Fluid Checks

[saulsse]

My first fillup, after running the dealer supplied gas out of the car was routine.
Calculating the amount they put in and what I refilled it with the car is getting about 17.5 MPG which is pretty good for city and highway combined mileage.

Checking the fluids under the hood is routine except for one thing.
While you can check the oil, power steering, brake fluid, washer fluid and coolent, the one thing that stands out is ones inability to check the transmission fluid in the automatic version of the GT.

It takes a bit getting used to. One is looking for that second dipstick, it is ingrained in ones mindset.

From the Ford Mustang manual I quoet "The transmission does not consume fluid. If user feels slippage, then one must take the car to the dealer."

Let's hope we are not in the middle of somewhere and have that slipping feeling. I guess the service contract purchase was a wise idea afterall.

Stephen from Atlanta

[SNW BLUE BY YOU]

As a Ford dealer Master tech, I think I am uniquely qualified to explain this.
The idea is that a dipstick will allow fluid contamination, whether it is the introdution of moisture , or customer introducing the incorrect fluid.
Ford calls this a fill for life trans, but I can tell you the fluid is serviceable, it will just need to be done at your dealership, or at a high quality trans shop as the sevice tools enter the aftermarket
Ford has used essentially this same trans in Explorers and Rangers for years w/ only the current Rangers getting a dipstick?
and it has for the most part been ok; It will be interesting to see how it holds up to the ham fisted driving of the average V8 owner
My advice is to have the fluid serviced at least once a year.

[saulsse]

I appreciate the information in regards to the transmission dip stick.

I was struck by the lack of being able to check the fluid level, but since what you say makes sense it will one less worry at the gas station, since one has to have the engine running to make the check in the first place; that will not entice someone to hop in while one is under the hood.

Stephen from Atlanta