ATX purging fluid

[FordLover]

I recently bought my 95 ATX that had a bad vehicle speed sensor. I suspect the previous owners did a tranny flush hoping to solve the shifting problem that could only be fixed by replacing the VSS.

While on the LSSHOC winter run this weekend my tranny spit out a bunch of fluid, I'm guessing from some sort of purge valve because it's not leaking now.

What's odd is the tranny fluid is still at the top of the hatched area on the dipstick.

I'm wondering if I just got the tranny hot with all the up and downshifting at full throttle and the tranny was overfilled?
After letting it sit overnight, then restarting and warming it up, the tranny fluid is still on the high side of the dip stick..
The tranny seems to be shifting better now, and no problems have popped up...
Any insite to this? Oh, the car has 113K miles, I bought if from the Ford dealer with 107K.
I wish Doug Lewis was on here.
-Martin

 

[rangerj]

Fordlover,

Fist of all, yes the automatic transmission has a "breather", or vent. Based upon you description of what happened, and the history of the car, there is no doubt in my mind that the prior owner tried to solve his "trans problem" (VSS) by adding fluid.

In fact, based upon your dipstick reading, the fluid level is still to high. A good level to keep the trans fluid at is half way between the "HOT" marks. The reason I use this is that we rarely get to check Trans fluid that is truely "HOT", if everthing is working properly.

You can use a hand vacuum pump to reduce the fluid level. Because of the hydrolic pressures created in the trans it is not a good idea to operate the trans overfilled. rangerj

 

[Slo-Sho]

It's actually advised to slightly overfill the ATX. Ask Doug.

 

[Detenator]

That really sucks that the Ford dealer didn't do one of those 9000 point inspections that the 'Certified Lexus' dealers pride themselvs on. Shame on him for selling you a defective car. You should have brough it back under warenty. (most used cars do have 90 days if im not mistaken.)

 

[FordLover]

Detenator:
That really sucks that the Ford dealer didn't do one of those 9000 point inspections that the 'Certified Lexus' dealers pride themselvs on. Shame on him for selling you a defective car. You should have brough it back under warenty. (most used cars do have 90 days if im not mistaken.)

It wasn't a certified car..because it had more than 100K miles, so the 5 day/300 mile return policy wasn't in effect.
However I can't complain, I paid 2,300 for the car, and overall it was a steal..
-Martin

 

[DougLee25]

I second the idea that actually slightly overfilling an ATX tranny is a good idea. I'm sure the other Doug will agree.

Doug

 

[Mr Anonymous]

You sure the source of the fluid isn't the PS system or reservoir?

 

[blewbyu]

I saw/smelled it. It was trans fluid, and boy did it leak. Made his cat's smoke like Tommy Chong. It was most logically due to the extreme driving conditions we were giving our SHO's. I was glad to see the ATX hang. Martin's got a nice ride, glad to know that it made it home. With the fluid purging, was a bit curious, but glad to here it is still running strong. See ya at the next run.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

blewbyu:
I saw/smelled it. It was trans fluid, and boy did it leak. Made his cat's smoke like Tommy Chong. It was most logically due to the extreme driving conditions we were giving our SHO's. I was glad to see the ATX hang. Martin's got a nice ride, glad to know that it made it home. With the fluid purging, was a bit curious, but glad to here it is still running strong. See ya at the next run.

Yes, but the power steering system in the SHO also uses tranny fluid which is why I asked.

 

[SHOvit]

When you guys say to slightly overfill the ATX's how much are we talking here??? I would like to extend the life of mine as long as possible thumbs_u I liked the "smoke like Tommy Chong" line also

 

[rangerj]

Doug, (and his other brother Doug)(If you didn't watch TV in the 80s you probibly will not get this!)

I am also interested in how much "a litle overfill" is, and why is this necessary. Does this just pertain to the SHO auto trans?

For many, many, years I have read, and heard, that it is not good to overfill an auto trans. Any time is a good time for this old wrench bender to learn something new.

If you would please explain why the trans needs a "little overfill" I would greatly appreciate it. Help me get up to speed on this. (pun intended) Was there a TSB on this? Thanks guys, rangerj

 

[DougLee25]

I was told that a half a quart or so overfilling would actually make the trans run cooler. It also keeps the clutches from starvng in the event that the fluid sloshes in the pan.

Doug

 

[FordLover]

SHOooo:
You sure the source of the fluid isn't the PS system or reservoir?

I originally had the same concern, however the power steering fluid level didn't drop any, and since the power steering system holds about a quart, the amount of smoke created would have required a completely empty power steering, and it was full.
also the leak fixed itself, which wouldn't be the case had it been the highpressure steering system.
-Martin

 

[SHOvit]

Rangerj, I'm with you, I've always been under the impression that overfilling a trans is a bad idea, foaming, etc. Anyone else care to chime in on this?
Slosho, DougLee25, are you guys currently running overfilled ATX's with no problems? How far up on the stick is your fill mark? shrug