A10 Fluid Check/Fill questions.

[TXGTPig]

So I've got a '21 A10 GT. Picked it up used and want to replace the transmission fluid. I like to change all serviceable fluids when buying a used vehicle. Car has 38K miles. I've done my research and have changed plenty of transmission fluid across multiple platforms over the years. This one is by far getting the best of me. As I laid there under the car contemplating how something so simple has become such a PITA. Part of me was thinking how I'd rather do a header job then try to fil land check this fluid level. The other part of me was tempted to pull the passenger side cat to give me proper room. I mean I can pull that in about 20 minutes. However that wont really help me once I need to top it off at operating temperature.

My first question: To those that have done this on jack stands in your driveway, how did you get the dip stick out and check the fluid with out ending up with 3rd degree burns on your hands and lower arms? I pulled mine with the car cold and there is absolutely no way I would be able to pull the dipstick and place my fill tube in there with out completely annihilating my hands and lower arms with burns.

Second question: Once I got the dip stick out, it was covered in fluid with a small drop at the very bottom. From all the videos I watched and stuff I read, I thought it would be dry minus the fluid line on the dipstick. Again, my entire dipstick was covered in fluid with a small drip at the very bottom. I have the number (1-6) dip stick. So theoretically it should have been just under the 6 when cold. Which my car had set for over 24 hours prior to doing this.

Any and all tips, tricks, and suggestions are welcome. Also, point me in the direction of a good oil/fluid pump that doesn't create an absolute mess or take 5 minutes to pump a single quart with. I've had it with the cheap ones I get at the local parts house either leaking everywhere our just being a complete PITA to utilize.

Side note, differential fluid was as simple as I thought it would be. Maybe a 5 minute job once I had the car on jack stands.

Sponsored

 

[Paddles]

I am also curious about these things.

 

[Jnaszty559]

I just plan to take mine to the dealership get that done on mine.

 

[S550HPP]

Just get a trans flush torque converter and cooler plus lines holds a lot bets to get it all out.Tell them to flush until it's totally pink probably 40 qt trans fluid.....not cheap.

Or just buy alloy pan with drain drop the fluid and measure and replace from top with a bunch of extensions to pull the stick and a long time on funnel with same amount as removed plus a bit.

Drain every year or oil change and will be fresh enough.

 

[Skye]

I'm attaching one link and one file.

To the link, a thread started by @Cobra Jet . I'd use this as your first source on questions of the 10R80.

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/th...tions-to-harsh-or-no-shift-conditions.135463/

To the file, received it recently and skimmed it just now, but initial looks are promising. While referencing up to 2020, the short PDF gives several pics and diagrams as to how to interpret things when changing fluid. One page is dedicated to dipstick interpretation.

 

[Ramairetransam]

19gt i have a lift , so with jack stands make sure you get the car level or find a buddy with a lift.

I used a 12 point flex head racheting wrench to get the dipstick cap off and then a pair of 10 inch 90 degree pliers to get the dipstick out .

dropping the pan and filter change was easy and straightforward . but when you get done doing that put 7 to 7.5 quarts back in and then go drive around easy in wet/snow mode to heat the trans up faster, then back up on the lift with the car running to check the fluid level .

I think mine took right under 8 quarts after a pan drop and filter change .

i also filled the trans up with a clear tube from the engine bay and a funnel , i did have to put the last little bit in with a hand pump when i had to add more fluid . It took me 2 times checking and driving to get the level where its called for .

 

[TXGTPig]

19gt i have a lift , so with jack stands make sure you get the car level or find a buddy with a lift.

I used a 12 point flex head racheting wrench to get the dipstick cap off and then a pair of 10 inch 90 degree pliers to get the dipstick out .

dropping the pan and filter change was easy and straightforward . but when you get done doing that put 7 to 7.5 quarts back in and then go drive around easy in wet/snow mode to heat the trans up faster, then back up on the lift with the car running to check the fluid level .

I think mine took right under 8 quarts after a pan drop and filter change .

i also filled the trans up with a clear tube from the engine bay and a funnel , i did have to put the last little bit in with a hand pump when i had to add more fluid . It took me 2 times checking and driving to get the level where its called for .

Perfect!!! This was the type of information I was hoping to obtain. Greatly appreciated!!! I was thinking of filling from the top with a long hose as well. However, I was still struggling with how to get the dipstick out to check once hot. 10" 90° Pliars...BRILLIANT!!!!

 

[John S]

Dealers and the Techs at Ford struggle just as much as DIY owners and a dealer tech on the clock might not spend the time to tweak levels. A small garden sprayer with a curved tube makes filling a breeze but checking the dip stick at temp is an absurd burn risk so see if you can find a protective arm sleeve and just be careful.

 

[TXGTPig]

Dealers and the Techs at Ford struggle just as much as DIY owners and a dealer tech on the clock might not spend the time to tweak levels.

This is one of my biggest fears and the reason I wanted to do it myself. I've got a few FR long-sleeve shirts, so I may suit up and try to work through it this weekend.

 

[TrackMeisterWannabe]

Protective gloves.

https://www.amazon.com/FayLongSky-B...e5-aa46-89c81d7e528f&pd_rd_i=B0DKWL5GKW&psc=1

 

[TXGTPig]

Protective gloves.

https://www.amazon.com/FayLongSky-B...e5-aa46-89c81d7e528f&pd_rd_i=B0DKWL5GKW&psc=1

Have you used these and needed to utilize your fingers? Even without gloves, it was pretty hard for me to grab ahold of the dipstick with my fingers. It was still a PITA once I had a hold of it with my fingers to get it out and not drop it or flip it all around.

 

[Adam the Lighting Guy]

God forbid anyone not as exacting hire a shop to do the same thing. Would never happen. That's one of my larger concerns. I only own 2 jackstands, no lifts and no buddies with a lift. I admire your focus and if you lived near by, would bribe you to help do the same with mine.

Signed, 10sp paranoid.

 

[Keeffa]

So I've got a '21 A10 GT. Picked it up used and want to replace the transmission fluid. I like to change all serviceable fluids when buying a used vehicle. Car has 38K miles. I've done my research and have changed plenty of transmission fluid across multiple platforms over the years. This one is by far getting the best of me. As I laid there under the car contemplating how something so simple has become such a PITA. Part of me was thinking how I'd rather do a header job then try to fil land check this fluid level. The other part of me was tempted to pull the passenger side cat to give me proper room. I mean I can pull that in about 20 minutes. However that wont really help me once I need to top it off at operating temperature.

My first question: To those that have done this on jack stands in your driveway, how did you get the dip stick out and check the fluid with out ending up with 3rd degree burns on your hands and lower arms? I pulled mine with the car cold and there is absolutely no way I would be able to pull the dipstick and place my fill tube in there with out completely annihilating my hands and lower arms with burns.

Second question: Once I got the dip stick out, it was covered in fluid with a small drop at the very bottom. From all the videos I watched and stuff I read, I thought it would be dry minus the fluid line on the dipstick. Again, my entire dipstick was covered in fluid with a small drip at the very bottom. I have the number (1-6) dip stick. So theoretically it should have been just under the 6 when cold. Which my car had set for over 24 hours prior to doing this.

Any and all tips, tricks, and suggestions are welcome. Also, point me in the direction of a good oil/fluid pump that doesn't create an absolute mess or take 5 minutes to pump a single quart with. I've had it with the cheap ones I get at the local parts house either leaking everywhere our just being a complete PITA to utilize.

Side note, differential fluid was as simple as I thought it would be. Maybe a 5 minute job once I had the car on jack stands.

Removing pan and filter is straight forward.
Pan Gasket is reusable. If you find out the correct level on your dip stick, there are different ones . I found the fluid lever rises about half inch when hot. so fill half inch below full mark . To confirm this when hot I made long nose pliers to reach with a tab on end to remove dipstick.
Have fun.

 

[S550HPP]

19gt i have a lift , so with jack stands make sure you get the car level or find a buddy with a lift.

I used a 12 point flex head racheting wrench to get the dipstick cap off and then a pair of 10 inch 90 degree pliers to get the dipstick out .

dropping the pan and filter change was easy and straightforward . but when you get done doing that put 7 to 7.5 quarts back in and then go drive around easy in wet/snow mode to heat the trans up faster, then back up on the lift with the car running to check the fluid level .

I think mine took right under 8 quarts after a pan drop and filter change .

i also filled the trans up with a clear tube from the engine bay and a funnel , i did have to put the last little bit in with a hand pump when i had to add more fluid . It took me 2 times checking and driving to get the level where its called for .

Sounds like 8 it is the default amount!

 

[Strokerswild]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: a curse on the bean counters that eliminated the conventional transmission dipsticks.

Stupid. At least make it an option, I'd spring for it.

Sponsored