How to Add Transmission Fluid Without Dipstick on Ford F150?

Folks can’t add fluid directly on a Ford F150 that has a sealed or non-sealed transmission with no dipstick as they can’t check the fluid level. In that case, you need a backup way to do so instead of going to the auto shop or service center to save bucks.

With no dipstick, you can still add the transmission fluid to your F150. To do that, you’ll need to drain the fluid fully and then fill it based on the fluid capacity.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to add fluid to your Ford F-150’s transmission without a dipstick in the proper way. Let’s Begin!

Adding Transmission Fluid Without Dipstick on Ford F150!

You can easily fill the tank with fresh transmission fluid by following the instructions given below. Here’s how you add transmission fluid without a dipstick on your F150 car:

Required Tools

• Transmission fluid
• Transmission jack stand
• Wrench
• Transmission fluid pan gasket
• Transporter fluid injector with fill tube

Step 1: Get Prepare

• Read your owner’s manual to find out how much transmission fluid is needed when it’s empty.
• Get all the necessary tools, including the perfect transmission fluid that suits your F-150.
• Lift the car using a jack stand designed for your type of transmission. When doing so, be sure the vehicle is in Neutral (N).

Step 2: Run the Car for a While in Park Position

• To start with, put the gear selector in different positions like Park (P), Drive (D), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), and Manual (M). And, be sure to hold each position for about 5 seconds.
• After that, settle the gear selector in the Park (P) position.
• Next, let the engine run at idle around 600 – 750 RPM so that the transmission system can get hot enough. That way the fluid will flow smoothly when you are draining it.

Step 3: Drain the Transmission Fluid

• After you’ve run the car in the Park position, get under the car and locate the transmission pan.
• Then, take off the transmission fluid pan by detaching the bolts with a wrench, and let the old transmission fluid drain out. If you want to see the detailed steps for removal, check out this comprehensive guide on changing the transmission in a Ford F150.
• Next, replace the transmission fluid pan gasket (if needed): If the gasket is damaged, replace it with a new one. If it’s still in good condition, you can reuse it.
• Now, put the transmission fluid pan back in place and tighten the bolts in a crisscross pattern. Then, tighten them to 12 Nm (106 lb-in) using the wrench.

Note: Don’t drive your F150 car if the transmission fluid level is low, as it could cause internal damage.

Step 4: Idle the Engine to Warm It Up

Next, start your F-150’s engine and let it run for a few minutes. This warms up the transmission system. To understand why this is important, find out if you should keep the car running while adding transmission fluid by clicking here.

Step 5: Locate the Check Fill Plug and Remove It

Usually, you can find the check fill plug in two places: either at ground level under the hood, right below the air intake filter housing, or close to the engine bay. Sometimes, it might be under the car near the transmission housing, and it looks like a big 19mm bolt.

Once you find it, take it out either by twisting it if the upper portion has a ring or cap. However, if it contains a bolt, then detach it using a 19mm socket wrench. After that, pull it out and it should come with no dipstick inside.

Step 6: Fill the Fluid with a Transporter Fluid Injector

• To put more transmission fluid in, open the top portion of the injector and fill the fluid inside. If you’re not sure which transmission fluid to use for your F-150, find it out by checking this guide. Based on wikiHow, it can harm the system if not using the right one.
• Then, attach one end of the fill tube to the hole in the transmission (either under the hood or under the car), and connect the other end to the injector.
• Now, add the fluid into the empty tank using the right amount of fluid. You can follow a detailed guide on adding transmission fluid to your F-150 to know this procedure in detail.
• After that, put the check fill plug back in place on the tube. Then, either close the hood or lower the car by removing the transmission jack stand.
• Now, be sure to start driving only when the car’s transmission fluid is in a cold range of around 32 °C – 43 °C.

Pro Tip: You can check the transmission fluid level hot or cold using a scan tool or aftermarket dipstick with the indicators. To do that, just reach out the fill plug under the hood and test it out. Ensure the temperature is around 91 °C – 102 °C (195 °F – 215 °F).

Wrap Up

Adding transmission fluid without a dipstick on your F150 is actually easy to do in real life. Just follow the above instructions and you can do it yourself confidently. I hope you find this guide simple yet detailed to try at home. Good Luck with this DIY Project!

Don’t forget to check out this helpful guide that explains if you can put transmission fluid where the dipstick is or not. Start Reading Here!

Frequently Asked Questions