How do you check and fill a transmission on a 2005 mercury mountneer

I need to know how to check and fill my transmission on a 2005 mercury mountneer awd can't find the check fill plug can you steer me in the right direction and how to adjust the linkage on the transmission

My car has 88500 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Unfortunately, your car does not have the old style dipstick access and so it is really involved to change the fluid. Drain and refill on this model requires the following tools: Rubber Tip Air Nozzle (100-D009 (D93L-7000-A), Vacuum Pump Kit (416-D002 (D95L-7559-A), Fluid Transporter/Evacuator/Injector (307-D465), Adapter, Fluid Level and Fill Plug (307-437). Although there is a drain plug in the pan to remove the fluid, new fluid is added under pressure (30 PSI max.) using the above referenced adapter and fill plug and pressurization system (aka, Transporter/Evacuator/Injector system) through the smaller access port in the center of the drain plug. The whole process has to be done with the vehicle very level, that is on a hoist or, if using jack stands, about 2 feet in the air to gain sufficient access. To check the fluid level the same tool set is required and there is a rather complex procedure that is followed also using that small plug access through the larger drain plug. Normally, transmission fluid is not lost and so unless you see clear external evidence of transmission fluid leakage, the fluid level will not have changed since the factory fill. Adjustment of the linkage is a ten step process and also implicates the transmission range sensor adjustment. It would be unusual for the linkage to be out of adjustment, particularly if the vehicle has less than 100,000 miles. If you desire that the transmission fluid level and condition be inspected and, if you have concerns regarding the shift linkage, due to the complexity of these particular repairs, it is highly recommended that at least the first time you do them, you seek a professional to work with you. If you desire, YourMechanic can dispatch a certified Mechanic to your home to perform the transmission fluid inspection and service and also address any other concerns you might have.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

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Find the transmission dipstick, which is usually brightly colored and toward the back of the engine. Remove the dipstick, being careful not to spill or drip any fluid. Wipe off the dipstick with a clean rag, just as you would do when checking the engine oil.
For Automatic Transmission: 5R55S…. MA5. Capacity: 5 speed 5R55S Total Fill 13.4 quarts.
All Mountaineers come with a five-speed automatic transmission.
Carefully add automatic transmission fluid in small increments and recheck level each time until fluid level reaches “warm” line. CAUTION: DO NOT OVERFILL OR SPILL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID ON HOT ENGINE PARTS! Reinsert automatic transmission fluid dipstick fully. You`re done!
Your car`s engine should be running when you add fluid to the transmission, but you should have the transmission in park and the handbrake activated for safety. Check the owner`s manual for instructions on selecting the correct transmission fluid for your vehicle.
Locating the Transmission Fill Plug

This plug is typically found on the side of the transmission, near the bottom, and is used to add or check the fluid level. However, the exact location may vary depending on your vehicle`s make and model.

Valvoline – DEXRON®-VI ATF Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid, 1 Quart (Part No. 822405)
The fluid should reach the “FULL” line or be within the hash marks at the end of the dipstick. If not, add a small amount of transmission fluid at a time. Don`t overfill it. Excess fluid inhibits proper lubrication and slows down the engine, similar to trying to run in water.
Find the transmission dipstick, which is usually brightly colored and toward the back of the engine. Remove the dipstick, being careful not to spill or drip any fluid. Wipe off the dipstick with a clean rag, just as you would do when checking the engine oil.
Open the hood to your car. If you have an inline engine, look behind your oil dipstick toward your windshield to locate the transmission fluid dipstick. If you have a front-wheel drive, look to the right of your oil dipstick. The transmission fluid dipstick is usually close to your car`s battery.
Many modern vehicles use a sealed-for-life transmission that never requires checking or fluid replacement—so they don`t have a dipstick. (Refer to your owner`s manual for your model`s specific service schedule and to double-check whether it has a transmission dipstick.)

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

How do you check and fill a transmission on a 2005 mercury mountneer
ANSWER : Unfortunately, your car does not have the old style dipstick access and so it is really involved to change the fluid. Drain and refill on this model requires the following tools: Rubber Tip Air Nozzle (100-D009 (D93L-7000-A), Vacuum Pump Kit (416-D002 (D95L-7559-A), Fluid Transporter/Evacuator/Injector (307-D465), Adapter, Fluid Level and Fill Plug (307-437). Although there is a drain plug in the pan to remove the fluid, new fluid is added under pressure (30 PSI max.) using the above referenced adapter and fill plug and pressurization system (aka, Transporter/Evacuator/Injector system) through the smaller access port in the center of the drain plug. The whole process has to be done with the vehicle very level, that is on a hoist or, if using jack stands, about 2 feet in the air to gain sufficient access. To check the fluid level the same tool set is required and there is a rather complex procedure that is followed also using that small plug access through the larger drain plug. Normally, transmission fluid is not lost and so unless you see clear external evidence of transmission fluid leakage, the fluid level will not have changed since the factory fill. Adjustment of the linkage is a ten step process and also implicates the transmission range sensor adjustment. It would be unusual for the linkage to be out of adjustment, particularly if the vehicle has less than 100,000 miles. If you desire that the transmission fluid level and condition be inspected and, if you have concerns regarding the shift linkage, due to the complexity of these particular repairs, it is highly recommended that at least the first time you do them, you seek a professional to work with you. If you desire, YourMechanic can dispatch a certified Mechanic to your home to perform the transmission fluid inspection and service and also address any other concerns you might have.

Check engine check battery leaking smoke
ANSWER : If it was leaking "antifreeze" or "coolant" on the freeway, that signifies a cooling system leak although it is also possible that your car is overheating (due to a cooling system problem like a stuck thermostat or an engine issue) and the overheating simply caused the pressure relief valve in the radiator cap to open expelling steam and liquid coolant. It’s hard to say which is occurring without looking at the car directly. Consider YourMechanic, as one of our mobile technicians can come to your home to diagnose the Check Engine Light and other symptoms.

The fault with the battery is possibly a coincidence and the electrical issue will have to be dealt with as well. It’s not unusual for older cars to have multiple problems but the problems are not directly related; they are merely coincidental.

Do I need to stop driving my car immediately if my check engine light and check transmission light both come on and stay on?
ANSWER : Hi there. Anytime a service or warning light illuminates on your dashboard, it is because the ECU of your vehicle has detected a fault from either a system, sensor or individual component. Some are more serious than others, which is why it’s always best to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location; either at home or while you’re at work, to complete a check engine light inspection. This will allow them to download all of these error codes to determine what service or repairs will resolve these issues.

My van transmission started slipping and the van is making a whining sound now. I had transmission fluid filled but it is even wor
ANSWER : It would be a good idea to check to be sure that the fluid level was not overfilled. Too much fluid creates shifting and operational problems just as too little fluid will. So, the level should be carefully verified. If the whirring noise is from the transmission (it could be wheel bearings for example), such noise could be from the torque converter, oil pump, or other rotating elements. The noise would have to be heard first hand by a mechanic to pin it down. If the transmission is not shifting properly, it could be as simple as a valve body issue (typically the valve body is replaceable on the vehicle) but there are also many other causes of shift difficulty such as broken or worn bands, failing clutch pistons and so forth. Some of these faults can be determined by using external gauges to measure internal hydraulic pressures within the transmission when you shift. Transmissions can be repaired; you won’t necessarily need a "new" transmission but yes, admittedly, such repairs can be costly. If you want to get a definitive diagnosis and get information about repair options, just request a transmission shift and noise diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will help you with that. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

2013 Ford Focus Transmission Issue. Is it worth keeping the car?
ANSWER : Hi There,
This is a known issue in this generation Ford Focus and some Fiestas with the "Power Shift" transmission and there have been numerous recalls and lawsuits. Although, it is would be difficult to determine how much longer your transmission will last given the fact that you have many new parts, I would not recommend junking the car as it may still provide some valuable life left for you. I would recommend taking it to the dealer to see if these parts may be covered under the recall.

Can too much transmission fluid cause speedometer malfunctions?
ANSWER : Hi there. In most cases when you overfill the transmission fluid it can cause excessive foaming of the fluid or possible internal component failure due to excessive pressure inside the hydraulic lines. Sensors like the speed sensors however are rarely impacted by this situation. However, in regards to the possibility of probability of this; I would say perhaps a 10% chance.

Transmission is making a humming noise. Should we have the transmission checked?
ANSWER : Hi there. If there is a humming noise coming from the transmission, then either a clutch is slipping or a drive shell is broken. First check the fluid to the transmission and make sure that its full and red in color. I recommend servicing the transmission with new oil and a new filter to see if the noise goes away. If you service the transmission and the noise continues, then I recommend having the transmission checked by a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic to pin point the issue.

There is automatic transmission fluid in a manual transmission. Is it okay to leave or do I need manual transmission fluid?
ANSWER : This would depend on what the manufacturer recommends. Many manual transmissions do take automatic transmission fluid. If your transmission has ATF in it, it is very likely that it is supposed to have that in there. If not, it is likely that the transmission would not function properly with the wrong fluid. Many manual transmissions will also take engine oil as a lubricant. The best way to know for sure is to check your owner’s manual or call your local General Motors dealership to inquire.