What is transmission fluid? Transmission fluid is a type of lubricant that reduces heat, prevents corrosion and generally makes the gears inside your 2010 Ford F150 work more smoothly. It also helps to cool down the engine because it is not only used in the transmission but also as part of the cooling system for 2010 Ford F150 vehicles. The following article will provide you with detailed instructions on how to change your 2010 Ford F150’s transmission fluid.
2010 Ford F150 transmission fluid should be checked periodically as it can leak and cause a huge problem for the engine. Transmission fluid change is not difficult if you have all of the necessary tools and are diligent in following safety precautions while performing 2010 Ford F150 transmission fluid changes.
2010 Ford F150 Transmission Fluid Change [hide]
What Does Transmission Fluid Do?
Transmission fluid performs many different jobs. It is important for the transmission, power steering and cooling system:
- Automatic transmissions require fluid to lubricate the gears and keep the car running smoothly.
- A transmission fluid acts as a coolant for your vehicle’s transmission.
- The torque converter transfers power from the engine to the transmission.
- Gaskets in fair condition.
One way to lengthen your transmission’s lifespan is by maintaining the fluid level.
Transmission Fluid for a Ford F-150:
Ford vehicles use generic transmission fluid. The only exception is the Ford F-150, which requires a synthetic blend because it has an aluminum radiator (rather than the typical copper).
This fluid is a blend of two types of fluids. On one, the molecules are shorter and less viscous so they flow rapidly when they’re hot; on the other, the molecules are larger and more viscous so that it doesn’t leak out under pressure from tight bends in hoses or pipes (which can happen with thinner fluids).
Here some transmission fluids recommended by Ford Motor Company for use in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles with fluid requirements:
Advancements in transmission fluid engineering mean that the liquid has better durability and heat transfer capabilities for smoother, more efficient performance than ever before. It also maintains chemical stability under high temperatures to prevent viscosity build up.
When to check transmission fluid in the 2010 Ford F-150
The 2010 Ford F-150 is a large truck that typically needs transmission fluid checked periodically. There are two primary ways to check the 2010 Ford F-150’s transmission fluid: by checking the dipstick and by using a pressure tester. The best way to start is with the dipstick method of 2010 Ford F-150 transmission fluid checks, which uses less expensive equipment but can be time consuming as well.
The transmission is one of the most important parts of your vehicle. The transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake system are essential systems in a car. A faulty transmission will lead to driving difficulties. Transmission fluid should be checked regularly. If the transmission leaks, it needs replacement immediately. The transmission might slip. Changing transmission fluid is a thing that needs to be done regularly to ensure the smooth and consistent flow of power from gears to wheels. A recommended replacement interval is 30,000-60,000 miles.Aches and pains will accompany the noise, although they are temporary. Old transmission fluid can erode seals and gaskets while a worn-out torque converter can damage connections.
2010 Ford F-150 transmission fluid dipstick location
The 2010 Ford F-150 does not have a transmission dipstick, so fluid should be checked through a service port. Ford recommends checking your fluid regularly by having a dealership or mechanic inspect it for you. The valve on the transmission oil pan is located in a small opening that can be loosened to allow inspection. With more and more vehicles using newer, more complicated transmissions, manufacturers have separated changing transmission fluid from the responsibility of owners. The biggest negative is that you won’t be able to check the fluid yourself as it will be done remotely. If something goes wrong with the valve, there might be an excessive loss of fluid.
How to Check F-150 Transmission Fluid
The transmission fluid for 2010 Ford F150s is among the most difficult fluids to access. Find the right dipstick with “ATS” stamped on it and you will be able to check its level easily enough. To measure the transmission fluid, first locate your dipstick (typically on the driver’s side of the vehicle), and wipe it off with a paper towel or rag. The transmission fluid should be at the “Full” or “Max” mark on the dipstick.The color or smell of your transmission fluid is directly related to any problems. You should change the fluid immediately if you spot red stains on the dipstick, and if there’s a burnt odor in the transmission housing.
NOTICE:
- The vehicle should not be driven if the transmission fluid level is low as failure could result.
- The transmission fluid fill plug is located near the exhaust system and carries an extremely high temperature.
- If you’ve been driving your vehicle for a long time at high speeds, in traffic, on hot days or while hauling a trailer, we must let the transmission fluid cool down.
- If the transmission starts slipping, shifting slowly or leaking, it is time to check the fluid level.
This transmission features an internal thermal bypass to protect against overheating. This component may shut off transmission fluid flowing to the cooler if operating temperature falls below typical levels.
There are two types of transmission shift level indicators- the original or its replacement. The original transmission fluid level indicator is a single, horizontal cross hatch. The replacement has two areas for the fluid level, a crosshatched (labeled A) area and a dashed-line dotted (labeled B) area. Make sure the fluid is in the up to crosshatched area. Check your transmission fluid to make sure that the gearbox fluid is at the same level as these crosshatch marks.
Sometimes, transmission fluid levels can be too high. This is a problem because it causes the transmission fluid to churn and foam as the parts inside rotate. The lack of control pressure makes for erratic shifting, which leads to lost transmission fluid from both the vent tube and potential failure in the system.
If your transmission fluid is overfilled, remove some of the fluid. Refer to Transmission Fluid Level Check in this section for instructions on how to check the level and add more if needed.
A low transmission fluid level may result in your gears engaging poorly, slipping entirely, or even breaking down all together. You should have it checked at least every 6 months to ensure everything is working well and there are no obvious leaks.
Steps for changing 2010 Ford f150 Transmission Fluid:
- Carefully remove the transmission fluid fill plug and then the transmission fluid level indicator. Allow some of the transmission to drip onto a clean tissue, and compare it with a transmission color chart to determine its type or condition.
- Observe the color and smell.
- If you find indications of solid material during inspection, remove the transmission fluid pan for further examination.
- If you notice a pink, foamy stain on the transmission fluid at anytime during your vehicle use, or would like to inspect your engine cooling system, these are both times that it could be necessary.
- If sediment or faulty fluid contamination is detected in the bottom of the pan, it will need to be repaired. This includes a new transmission fluid cooler tube and torque converter.
