056er

I have a 2005 v6 with an automatic transmission, recently the car has been slipping in first gear, it only happens once in a long while and all other gears are fine, could this problem be due to low fluid? and if so how do i check the level since there is no dip stick? Thanks for your input

Art161

According to the shop manual, it takes five special tools and 18 steps to check the transmission fluid level. Unbelievable. You might just want to take it to the dealer or to a transmission shop that has the required equipment.

JimC

Sounds like low fluid - I had the same thing after changing my fluid. Took it to the dealership and asked them to check it - was down 2 quarts because I missed a step in the refill procedure.

It doesn't take that long or "5 different tools" - if you have a good relationship with the service manager you can get it checked and be on your way in 45 minutes for about $45. There is one special tool that I bought on Amazon for $25 but you could do the same thing with a threaded barb to go in the fill spot in the middle of the drain plug. The only problem is that there isn't an easy way to double check the fill without driving a little and then putting it back up on the hoist and refilling when you do it yourself.

056er

thanks for the replies guys, im just gonna let the car sit till tuesday so i can take it in and get the level checked..i cant believe ford made it mission impossible when it comes to checking or changing the fluid, i love my mustang but come on lol

Slickvic_

Well don't feel too bad. The Mustang is not unique. I used to drive a Volkswagen GTI with the famous (Or infamous) DSG Dual clutch automatic and it had the same goofy-*** setup where you had to pump tranny fluid up thru the drain plug just like the Mustang requires.

And yes, that forum had plenty of wailing, bitching and moaning about the tranny not having a dipstick or a proper way to drain and refill it.
It also required a special fluid filling kit that retailed for $300. Only available thru the dealer.

056er

slickvic that is ridiculous, $300!! i guess it could always be worse than so i shouldn't complain lol

Slickvic_

Sorry I just checked and it is actually $212. But still a rip off.

I fabricated my own fluid fill device for about $80.
http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91532