# 2002 Ford Explorer Transmission Fluid **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 31, 2003, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2002-ford-explorer-transmission-fluid/198756 "2003-08-31T04:28:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![dnate2121](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/54ee81/32.png) [@dnate2121](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dnate2121)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2003, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2002-ford-explorer-transmission-fluid/198756/1 "2003-08-31T04:28:51Z")
Can someone out there tell me how to add transmission fluid to a 2002 Ford Explorer? I managed to be really stupid today. While working on changing my oil, I drained three quarts of transmission fluid. Much to my surprise there is no dip-stick (except for me). There is nothing in the owners guide, and I haven’t been able to find much of anything out there anywhere. If anyone has any information that would help I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, dnate :smack: ---
**Author:** ![Blown\_Injected](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a87d85/32.png) [@Blown\_Injected](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blown_Injected)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2003, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2002-ford-explorer-transmission-fluid/198756/2 "2003-08-31T07:09:05Z")
If there is no dip stick, it must be a manual trans. Look above the drain hole, there should be a plug in the side near the top of the trans. This type of plug often does not have a bolt like head but a square hole that a 3/8" drive extension should fit into. Remove that plug and add fluid until it starts to run out - park the truck on level ground. ---
**Author:** ![Rat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ea666f/32.png) [@Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rat)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2003, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2002-ford-explorer-transmission-fluid/198756/3 "2003-08-31T11:06:22Z")
This is not a manual trans. The manual on this ford does not show a dipstick or tell you how to check or add fluid. They refer you to the dealer or a qualified mechanic. ---
**Author:** ![Berkut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a88e57/32.png) [@Berkut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Berkut)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2003, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2002-ford-explorer-transmission-fluid/198756/4 "2003-08-31T20:35:59Z")
It is filled at the factory with a synthetic fluid. Supposedly never needs servicing under normal driving conditions. > [@](#): > > \*SECTION 307-01: Automatic Transmission - 5R55W/S 2002 > Explorer/Mountaineer Workshop Manual > > IN-VEHICLE REPAIR > > Fluid Level Check > > Special Tool(s): Gauge, Drive Pinion Angle 205-025 (T68P-4602-A), > Worldwide Diagnostic System (WDS) 418-F224, New Generation Star (NGS) > Tester 418-F205 or equivalent scan tool, Oil Suction Gun 303-D104 > (D94T-9000-A), Adapter, Fluid Level and Fill Plug 307-437 > > Material: MERCON® V Automatic Transmission Fluid XT-5-QM, XT-5-DM > MERCON® V > > Check > > - Using the scan tool (WDS), monitor the transmission fluid temperature > (TFT) using PID: TFT. > - Start the vehicle. NOTE: Engine idle speed is approximately 650 rpm. > - Run the engine until the transmission fluid temperature is between > 27°C - 49°C (80°F - 120°F). > - Move the range selector lever slowly through each gear, stopping in > each position and allowing the transmission to engage. > - Place the range selector lever in the PARK position. > - Raise and support the vehicle with the engine running. For additional > information, refer to Section 100-02 . > - If needed, use the special tool to set the vehicle as close to level > as possible. > - Place a suitable drain pan under the vehicle. > - With the transmission range selector lever in the PARK position, hold > the larger drain plug with a wrench and remove the small (center) fluid > level indicating plug using a 3/16 inch Allen key. > - Allow the fluid to drain. Wait approximately one minute. When the > fluid comes out as a thin stream or a drip, the fluid is at the correct > level. > - If no fluid comes out of the hole, fluid will need to be added > continue with this procedure. > - Install the special tool into the pan. > - Using the special tool extract approximately one pint of clean > automatic transmission fluid from a suitable container. > - Using the special tools, fill the transmission with clean automatic > transmission fluid. > - Remove the special tool. > - Allow the fluid to drain. Wait approximately one minute. When the > fluid comes out as a thin stream or drip, the fluid is at the correct > level. If no fluid drains from the plug keep adding fluid in 1/2 pint > increments until the fluid starts to drain from the plug. > - Remove the special tool from the pan. > - Reinstall the small (center) fluid level indicating plug using a 3/16 > inch Allen key. > - Remove the special tool. > - Lower the vehicle. > - Remove the WDS. > - Check the operation of the transmission by moving the range selector > lever slowly through each gear, stopping in each position and allowing > the transmission to engage. > - Raise and support the vehicle with the engine running and check for > any leaks. For additional information, refer to Section 100-02 . > - Lower the vehicle and shut off the engine.\* ---
**Author:** ![Berkut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a88e57/32.png) [@Berkut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Berkut)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2003, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2002-ford-explorer-transmission-fluid/198756/5 "2003-08-31T21:03:43Z")
Oops, forgot the main point I was trying to make. It takes special tools to fill the transmission. No dipstick and no fill tube. Apparently, there have been great advances in transmission filling technology, and Ford is on the cutting edge. No longer do you have to mess with archaic dipsticks and appallingly stone aged fill tubes. You are so much better off this way. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Blown\_Injected](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a87d85/32.png) [@Blown\_Injected](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blown_Injected)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2003, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2002-ford-explorer-transmission-fluid/198756/6 "2003-09-01T16:18:43Z")
DAMN!!! What a PITA! I always hated the way a manual trans had to be checked and now even the automatic is the same way. So it sounds like my procedure is the method to use in this case for any type of trans, just run the automatic through the gears (to heat up the trans and fill all the valve body workings), level vehicle, pull fill plug with 3/16", add fluid until it begins to pour out.