[kingkong]

I just got a 1990 2.3 LX automatic. It has been sitting for 3 years so I'm in the process of draining all fluids. All is good till today I did the transmission fluid. First question is, is there really not a drain plug? According to Haynes on my auto I have to basically take apart the whole pan. And secondly no where can I find the dipstick to check it's level or any type of resevoir to re-fill it at.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[heavy metal]

you do have to take off the pan,install a new filter.get a can of flush,follow directions and flush your lines and cooler also.the dipstick is at the rear of the engine,this is where you re-fill the trans.

[soccerman58]

Is it much of a problem to drop the pan off? I just see abunch of bolts, no big deal other than I expect it helps if you like the taste of hydraulic fluid.
Phil

[EagleAutosports]

Good way to put it. Don't do this job on any surface you can't afford to stain because there is no drain plug, you have to drop the pan with the fluid in it, so expect splashing and if you're careful, you can have a drain pan under it and allow as much as possible to come out until it's manageable enough to drop completely and take out from under the car. Wear a shirt you can also sacrifice, the fluid will probably run up your arm and stain everything up to your shoulder. Ford doesn't put drain plugs in their pans, because most wouldn't change the filter inside it and just refill with fresh fluid. You must change the filter when changing fluid and that's why there's no plug. It's a messy job but must be done. And there should be a dipstick tube under the hood somewhere at the back of the engine.