TO: All ATP Technicians

FROM: James Strong, Customer/Technical Service Mgr.

RE: Ford 5R55N/S/W Transmission Fluid Check and Fill

On 2002 and newer Ford trucks with the 5R55N/S/W automatic transmissions, a drain/fill plug is incorporated at the bottom of the pan. Since there is no dipstick tube and dipstick, it makes it impossible for the technician as well as the consumer to add and/or inspect the automatic transmission fluid for these transmissions. However, Rotunda and other manufacturers offer a transmission fluid fill adaptor (part no. 307-437) and a fluid transporter/evacuator/injector (part no. 307-D465) to ease this type of maintenance service.

To inspect the transmission fluid level, simply run the engine until the transmission fluid reaches a temperature of 27º - 49º C (80º - 120º F). You can use a suitable scan tool to read ATF temperature. Move the transmission range selector through each of the quadrant indicated gears allowing the transmission to engage through each one. Place the range selector in PARK. With the engine running and the vehicle position on the hoist as level as possible (a drive-up hoist is best suitable), hold the larger jam nut with an opened-end wrench and remove the small (centered) fluid level indicating plug using a 3/16" Allen key or in some cases, a T30 torx key.

Allow the fluid to drain, wait approximately one minute. Once the fluid comes out as a thin stream or a drip, the fluid is at its correct level. If no fluid comes out of the drain, then the system is low and needs to be filled. Here is the correct procedure in regards to re-filling of the system using the fluid fill adaptor and fluid transporter/evacuator/injector.

1. Make sure the canister of the Transporter/Evacuator/Injector is clean and free of debris before adding ATF to the canister.
    
2. Hang the Transporter/Evacuator/Injector (part no. 307-D465) under the vehicle and position it upright and as close to the transmission. (See Figure 1)
    

   

   
    
3. Remove the fluid indicator plug and install the fluid fill adaptor (part no. 307-437) in its place. (See Figure 2)
    

   

   

   
    
4. Connect the open end of the fluid hose from the Transporter/Evacuator/Injector to the fluid fill adaptor at the bottom of the transmission pan. (See Figure 3)
    

   

   
    
5. Apply approximately 205.85 kPa (90 psi) to the vacuum/pressure hose of the canister. Fluid will immediately start to flow out of the canister and into the transmission pan. Add roughly (1) pint of ATF into the transmission pan. Stop the injection process by releasing the air pressure and removing the air nozzle from the end of the hose. (See Figure 4)
    

   

   
    
6. If the fluid drains back into the canister, the transmission is full. If no fluid drains back, you need to add more fluid as stated in the procedure above. Once the transmission assembly is full, place a hand vacuum pump to the hose of the special tool and apply vacuum. This will cause any extra trapped fluid that is in the system to be pulled out and direct it back to the canister.
    

   

   
    
7. Allow the fluid to drain. Make sure the fluid temperature is between 27ºC-49ºC (80ºF-120ºF). When the fluid comes out as a thin stream or drip, the fluid is at the correct level.
    

   

   
    
8. Remove the special inspect/fill adaptor and re-install the original small plug back into the transmission pan.
    
9. Run the transmission through all gears allowing the transmission to engage through all gears.
    

Visit our website at www.atp-inc.com and click on the TechDirect^® tab to view past and present technical bulletins or email our technical department by clicking on the e-tech by atp™ for all technical assistance.

Re-printed with the permission of ATRA (Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association)

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