Just changed the transmission fluid on my 13

[tofteik]

Hoo boy, I'm pretty sure the people who designed the 6r80 were sneezing the entire time because I was cursing their bloodlines like a sailor. What idiot decided putting the transmission fill plug/dipstick underneath the car, and on top of that, next to a burning hot cat was a good idea? I'm glad we don't have to do this too often because my body still hurts from all the twisting and turning.

 

[Trainmaster]

Same nonsense on my 2010 V-8 Explorer. But you feel like you accomplished something!

 

[ccssid]

2018 explorer Platinum. Dip stick and fill tube in engine compartment

 

[JamaicaJoe]

Hoo boy, I'm pretty sure the people who designed the 6r80 were sneezing the entire time because I was cursing their bloodlines like a sailor. What idiot decided putting the transmission fill plug/dipstick underneath the car, and on top of that, next to a burning hot cat was a good idea? I'm glad we don't have to do this too often because my body still hurts from all the twisting and turning.

I would like to sample the fluid from my 2013's 6R80. Is there actually a dip stick? Is a tool required? I need about 4 oz taken with a siphon pump. If I were to crawl under is this doable?

 

[tofteik]

I would like to sample the fluid from my 2013's 6R80. Is there actually a dip stick? Is a tool required? I need about 4 oz taken with a siphon pump. If I were to crawl under is this doable?

Yes there is a dipstick, it's inside the fill plug, and yes you have to be basically on your back to do this, do not jack the car up because it has to be idling in Park, tranny at running temp and on level ground. Then you'll have to crawl underneath next to a smoking hot catalytic converter to get an accurate reading.

If you haven't touched the fill plug before, good luck because it's really really damn tight the first time you try to open it.
Yes you'll need some tool, siphon pump to get the fluid out is the least messy way to do it. To refill the fluid I bought a roll of 1/2 inch tube with a funnel and refill it from the engine compartment. There should be plenty of videos on YT about the procedure for you to follow step by step.

 

[callwill]

You can buy an aftermrket dipstick kit if you want something that is alot more user friendly.

 

[CVguy]

There's a dipstick kit that fits these, I installed one back in summer. Not a sponsor. It's a decent quality kit, braided stainless steel hose, nice fittings, hasn't leaked yet. Only thing I'm not so keen on is the screw-on dipstick handle/cap that threads onto the end of the hose. A simple o-ring snap in/out dipstick handle would've done well enough. I could also see it taking a while to refill the transmission via the narrow hose (narrower than a traditional bent steel tube). Either way, I'd recommend getting one.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/356384325174 This is the one I got. Exact same thing as the B&M kit, minus the extreme markup for branding and engraving.

 

[CaptainandGinger]

That is a great find. Thank you!

 

[timo482]

the "digital technician" apparently can tell what the trans level is so the dealers never need to mess with the horrible dip stick.. ive considered putting in the proper after market one but so far have not bothered since they can tell if its ok.