Tranny servicing

Ok, I just bought an 02' XLT explorer w/ 4.0 auto 4x4. I just found out that there is no dipstick for this tranny. Does anyone know how I can check to see if the tranny has the proper fluid level in it, and how to fill it if I were to change the fluid myself. Also it has only 59K, but would like to know if its worth maybe running a synthetic fluid or such in the tranny.

I have the same year Explorer (18,000 miles). I bought it about a month and a half ago. I also was searching for a dipstick. I did some research and found info that said that the trans is not serviceable and the flluid was good for 150,000 miles. I guess time will tell. :confused:

Jim
02 Explorer XLS
Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania

Not servicable? Thats an interesting concept, being that any other vehicle I have had required that you service the tranny at every 30K or so. So once again, another learning experience. The service book siad that the tranny holds 12 qts. of mercron dextron type fluid. I can't see that lasting for 150K, but like you said, time will tell. I would think that unless it was a synthetic fluid, it would not last that long.
Ok, another idea, has anyone installed a K&N air system on their EX. I had one on my 00 XJ and loved it, just wondering if it will work for the Ford as well. Oh, and one other question, I'm certian that it has factory plugs in it, what would be a good replacement, Bosch platnuim?

More of my reserch found that the factory plugs are good for 100,000 miles. This is great. If all these things are made to last, I could trade it in 5 years for another one without major repairs :smile:

More of my reserch found that the factory plugs are good for 100,000 miles. This is great. If all these things are made to last, I could trade it in 5 years for another one without major repairs :smile:


Hey There, Are those Motorcraft...regular or platinum I have a '91 4.0 and want to replace some after market Bosch.

dont believe service intervals. i would NEVER let a transmission go over 40k without a service. the only thing youre probably going to be able to do is take it back to the dealer for service. otherwise youre going to probably have problems with the trans. you might ask around and talk to some local shops or even a transmission shop about flushing it. make sure they know it doesnt have a dipstick for the tranny tho.

More of my reserch found that the factory plugs are good for 100,000 miles. This is great. If all these things are made to last, I could trade it in 5 years for another one without major repairs :smile:

Hahahaha It's still a ford no matter what the manual says. As far as plugs, go with motorcraft everybody I talk to says that after replacing their plugs with anything else has problems. On the KN I would say do it even though I did not really notice an gains as far as horsepower goes.

Thanks! I will look into getting it flushed by a reputable shop, and will get the K&N system for it, maybe even the exhaust too. Oh one more thing, has anyone taken their computer out and sent it to Jet Chip to have the paremeters changed for better performance? I saw that they offer it, instead of pluggin in another chip!