Things You'll Need
Funnel
Automatic transmission fluid, as needed
Although pickup trucks made by the Ford Motor Company date back to the Model T, they were not labeled with the F-Series designation until the 1948 models. The F-150 nameplate was not used until the mid 1970s. Automatic transmissions have been available in Ford trucks since the 1950s. The fluid level must be checked in your 2001 F150's automatic transmission regularly, as low fluid can lead to problems that may cause your transmission to fail prematurely.
Step 1
Drive your truck at least 20 miles to warm up the transmission fluid to get an accurate reading. Place the transmission in "PARK" and leave the engine running. Set the parking brake.
Step 2
Open the hood. Locate the automatic transmission dipstick at the rear of the engine bay on the passenger side. Pull the dipstick from the dipstick tube. Wipe the end of the dipstick clean with a rag. Push the dipstick back into the tube until it is fully seated. Remove the dipstick and observe the transmission fluid level. Check the markings at the end of the dipstick to determine how much fluid is needed. Wipe the dipstick clean and place it aside.
Step 3
Place a funnel designed for adding transmission fluid into the dipstick tube where the dipstick was removed. Make sure the end of the funnel is fully seated in the tube before adding fluid.
Step 4
Add Motorcraft MERCON V automatic transmission fluid (or equivalent) into the funnel in ½ pint increments. Remove the funnel and insert the dipstick. Remove the dipstick and check the transmission fluid level. Continue this procedure until the transmission fluid is at the full mark. Do not overfill the transmission or it could be damaged.
Step 5
Remove the funnel and replace the dipstick. Close the hood.
Tip
You can check your transmission fluid level without warming up the transmission by driving, as long as the outside temperature is above 50 degrees. Make sure the fluid level is between the two indentations at the bottom of the dipstick. However, it is recommended to warm your truck up by driving it before adding any fluid to prevent an overfill situation.
Warning
An overfull transmission may cause shifting problems which can damage your transmission.
Using the wrong transmission fluid in your transmission may cause problems and premature failure. The transmission fluid type is listed in your owner’s manual or is embossed on the transmission dipstick.