How to Troubleshoot a Ford Automatic Transmission
- 1). Park your Ford vehicle on a level surface. Start your Ford and allow it to idle for two to three minutes.
- 2). Open the hood of your Ford and pull on the looped handle that sits behind the engine. The handle ends at a long neck that stretches down to the transmission. This is the transmission dipstick.
- 3). Remove the dipstick completely, wipe it off then reinsert it all the way into the filler neck until it bottoms out. Then remove it again. Note the color. It should be reddish. If it's not, the transmission fluid could be burned. Confirm this by smelling the fluid. If it smells burned, it is. You will need to change your transmission fluid immediately to prevent further damage to your transmission. The fluid level should also be between the upper and lower fill marks on the end of the dipstick. If it is low, you need to fill the transmission with Ford-approved automatic transmission fluid.
- 4). Check for problems staying in gear while driving. If the vehicle slips out of gear while driving, this indicates a problem with the transmission. You may also hear grinding or crunching noises. This indicates that your transmission is seriously damaged and needs an overhaul.
- 5). Check for transmission problems using an on-board diagnostic scan tool. This tool can be plugged into the OBD access port located to the left of the fuse panel under the dash in the driver's side footwell. Press "Start" on the scan tool or wait for the tool to automatically retrieve the error codes. You can then have these codes translated using your Ford's service manual or by most auto parts stores.
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