The "special tool" is nothing more than a threaded hose fitting. Ford charges you >$20, a hardware store approx $2. To fill you screw in the fitting attach a hose to it, pump the fluid in, remove the hose. If no fluid comes back out, fill some more. Keep adding fluid until you get a fluid return when you remove the hose (just like filling a differential). When you get fluid return wait 'til it stops dripping, reinstall the plug and it you're done.

 

Why would you need the fitting? Just shove the filler pump hose into the hole where the fitting is supposed to go.

 

If you're not going to install a dipstick and want to fill the tranny like above, get a clear hose to fill it with from Lowe's or Home Depot. Then you can at least see the fluid when it gets full.

 

I remember the old days when one just droped the pan,changed the filter, install a new gasket and fill thru the filler tube, ahh , nothing like progress and improvement . I have the 100,000 mile drivetrain coverage, I will check my manual to see if Ford says the fluid "must" be changed after X amount of miles to protect the drivetrain coverage I paid for, if not I think I will skip the fluid change and if I get a problem let them pay the bill, I have a $100.00 deductable.....