Powerboost Transmission Fluid Dipstick Fill Level

[Jerome10]

Here is the procedure for entering ERDM to check the transmission fluid level on a 2022 F150 3.5PB, it mentions that the engine will run at 4,000RPM.

On the 3.5PB the transmission fluid level is set between 3 and 4, trans in a 3.5PB is a 10R80MHT and not a normal 10R80 where the level would get set between 5 and 6.

Wow ok thanks! so maybe the revving I was having is normal....

running the truck, but it was in electric idle... I was just below 3.

Sponsored

 

[Jerome10]

Putting my truck in 4lo keeps the engine running even in park.

I tried this! BOOM! Works perfectly. Thanks!

 

[tbeneteau]

Just checked my trans fluid level (21 Limited Powerboost). 42k miles, bought CPO at about 27k. Trans hot (185 degrees or so) with engine running, the entire dipstick is wet. Engine off, its between 1 and 2 (closer to 2). Hope this isn't causing any damage? Looks like my next task is to do the poor mans fluid change and suck out as much fluid as I can and refill to proper level?

 

[Jerome10]

I think you need to get it hotter than 185. I believe you need between 205 and 215F.

I drove the truck in town to get everything warmed up. Then power-braked a bit until I got my temp in the 205-210 range using my OBD scanner to show me the temp.

Then reversed into garage and immediately checked the temp. I wanna say I was close to 215F by the time I got home.

I continually monitored trans temp for awhile and was surprised how hot it stayed. I would imagine you could probably shut the truck off a few minutes to let the exhaust (near the trans dipstick) cool a little, then restart engine and quickly get down there and get the dipstick out before the exhaust heats up again.

But everything I've read says you MUST be in that temp range and you must have the engine running. Anything else you won't get an accurate reading.

It wasn't clear, but make sure you pull the dipstick, wipe completely, then reinsert, and then make your reading (with temps in-range and engine running)

 

[tbeneteau]

I think you need to get it hotter than 185. I believe you need between 205 and 215F.

I drove the truck in town to get everything warmed up. Then power-braked a bit until I got my temp in the 205-210 range using my OBD scanner to show me the temp.

Then reversed into garage and immediately checked the temp. I wanna say I was close to 215F by the time I got home.

I continually monitored trans temp for awhile and was surprised how hot it stayed. I would imagine you could probably shut the truck off a few minutes to let the exhaust (near the trans dipstick) cool a little, then restart engine and quickly get down there and get the dipstick out before the exhaust heats up again.

But everything I've read says you MUST be in that temp range and you must have the engine running. Anything else you won't get an accurate reading.

It wasn't clear, but make sure you pull the dipstick, wipe completely, then reinsert, and then make your reading (with temps in-range and engine running)

So maybe the trans cooling circuit affects the fluid level at the dipstick (i.e. fluid going to the trans cooler when above a certain temp -vs- fluid NOT going to the cooler when below a certain temp?

 

[Hans Moleman]

My transmission fluid temp usually maxes out at 185 even going on long trips with hills. It sounds horrible that you have to cook the transmission by power braking until it reaches 205 in order to check the fluid level.

 

[tbeneteau]

I think you need to get it hotter than 185. I believe you need between 205 and 215F.

I drove the truck in town to get everything warmed up. Then power-braked a bit until I got my temp in the 205-210 range using my OBD scanner to show me the temp.

Then reversed into garage and immediately checked the temp. I wanna say I was close to 215F by the time I got home.

I continually monitored trans temp for awhile and was surprised how hot it stayed. I would imagine you could probably shut the truck off a few minutes to let the exhaust (near the trans dipstick) cool a little, then restart engine and quickly get down there and get the dipstick out before the exhaust heats up again.

But everything I've read says you MUST be in that temp range and you must have the engine running. Anything else you won't get an accurate reading.

It wasn't clear, but make sure you pull the dipstick, wipe completely, then reinsert, and then make your reading (with temps in-range and engine running)

So today I did a little experiment and checked the trans fluid level cold (about 70F) after sitting for 24 hrs. It is about where its supposed to be when at 210F, (between 3 and 4).

 

[tbeneteau]

I'll give this a shot!

And, yes I put mine in 4 Low and the engine never shut off. Much easier than diagnostic mode.

 

[Jerome10]

So today I did a little experiment and checked the trans fluid level cold (about 70F) after sitting for 24 hrs. It is about where its supposed to be when at 210F, (between 3 and 4).

Based on what you shared earlier at 185F and it being at 2, and then at that level when cold.... my personal opinion is that your trans may be overfilled.

Are you getting rough shifting at all?

 

[tbeneteau]

Based on what you shared earlier at 185F and it being at 2, and then at that level when cold.... my personal opinion is that your trans may be overfilled.

Are you getting rough shifting at all?

Yes a little rough shifting at times. I removed as much as I could using a hand held pump (about 6 quarts) and added about 4 quarts of fresh fluid to bring it down a little and I could feel that it smoothed it out some. I also know now what the level should be when cold so I don't have to worry about burning myself!

 

[Snakebitten]

Yes a little rough shifting at times. I removed as much as I could using a hand held pump (about 6 quarts) and added about 4 quarts of fresh fluid to bring it down a little and I could feel that it smoothed it out some. I also know now what the level should be when cold so I don't have to worry about burning myself!

I've often wondered why Ford doesn't just publish a cold fluid level as well as the 205-216F level.
I have to assume that they would if it were a failproof technique. There must be something critical to the volume of fluid in the pan ONLY with the thermostat open?

 

[Mosey]

I've often wondered why Ford doesn't just publish a cold fluid level as well as the 205-216F level.…..

Or have a side plug that drains out excess fluid like a rear diff.

 

[Snakebitten]

Or have a side plug that drains out excess fluid like a rear diff.

While they are at it, put a drain plug in the pan?

However, you have to remind yourself that these days manufacturers consider their transmissions as lifetime (~150,000 mile) non service components.

Ridiculous.

 

[missileboy]

Or just get an aftermarket one and add 1.75 quarts capacity of red juice. I service mine every 30K. Shifts and runs like butter. 1st time at 4K after break in when I added the pan and then again at 30K miles.

 

[Captain Dirty Beard]

Or just get an aftermarket one and add 1.75 quarts capacity of red juice. I service mine every 30K. Shifts and runs like butter. 1st time at 4K after break in when I added the pan and then again at 30K miles.

I don't think anyone offers this type of aftermarket pan for the Powerboost.

Sponsored