2003 Ford Explorer Fluid leak

2003 FORD EXPLORER
63,520 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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JOE FALTINEK
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have found fulid drops on the ground and while checking this out it looks like it is coming from the bell housing area, where could this be coming from? This transmisson doesn't have a dip stick how do I check the fulid to see if leakage is from the transmission?
Feb 5, 2008 at 11:06 AM
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FLEXY5
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 512 POSTS
If the fluid has a reddish tint, it is coming from the transmission. One of Fords brighter ideas was the design of this trans. Your right, it has no dipstick. The fluid level has to be checked from the center of the plug on the bottom of the trans pan. But it has to be done while the vehicle is running and in neutral. If it is low on fluid, it could be coming from one of two places. It is either the front seal on the trans or it is coming from the vent, which also happens to be through the top of the bellhousing area (another brilliant plan from Ford). There really is no way to tell which it is until you pull the transmission. Either way, if you have fluid from the bellhousing area, you can bet the trans will have to come out to address either problem. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
Feb 5, 2008 at 2:53 PM
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