How to Check the Transmission Fluid in a 2009 F-150 5.4
Ford's 2009 F-150 employs a six-speed automatic transmission to transmit the 5.4-liter engine's power to the drive axles. Ford clearly states in the truck's owner's manual that you should have the fluid checked by an authorized Ford dealer service department and never add fluid or additives yourself. However, there are circumstances where you may need to check the fluid and taking the truck to a Ford dealer simply isn't an option. In those instances, you can check the fluid level yourself, if you're mechanically inclined and possess the proper equipment to do so.
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Instructions
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Start the F-150 and run the engine until it reaches operating temperature as noted on the temperature gauge. Set the parking brake.
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Firmly depress the brake pedal and then shift the transmission through each gear, resting in each gear for five seconds before moving to the next. Shift the transmission back into park.
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Climb out of the F-150, while leaving the engine running. Crawl under the truck on the passenger side, just behind the right-front wheel. Put your heat gloves or an oven mitt on.
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Remove the service fluid level indicator from the right-front of the transmission, next to the catalytic convertor, using a 13 mm box wrench. Be careful, as the catalytic convertor and other exhaust components are several hundred degrees when the engine is running at normal operating temperature; contact with bare skin on any exhaust component will instantly deliver third-degree burns.
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Separate the dipstick from the fluid level indicator. Wipe the dipstick off with a rag, reinstall the dipstick by itself and then pull it back out. Note the fluid level, which should read just below the "FULL" mark on the dipstick.
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Reattach the dipstick to the fluid level indicator head and reinstall both into the transmission with the box wrench. Wipe any spilled fluid from the side of the transmission with a rag. If any fluid drips onto the exhaust, leave it there until the exhaust is cool to the touch, then clean it off.
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Climb out and shut the truck off.
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Tips & Warnings
When examining the fluid level, note the fluid color and smell. Good transmission fluid is a light pink in color. Bad transmission fluid is a darker and less transparent and often carries a burned smell. If your fluid is low, dark or burned or it's suspending any particles, have the transmission serviced by a qualified transmission technician as soon as possible. If the need arises to add fluid, you'll need a fluid suction gun to insert the fluid into the transmission. When adding, install one pint of Mercon V fluid at a time, checking the fluid level between pints to ensure you do not overfill the transmission. Overfilling can cause serious internal damage to your transmission.
If you lift the front of the F-150 for clearance to reach the transmission, you may not get an accurate reading on the dipstick, due to the angle of the transmission. If you're physically unable to get underneath your F-150 while it's on a flat, level surface, you should wait until you can take the truck to a qualified technician. Never place a truck on four jack stands with the engine running.
