron/Mercon (#) worked in everything but Chryslers and Fords, and those used Type F, and ATF+ (#). Now we have this whole mess/ list. And it's quite incomplete. Identifix has a better application/listing you can look up if you have access. ATF+4 - Most Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler[9]Mercon V - Most Ford, Mercury, LincolnMercon LV - Some Ford(DuratecHE), Mazda in Europe or AsiaDexron VI - Most GM and pre-2004 Toyota products, some Ford applicationsATF DW-1 - All Honda and Acura (except CVT)SP-IV or SP4 - All Hyundai, Mitsubishi and Kia (except CVT and Dual-clutch transmission)Matic S, Matic K, Matic D - Jatco transmissions, used in Nissan and Subaru vehiclesATF TIV(T4) - Most Toyota, Lexus, and Volvo. Some Audi, and VolkswagenToyota ATF-WS - New models introduced after model year 2004 Toyota and Lexus including hybrids (except non-hybrid CVT)Honda DW ( ZF ) - All Honda Automatic (except CVT)

[@briansmobile1]

@dfur53 You're most welcome my friend!

[@gregorytripp9324]

Just got one of these 04 Explorers. (Exploders) Trans does not work, went to check the fluid and it brought me to you...ha. It would seem that maybe I bought a car that had a leak of trans fluid and trans stopped working...I want to add fluid and see if it works...(previous owner to lazy to get fluid into it I hope)...now, having watched your video, it would seem that the trans pan was so deep that you could "pre-fill" it to a level just above the tube height and then take care to install it. Would that be possible or is it an exhaust-in-the-way-frame-too bitch to get out? Also would be nice if when you had it off to install a oil drain plug of sorts at the uppermost level and then just fill it like you would rear-end diff fluid. Seems you could install a clear tube as you have and wrap it around the outside of the trans to seek/find true level of fluid in the thing as I'm sure tranny fluid as with water will find its own level in the tube where we as mechanics can see it.

[@aaemt2001]

Just a few tidbits of info on this particular vehicle. First off, the exhaust around the transmission comes factory with a Y pipe that does bolt out of the vehicle if yours does not then either the exhaust has been modified. Next you can actually buy an adapter plug that goes in the transmission where the torx bit goes. for about $10 to $15 at most parts stores. Also if the drain plug is damaged most parts stores carry replacement plugs as well. His jug idea however, is a great idea and pretty much what is used at most shops by professionals that do not use a big expensive machine. A word of advise for injecting the air into the jug go slow as to much pressure on a homemade jug can make plugs blow off the jug and make a huge mess. This design is by Ford is so crazy as on some models have a dipstick tube and some have this style it just varies by model and transmission also it is either a four speed or a five speed not a six speed. The four speed is a 4R44E and the five speed is a 5R55E the difference is on the back of the transmission by the output shaft is an electric sensor that adds an extra gear between 1st and 2nd. Hope this helps some people as this is definitely not a do it yourself kind of job as the vehicle has to be level and not easy to do in your driveway with jacks and jack stands.

[@brianeure8692]

right on for the info they dont like to tell you these things when you get the vehicle

[@bristolfarms1]

I have a 2004 Explorer. Are all of the 04' Explorers with this type of design as I have been unable to locate the dip stick? I will be buying a manual since this will be a long term vehicle for me. Cool/informative video and length is fine. Longer is never a problem as long as it stays on topic which your videos seem A.O.K. Do you have any opinion on adding a GF performance chip for better gas mileage for my Explorer (name of brand if any)? THANKS!!

[@sagoodey]

Thanks a lot. I was scratching my head when I looked under my hood for the ATF dipstick.

[@jimmyhillestad]

how can you tell what the problem is between a intermediate and an overdrive servo? also can a transmission flush and fill fix a low gear shift problem? i recently bought a 03 ford explorer xlt. there is on od light that flashes on occasion.

[@briansmobile1]

@angelastacio Thanks. My limit is at 15 minutes. So that's about double this one.

[@briansmobile1]

@2LateIWon Thanks.

[@briansmobile1]

@zolar7a Sure.

[@SuperPierce57]

Would that be the same way for 2008 mercury sable awd to add gear oil to the front drive

[@tartredarrow]

My 5r55 has a dipstick. 2010 model year. Don't know what the deal is with this one, but it's not the way god intended.

[@ralphconradt1434]

can brake fluid filler be used? (uses manual pump)

[@KBTG]

So, if a 1/4" tube with a 'bend' was inserted up into the 3/8" threaded hole, when enough ATF had been pumped up into the transmission it would overflow. At that point, you would simply remove the tube and the fluid lever would be correct. Correct?

[@MrMrSaldana]

That’s a what kind of design ? Never heard of that..checked Auto Zone too..Nothing

[@Marc99GT]

Mercedes new 7 speed transmissions(722.9) and some Audis are exactly the same way and filled from the bottom. My 02 Explorer is the same way. This tool helps with all of them provided you have the fittings. Assenmacher Drive Line Filler System ATF1004-5MB

[@briansmobile1]

@brakedd Will do. You asked for it!

[@dbo8482]

Thank you very much. I liked and subscribed. Very informative and very appreciated.

[@briansmobile1]

@bristolfarms1 I don't know much about the GF brand. I use Edge and love it!

[@PsychoCPU]

So I have an 07 Mountaineer with the 6-speed and I see no drain plug of any kind. Am I gonna need to drop the pan to inspect/change the fluid?

[@samanthazalewski6389]

+PsychoCPU No, you don't have to drop the pan.

[@05450x]

Is the transmission on a Chevy Caviler similar to service? A 2006.

[@bamban2103]

Few liters of transmission oil leads??

[@counkev]

HAHA you are 100% correct my eyebrow did crinckle when you said you fill the transmission fluid from the small hole! And so are all the new cars like this now, because on my 2001 Camry Automatic there is a dipstick also for my cousins 2005 Camry and for newer cars I can't find them.

[@comordor]

I have a ford Explorer xlt 2002 that is telling me to check transmission when I accelerate up to 50-60 kmh and the O/D on off is blinking constantly . please advise and rekommend right parts and repair video. please help. I almost forgot, I changed the engine oil with the 10 w40 and after that I got oil pressure low popping up even when I have changed to the right oil. please help:

[@romeosautorepair2506]

It is just something new for me how to fill that is really smart I'll go head and tried 😁 👍👍👍

[@dlt215]

I have the same mouintaneer and my fan clutche high rev when I start and it doesn't calm down until I put in drive.Any ideas?

[@DrHogfan]

I've got a 08 Ford Expl. Sport Trac and it really kicks hard when I put it into reverse. Whats the deal ?

[@Kyle-jb3hr]

So do you check it while it's running ???

[@rudyishoggin]

Can low fluid level lead to torque converter damage mine started grinding when picking up speed

[@ALEX2570417]

my transmission leaks the same you have any video that can help me fix it

[@angeofdeth6552]

at-205 reseal most products are bs but I keep hearing this one actually does it's job.