I'm trying to locate the top up plug to the automatic transmission of a ford fairmont wagon/estate 1999?

Question

Hi...Having transmission fluid problems. Wishing to top up the gearbox myself. No detail in the owners handbook and I'd like to save the money rather than take it to the dealership. Should it be a large nut on the side of the box as per normal or is it a sealed unit? Help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

HI

To add fluid to an automatic transmission you use a funel and pour it down the dip stick tube.. When you pull the transmission dip stick out you well see marks on it saying Full and Add ... usualy the add mark is only 1 pint . or 1/2 a quart..

The automatic transmission is check with the motor running and the motor at running temputer in park. Put a little in and recheck it.. to much fluid is bad on an automatic and its a pain to take any out if you overfill it.

good luck

Tim

Answer 2

you do top it up by the tube but also look at the dip stick it may tell you to  have the car warm then turn engine off and then check it.

Answer 3

Hi, the plug is a bolt on the right hand side of the transmission just above the pan to the rear of the linkage. It's a bit of a **** to get to.  I think it's a 16mm bolt. Make sure the car is on a level surface when you top it up.

If you are having trouble with gear changes I suggest that you change the filter and fluid at the same time. The gasket and filter is about $40.

This model does not have a dipstick!!

Answer 4

Many automatics are filled through the dipstick tube.  So if you have one (a dipstick to check level) then use this tube to pour in more fluid.  

Answer 5

another Ford Better Idea.  Who needs a dipstick.

Funny how no service required conflicts with some maintenance schedules.

What I do is unbolt the pan except for two on one side that are loosened.  Then, I use a pump and pump fluid into the pan and as it crests, I tighten the two bolts a bit at a time and top off the fluid before the gasket seals.