8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$200
Average Mileage:
175,000 miles
Total Complaints:
1 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (1 reports)
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problem #1

Jan 102022

Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 175,000 miles

There is no transmission dipstick/filler tube. What The Ford?

My wife was in town on a Sunday and called to tell me that she noticed the transmission was leaking and she didn't want to drive any further. I headed the 40 miles into town to get her car running. The transmission/radiator coolant line fittings where leaking. I tighten them down. Ready to fill the transmission... what? Where is the transmission dipstick and filler tube? I web searched it on my phone. It has to be filled from below using a special ($20) nipple and suction/filler gun ($20) using a T35 bit. Having none of those, we limped back home going slow all the way. I bought the requisite tools (said nipple and gun) and then had to run the car up ramps so I can fill it from below WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING!!

What Ford executive thought this was a genius idea? What Ford engineer suggested removing the dipstick/filler tube? Were they given special compensation for creating dangerous situations for their customers and ensuring they could only get this done by a mechanic that had the $5k hoist? Then charge you $100 each time? As I understand it, most vehicles are sans the transmission and dipstick tube. What the Ford is going on? What an absolutely moronic idea.

Update from Apr 5, 2022: The Torx bit is T30, not T35.

- Kevin K., Weatherford, US