Why did Ford do away with the automatic tranny dipstick? How are you supposed to check for problems like discolored oil, low oil, etc. This is my first Mustang - not to mention my first Ford product. Dont' get me wrong I really like the car I just can't figure out why they are doing away with all the do it yourself items.

 

According to Ford other than regular service outlined in your owners manual the transmission should not have to be looked at or serviced. I agree its very odd, but its something Ford has been doing for several years now.

 

Plus, if they get rid of the "do-it-yourself" items, they all turn into "do-it-THEMSELF" items!

 

THATS EXACTLY WHAT THEY ARE DOING ..... SOON YOU WONT EVEN BE ABLE TO OPEN THE HOOD.

 

We laugh, but there is probably a lot of truth to that. I like doing stuff to my car MYSELF, so I was kinda bummed about the tranny too.

 

I was told by my dealer that it was a sealed system, and was set to last for 100,000 miles.

 

Ok, I don't know what you guys are talking about. My automatic has a dipstick. Here are the pictures I just went out & took. Is it just a GT thing or ALL autos?

 

It's a GT thing!

 

I don't have a GT, but isn't that your oil dipstick? The tranny dipstick is usually way back by the firewall.

 

That's the engine oil dipstick. There is no dipstick for the ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) on this transmission. Which I agree, is completley odd. But it is made in France after all

 

Ok, never mind. I now remember what it is you are talking about. I am going to go smack myself now for having a blond moment.

 

I have those too, cept mine is grey

 

Seems odd no dipstick to check the trans fluid on a GT? In Phoenix where we drive in hot temps and city traffic all summer, I've gotten in the habit in all my cars to check the trans fluid on the dipstick for discoloration or a burnt look. I hope that Ford designed the fluid to hold up in temps much hotter than Detroit since apparently it's a sealed system. :scratch:

 

Just take her up to 100 on a windy day!

 

I'm right there with ya. The week before our little dash around the state last weekend, I was sharing the story about when I pre-ran the route playing ricky racer all the way up the Congress/Yarnell grade, manually shifting between 2nd and 3rd keeping it between 4-6,000 rpm's the whole way up.

When I stopped at the Sunset Point rest stop just south of Cordes Junction, the car was smoking something fierce. It was ATF. Upon further inspection there's a relief valve where the lines come up from the chassis on their way to the bottom of the radiator. But now I don't have any idea how much I really lost. This hasn't happened again, as there is no leak, but it's still un-nerving to think that I can't even check to see how low it is.

:scratch:

 

Now, Now, Now.....Gentlemen prefer Blondes.

 

You am be a sick widdle puppy... I LOVE IT!

 

From the service department standpoint I do not like the fact either that there is no dipstick, we saw this first on the Lincoln LS then Explorer, Thuderbird and now Mustang. Constantly we comment on this to Ford, but do not expect any change soon.

 

yeah they don't make it easy but it can be done.

 

I got their "special tool" right here.

I can see see the "lucky" service technician being thrilled about auto tranny service.