How to Add Transmission Fluid After Installing Transmission Cooler on a 2003 Ford Explorer

Question:

This model Ford has a transmission that cannot be filled except by the dealer. How can I add oil to it to compensate for the increased capacity of the cooler

asked by: Stephen B

Helpful Expert Reply:

I wasn't sure why your transmission fluid can only be filled by a dealer. Your 2003 Ford Explorer uses one of two possible automatic transmissions used on Ford Explorers from 1997 to 2010 and a lot of other vehicles within that same time frame. So I checked the owners manual and found out that it doesn't have a dip stick to check the fluid so you would not be able to add any.

Basically what you would have to do is have a Ford technician perform the transmission cooler installation. Whether or not they would do that depends on the dealership. If a dealership won't do it you might want to talk with one of the Ford mechanics to see if they would or even could do the job on the side.

expert reply by: Michael H