Originally posted by Saskatoonian:
While checking fluid levels, I noticed that ATX fluid level was unusually high (this was after recommended warm up and driving). I proceeded to remove some fluid and brought it to recommended mark. I had to remove quite a bit, probably 1.4 litres to bring it to recommended level. After doing that, I went for a test drive, and I noticed after hard braking to a stop, tranny disengages for a few seconds (like there is not enough fluid). I can't make sense of this. Maybe there is a problem with the tranny. Maybe I don't know how to measure level properly. Maybe the stick is of wrong length? Any ideas? I can't see how else I can measure the level properly, unless I drain it completely and refill by quantity.

Any ideas?




The last time the car was serviced, was it done by one of those quick lube places? They might have added additional unneeded fluid. Haynes has a pretty good description of how to check the fluid level.

As for the diptstick being the wrong length, someone with a 1998 Zetec might have to measure bottom to low, bottom to high, and bottom to top of ring for you. Note that the fluid capacity for a 1998 Zetec is 8.5 litres and a 1998 Duratec is 9.6 litres (according to the owner's manual).

Edit. This link has a pretty good description of how to check the fluid level.

http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=tranny&Number=302271&Forum=tranny&Words=fluid%20level&Match=Entire%20Phrase&Searchpage=3&Limit=25&Old=allposts&Main=302081&Search=true#Post302271

Last edited by Tony2005; 08/07/05 02:24 PM.
"Always do the cheap and easy ones first." 1996 V6 ATX 96K miles