The "lollipop" is inserted at the transmission plant though the hole where the dipstick tube would go. It prevents any fluid from getting out and any dirt from getting in. At final assembly, the dipstick tube and dipstick push it it the pan.
Yes, butnit is a Monday plug. Before internet could give the answer, these would be in the closed hand of a downtrodden looking person walking into service drive of a Ford dealer. Then he'd find out he called into work and worried for 24 or more hours over something he should have tossed into trash.
Also it's a good clue the trans. Filter & fluid have never been changed. Next time if someone else takes off the pan he knows it's not the original filter & fluid👍👍
I always lose 10mm sockets. One day I was looking for an 8mm socket which I never found, ended up buying another one, but I think I found every 10mm I ever lost!
Round of applause for the owner of that car, it's in excellent condition for the age. This and the '95 3series show how well stuff can last if you take good care of it.
Saying that car was clean was an understatement ,just off the showroom clean in as brand new for a car that's 20 years old. Did Ray say what the mileage was
Hey ray. Third generation mechanic here. In our shop, when we do a transmission service with a pan that doesn't have a drain plug. We take blue shop towels and tie them around your wrist before you pull the pan. It'll keep the fluid from running down your arms. Good content. keep up the good work.
@@karstenjacobson1725 I looked at a 2005 Ford Mustang V6 once upon a time (for a girlfriend). Under the hood, I noticed that there was no dipstick for the tranny. I asked the salesman about that, and he told me that there's no need, since the tranny pan gets dropped every 30k mi for a full fluid change. I was appalled.
As a DIY driveway mechanic working on my own vehicles, I greatly enjoy watching a knowledgeable pro as he does these various service and repair operations in a competent and honest manner. Keep it up!
Ray, I know that you have been told this many times but please never stop being an HONEST and competent mechanic! You will have more good karma then bad.
A Tech with a conscience is really a good thing ,If you allways do the right thing, correctly, you should always have a good day without any regrets, rolling around in the back of your mind!
11:42 its a plug for the transmission dipstick that is installed before the dipstick and usally means no one has been in the transmission before (when first installed in the factory its to keep out contaminets and once they install the dipstick it drops into the pan and can usally be a sign no one has been in the transmission before as your supposed to remove them during a service)
That's absolutely ridiculous. Whoever thought of that should be fired. If the tube is installed, the stick should be with it. If its not installed, a plug like you see on any other thing like brake calipers. Remove before installing the tube. If there's a reason the stick can't be installed with the tube - use one of those on the end of the tube. Having a custom made special part drop down into the oil pan to float around is silly.
@@notsure7874 its standard practice my man . The plug is to large to enter the fluid path and is supposed to be removed at 10/20k ? Factory new car fluid Service .i have seen once where that plug managed to get stuck in the filter port though.
Someone probably already mentioned this BUT, it's frustrating to me that the dealer would have done all that work sealing up the tail shaft, etc. (along with a BIG repair bill) and the customer STILL would have had that leak. REALLY good catch Ray! You're as honest as the day is long.
Sadly often times places know what the actual problem is and only fix the actual problem and charge for the big job or something like that. I'm not accusing that particular dealership of doing it as it might just have been an honest mistake. Honesty works the best for a shop in the long run.
@@TriCountyMotorsEastman I find it hard to accept it was an honest mistake personally, that car was so clean, you could clearly see where the leak was coming from, and I'd even go as far as to say the leak looked new enough to have been caused at that dealership, deliberately, in the first place. The owner's instincts must have been on red alert for him to have walked away from there, and clearly for good reasons 👍
You're talking about people sending you things and how it makes you smile. I have to admit it made me smile listening to you. Because I truly believe you deserve those things in life you make people smile with you're videos. And in return People try to do something nice for you. That deserves a big smile.
"pan is equipped with a reusable gasket". Maybe the other guy took ford at their word and thought the "mushroom" was a reusable gasket as well.......... Great channel Ray. Thanks for all the free videos and the great commentary. Doo De Doodey doo. Click. Beooooow.
I have a honest mechanic, I lost my tools and such in divorce. I really appreciate your honesty and character!! Hard to find now days. Keep it up!! Wish I lived closer.
Ray, my 5 year old loves watching your videos. He's learned a lot and wants to work on cars. However, thanks to you, he now runs around going, "Do dee do dee do."
The plastic piece is put in at the factory to plug the dipstick hole to keep debris out of the transmission until the tube and dipstick is put in, Those plugs can also be found in f150s.
4:15 "All noise and nothing else" is right! THAT is THE BEST description I've heard of something like that! I'll have to remember that one. Nothing if not absolutely right!
That trans looks clean. That plug according to the internet is to keep it from leaking out the dipstick hole before it is assembled, and when they install the dipstick it pushes that plug into the pan.
The biggest reason I enjoy watching you fine auto mechanical content creators is the exposure to the different models and manufacturers... That yellow factory assembly dip stick plug? Never knew that before and now I do! None of my family's automobiles or trucks have been to a retail service facility in 3+ decades. I know them all intimately. But, as a DIY'er I'm not exposed to the diversity of makes and models you folks are. But now via TH-cam? I am! Thanks for the ride-along!
Y'all would figure the dip sticks that design them cars would put a friggin drain plug in the tranny pans after all these decades of making cars.... Right????
Great video and awesome car. Thanks so much for not having the background music…! Part of the enjoyment in watching your videos is hearing the normal garage sounds. Phone, tools being affected by gravity, radio playing and such..👍
I can appreciate a client that really take car of their car. I noticed that you took care of making sure that you paid attention to the cleanliness of the car even though it's in an area, where no one is going to see. INTEGRITY. Great work
My personal friend is my car mechanic. He works from his home - 110 miles away from me. I still take my small fleet of personal vehicles to him when it's more than an oil change. The antenna on my 2001 Silverado got broke off in the car wash. Three separate dealer repair estimates ranged from $466 to $511 to fix it. Showed the estimates to the car wash manager who sent me a check for $466. My friend then fixed it and gave me a bill for $45. He always under-charges me so I gave him the full $466. Love and trust him more than my family doctor.
Multiple people have already explained the yellow trans plug you found, nice clean Mustang, I envy your lack of rust in Florida, have a super day and remember the haters are going to hate.
Agreed, that's an amazingly clean SN95. It's too bad that so many of those cars have been ragged out, they are great at what they were designed for - being awesome daily drivers.
I did a basic pan drop and strainer/gasket replacement on my neighbor's 04 Nissan Xterra... They were kind enough to have actually put a damn drain plug on the pan.
I have a green 96 mustang convertible it has 85000 on it it was given to me 3 years ago with 78000 tires battery oil change is all I’ve had to do it sat in a garage for 9 years has a brand new top thanks and Rip Bob the mustang lives on
The plug as you have already been told is to plug for the dipstick goes into the transmission pan at assembly. And because you're the first one ever ended at trans you have now achieved acquiring the transmission Cherry. Yes, that is what it is called.
That fluid looked surprisingly good for 90,000 miles. It makes me wonder if it had been changed before, and the tech just put the cherry back, thinking it was to remain in there.
I like minivans very much. They are an extremely practical vehicle. They carry more stuff and/or more people more comfortably than any SUV. I have continuously owned at least one minivan from my first one in 1990 until just a year or two ago. Now, it's a full size van, although I'd like to get back to a mini now that my need for the big one has ended.
@@nickmalone3143 Yes some places uses an automated fluid exchanger for transmission fluid. They do work as my daughters car transmission was severely contaminated by water. They had to do two exchanges which cleaned up well (only charged for one). However this included a filter change and allows the mechanic to inspect and assess the condition of the transmission. But a fluid exchange can be helpful to maintain clean conditions but not to replaced scheduled filter exchanges etc.
The plug was used to block the hole for the dipstick during the assembly process. When the dipstick is installed, the plug falls into the oil pan. All it means is that you were the first to change the transmission fluid. Just discard it.
Ray I saw you’ve already got the comment they been doing that for years like since the late 60s, first time I saw when I thought I broke it meaning the transmission. A friend of mine worked at the Ford plant in Edison New Jersey years ago and he said the same thing that all transmissions come with it and then when they put the dipstick tube in they just let that flop in the pan. Thanks for all your videos I really enjoy what you do and how good you are at your job, you really take your time to diagnose it and fix it correctly. Nice to see a mechanic worth a damn
Ford used those to plug the dipstick tube hole. When you install the dipstick tube, it pushes the plug down into the pan. It's also a good indicator that the pan hasn't been off or fluid/filter serviced.
That is correct , it is a plug used at the factory to keep dirt from getting into the transmission while it waits to be installed in a car on the production line , when they are putting the car together and the drive train is mated to the body, one of the final things is to put tbe dipstick tube in. The dipstick tube pushes tbe plug into the transmission pan and lives ther until it’s first transmission oil change .
"Everyone likes minivans.... right?" I am somewhat of a van man, and I am of the opinion that the minivan is the ULTIMATE VEHICLE. You can haul stuff (and it's covered), you can haul people, you get decent mileage, many of them can pull trailers.... the list goes on. Screw the haters, minivans FOR LIFE!
I drain it the hard way once, when that pan without a drain plug comes off it gets repurposed as a parts wash pan or recycled. Only a pan with a drainplug gets reinstalled.
That is exactly what it should look like. It is precisely what it looks like on my 1990 Volvo 240 with its original AW70, and in my brother's current ride, a 2015 Ford F-250, in his old ride, a 1987 Colony Park, my former 89 Grand Marquis, and both of my former 79 Thunderbirds. All of them have one thing in common. Every one was either factory fitted with or had added on day one a heavy duty external transmission cooler. Both the Mercurys had them from the factory along with power steering coolers, and neither Wasa Police Package car. The 79s both had 302s with C-4 transmissions, so coolers were included. The Volvo got a 21,000 pound made by B&M the day after Ma took delivery. 387,000 miles later and it still works like new. Not too shabby. Oh, the original, untouched, AOD in the 86 wagon was still operating exactly as new at over 550,000 miles.
Over 175k view in 2 days... Your killin it Ray. Only thing is you cant retire from your day job to live off your TH-cam channel because your TH-cam channel IS your day job. Talk about double edged sword. Thanks for your content
When draining the fluid just either put a venturi into the pan so most runs out the venturi OR Use a pump down the filler hole to avoid the messy spill during the pan drop.
I always try (when I remember) to loosen the bolts that are furthest away from the easy ones near me. Case in point, dripping fluid. I really enjoy your knowledge of mechanical things.
Yellow plug is the plug for the dipstick tube hole during transmission assembly. Gets pushed in when dipstick tube is installed during final assembly on vehicle.
That plug is there so that where is the car is going down the assembly line when they put the dipstick tube in that plug is forced into the pan area during assembly
Nice job Ray, but why didn’t you drain the converter and change all that fluid as well? About half again from the converter drain plug, plus any metal fragments that come out with it.
That's a fluid exchange and some manufacturers say not to do that. For instance, with my 2010 Subaru Forester, they recommend only changing what's in the pan at the factory intervals.
@@MosinMan76254 Certainly can't speak of all model years and vehicle models, but I've owned various F150s and crown vics with this same 4r70w transmission and they had drain plugs on the torque converters. There is a black rubber plug on the bottom of the bell housing, pop that out of the way and roll the engine over until you see the plug peaking at you through the hole. Not sure it qualifies as an official fluid exchange as it's just being gravity drained and it's not hooked up to a machine or anything, but in any case I never came across any documentation telling me not to drain it on any of my own personal vehicles. To refill I just top off the pan and start it, let it run a minute to get fluid back into the torque converter, and then continue topping it off as it gets some heat in it. Been doing it that way since the 90s and haven't managed to ruin one yet
@@MosinMan76254 Agree. Most manufacturers say not to fully flush out all the fluid - they say just take off the pan, change filters and top up. Also spoken to many auto trans specialists over the years and they say the same thing. They said from experience you get more problems afterwards if you flush completely. Will bow to many years of experience from people who know much more than me re auto trans. Retired mechanic in Land Down Under.
Ray, I just want to express my thanks to you and to your fellow You tube creators who who provide us with actually interesting content rather than the dreck that the TV industry upchucks out over the airwaves. Keep up the good work!
we called them cherries! they are a plug for the dipstick tube while going down the assembly line until the dip stick tube is installed. it is then just shoved into the pan when the tube is installed! it is also a way to tell if the tranny has never been serviced before!
There's another possible explanation. It _was_ serviced but the person that did it thought the plug belonged in the pan so they put it back in the pan before bolting it back on. That would also mean they didn't know to clean the magnet.
👆This. That fluid is way too clean for 89K miles. It’s also too clean for a “spill and fill”. I’d guess the fluid was exchanged with a recovery machine (flushed). The pan doesn’t even get removed and all the fluid is exchanged that way.
I bought this big plastic clothing container.. it’s 30”wide and 40” long.. works so good in the driveway for oil/trans changes.. you can’t possibly miss. Drop free.
Wouldn't the fluid evacuator be useful to stick into the trans pan to remove some of the trans fluid before removing the remaining bolts? It would help to avoid the massive spillage from the trans pan. Great video as always.
That's how I do mine when when dropping pans, I don't have to worry about Trans fluid burning/smoking on the Y-pipe. Yes you can brake clean everything but why not try and do the job as clean as possible?
@@harrywalker5836 On the super duty they have a drain plug. I stopped using them because I one that wouldn't stop seeping. Plug was tight as could be and still seeped.
Did you ever try a hooked hose, into the pan? The diameter wouldn't have to be too large, and with one of those bulb pumps attached, you could siphon the majority of the fluid out beforehand.
Slower but way cleaner - use a mighty vac or similar vacuum fluid pump and suck it out via the dipstick tube. I've done that numerous times and it makes the job much cleaner, but slower. Edit. Now I see the end of the video... Yeah that.
@@leahyz yes, I wrote my comment before Ray want topside and pulled out that pump...and I realized that'd be a better way. At least suck out 80% of that stuff, reduce the danger of slopping all over yourself!
I found the same thing in my F-250 transmission pan, after some research I found it is called a virgin plug and it installed where the dipstick goes. It's installed by the trans manufacturer for shipping to prevent contamination. When the car manufacturer installs the dipstick it gets pushed into the pan.
I was saying to myself the second I saw those leaves....."For such a well cared for pony, those leaves have to go!" (Totaled my dad's 67 pony convertible in 72.....special place in Hell for me.) And, Ray made me a happy man when he took out the air gun. LOL
@21:18 Thank you Ray. That freaking plug was driving my OCD crazy the entire video and as you sprayed that all out and were wrapping up under the car I was starting to believe that you might have just left it in the dangly position. My brain was screaming but then, you saved the day and hung it back up. I guess I should know better than to doubt you but dang, that was just bugging me the whole time from the first second I saw it. Another great video man!
Why not use the fluid suction chamber you use on break jobs and power steering fluid changes to reduce the level of fluid in the pad before dropping it all the way to reduce spillage down your arm.
My Scion has a drain plug in the transmission oil pan so you can get most of the oil out before removing the pan. It is as if most manufacturers want to encourage people to never replace the oil and filter so the transmission will wear out faster.
@@brapamaldi The people who do not do it themselves will not do it themselves even with a drain plug because you still have to remove the pan to replace the filter and will still get some oil on you no matter what you do. That and the fact that without to proper jack and safety stands it would be impossible for them to get under their car to do it and the dealers and transmission shops charge way too much.
The opening on those bottles of ATF is offset. If you pour with the belly of the bottle towards the ground and the spout at the top, there will be no "glugging", just a smooth straight pour. Thanks for the videos
That fluid looks really good! Perfect time to change it! Yellow plug in pan has been answered. When I saw the fluid around the plug that the speedometer used to go, before you pulled it out, I knew you found the leak.
Ray, there is an easy way to install gaskets like to the oil pan without using the bolts just use two zip ties to hold the gasket to the oil pan, and after you put it back in its place close it with the bolts and remove the zip ties and continue the closing of the bolts BTW I'm a big fan of the channel and recommend you to all my friend Greeting from Israel
Don't know for sure on a 2000 model but mine had a drain plug on the torque converter behind that rubber plug in the bell housing. Had to crank engine around until the drain plug lined up. When I do service, I vacuum the oil out through the dipstick tube. Makes it less messy. Love your work and videos a lot.
My first trans service and I found a "honey dipper in the pan. I spent a long time looking for a location to put it. An old, wise mechanic told me it was a plug used at the factory before install to keep junk out of the trans. Sometimes they are pulled out, sometimes shoved in at assembly.
You could also have use the extractor before you dropped the pan :-). I do that all the time. Also, you could measure the amount of fluid that came out.
That’s one clean Mustang. You do a good , thorough job. I wish all mechanics worked as you do. Keep up the Good work and your work ethics . Stay Safe 🤙🍻🍺🙏
@@bertblue9683 Transmissions have gotten far more complicated over the years, and are now much more so than the engines. Yet the filtration for them is still basically the same as it was 25 years ago.
Hi Ray. I really like your channel and I learn a lot!! Your approach to walking us through your videos is very creative. I appreciate your ways of teaching the layperson (me). The “ popping the hood” and other various colorful way of making your videos is nice. It brings me a smile. Thank you. I’m not familiar with the rules, but I wonder can you use the Jeopardy clock count down when you need some type of filling in when adding fluids or any other needed count down. Anyways that’s my in- put. Thank you again for teaching like you do. I’ve learned a lot and really enjoy watching. Oh yeah, I’m subscribed and so glad I found your channel.
That plug you found in the pan seals the dipstick hole in the tranny from the plant. When the dipstick tube is inserted, it pushes the plug into the pan. When the filter is serviced for the first time, the plug can be disposed of. I have seen some newbs put it back in the pan though.
The "lollipop" is inserted at the transmission plant though the hole where the dipstick tube would go. It prevents any fluid from getting out and any dirt from getting in. At final assembly, the dipstick tube and dipstick push it it the pan.
Correct! You explained it well.
Yes, butnit is a Monday plug. Before internet could give the answer, these would be in the closed hand of a downtrodden looking person walking into service drive of a Ford dealer. Then he'd find out he called into work and worried for 24 or more hours over something he should have tossed into trash.
Useful, accurate information in a TH-cam comment? WELL I NEVER
Any other manufacturers out there using the lolipop
Also it's a good clue the trans. Filter & fluid have never been changed. Next time if someone else takes off the pan he knows it's not the original filter & fluid👍👍
A package of 10mm sockets. Every mech on the planet needs a friend like that!
I don't have issues losing 10 mm but the 13mm grow legs and walk off as soon as a set is carried into the shop.
@@TriCountyMotorsEastman Ahhh you have been buying the spiderlegged 13mm sets? I thought they were banned now?
@@TriCountyMotorsEastman I was about to say the same thing. 13mm (aka 1/2) get used so frequently they should sell them in bulk.
Yeah, its always the 10mm thats get lost...😊
I always lose 10mm sockets. One day I was looking for an 8mm socket which I never found, ended up buying another one, but I think I found every 10mm I ever lost!
Round of applause for the owner of that car, it's in excellent condition for the age. This and the '95 3series show how well stuff can last if you take good care of it.
Convertible too! Perfect for Florida, or just about anywhere.
Probably not beaten on neither ....
@@nickmalone3143 kept in a garage never driven in the rain
Saying that car was clean was an understatement ,just off the showroom clean in as brand new for a car that's 20 years old. Did Ray say what the mileage was
@@paulgallo6484 yep, 89548.4 on the miles
Hey ray. Third generation mechanic here. In our shop, when we do a transmission service with a pan that doesn't have a drain plug. We take blue shop towels and tie them around your wrist before you pull the pan. It'll keep the fluid from running down your arms. Good content. keep up the good work.
it's never a clean job taking the pans down, I'm gonna try that, thank you
I run a 1/4" tube down the dipstick and use a small pump to pump as much fluid out as i can before taking the pan down, makes a huge difference.
I was actually going to as the question... what transmission does NOT have a drain plug... certainly seems modern US systems don't..
@@jdsmort you're correct. Most have them these days. Cheaper cars don't have them as a general rule.
@@karstenjacobson1725 I looked at a 2005 Ford Mustang V6 once upon a time (for a girlfriend).
Under the hood, I noticed that there was no dipstick for the tranny. I asked the salesman about that, and he told me that there's no need, since the tranny pan gets dropped every 30k mi for a full fluid change.
I was appalled.
As a DIY driveway mechanic working on my own vehicles, I greatly enjoy watching a knowledgeable pro as he does these various service and repair operations in a competent and honest manner. Keep it up!
Ray, I know that you have been told this many times but please never stop being an HONEST and competent mechanic! You will have more good karma then bad.
Only dishonesty that's acceptable is wishing someone "have a nice day" while you have a huge dislike for them.
C B's should rule the world
Than*
@@ehsnils so
A Tech with a conscience is really a good thing ,If you allways do the right thing, correctly, you should always have a good day without any regrets, rolling around in the back of your mind!
11:42 its a plug for the transmission dipstick that is installed before the dipstick and usally means no one has been in the transmission before (when first installed in the factory its to keep out contaminets and once they install the dipstick it drops into the pan and can usally be a sign no one has been in the transmission before as your supposed to remove them during a service)
That's absolutely ridiculous. Whoever thought of that should be fired. If the tube is installed, the stick should be with it. If its not installed, a plug like you see on any other thing like brake calipers. Remove before installing the tube. If there's a reason the stick can't be installed with the tube - use one of those on the end of the tube. Having a custom made special part drop down into the oil pan to float around is silly.
was gonna say this! you beat me
@@notsure7874 plus the plug could have dirt on the top of it
@@notsure7874 its standard practice my man . The plug is to large to enter the fluid path and is supposed to be removed at 10/20k ? Factory new car fluid Service .i have seen once where that plug managed to get stuck in the filter port though.
@@MPulicci78 The way that trans is designed, the filter will always catch any dirt. Fluid goes from pan through filter.
Someone probably already mentioned this BUT, it's frustrating to me that the dealer would have done all that work sealing up the tail shaft, etc. (along with a BIG repair bill) and the customer STILL would have had that leak. REALLY good catch Ray! You're as honest as the day is long.
Dealer greed or newbie mechanic ? Follow the leak or follow the money for answer
Sadly often times places know what the actual problem is and only fix the actual problem and charge for the big job or something like that. I'm not accusing that particular dealership of doing it as it might just have been an honest mistake. Honesty works the best for a shop in the long run.
That's why they are called stealerships
@@TriCountyMotorsEastman I find it hard to accept it was an honest mistake personally, that car was so clean, you could clearly see where the leak was coming from, and I'd even go as far as to say the leak looked new enough to have been caused at that dealership, deliberately, in the first place. The owner's instincts must have been on red alert for him to have walked away from there, and clearly for good reasons 👍
This kind of crap is why some refer to them as "Stealerships".
You're talking about people sending you things and how it makes you smile. I have to admit it made me smile listening to you. Because I truly believe you
deserve those things in life you make people smile with you're videos. And in return People try to do something nice for you. That deserves a big smile.
"pan is equipped with a reusable gasket". Maybe the other guy took ford at their word and thought the "mushroom" was a reusable gasket as well.......... Great channel Ray. Thanks for all the free videos and the great commentary. Doo De Doodey doo. Click. Beooooow.
I have a honest mechanic, I lost my tools and such in divorce. I really appreciate your honesty and character!! Hard to find now days. Keep it up!! Wish I lived closer.
I am impressed that you treat the customer's vehicle as if it were your own no matter what shape the said vehicle is in. I love it!!
Ray, my 5 year old loves watching your videos. He's learned a lot and wants to work on cars. However, thanks to you, he now runs around going, "Do dee do dee do."
ROFL xD
I am 47 and run around going "do dee do dee do" now too
There will be few gasoline cars to work on by the time he is an adult
@@billyjack5957 By that point the title of "technician" will be more accurate then as well.
@@billyjack5957 My thoughts exactly.
"all noise and nothing else"...so true!
11:15. That's the transmissions cherry. You are the first bro! Congratulations!
Am I the only one who loves how Ray calls out for "Peter!"?
I think Peter would be a cool guy to hang with. He’s always in a good mood.
The plastic piece is put in at the factory to plug the dipstick hole to keep debris out of the transmission until the tube and dipstick is put in, Those plugs can also be found in f150s.
This
Also in the Crown Victoria. It's a pretty common question in CV facebook groups whenever people drop the transmission pan.
The question I have is why has this car not have had transmission fluid change in it's 22 years of life?
@@christophermeyer6414 From the looks of that Fluid it has been changed before.
They may have sucked it out the dipstick tube.
Ray the honest mechanic....wish more mechanic's like this near me.
Especially when some one comes in with their own parts and says "I need this, this and this" not "I have a leak, find it."
@@me007gold2 Spot on, alot of guys would fix what you told them to fix plus fix what is really wrong.......
How about using a fluid pump after taking most of the bolts out, to empty out Trans fluid
@Tom it's less time then cleaning up Trans fluid and he has a pump right there to do the job
4:15 "All noise and nothing else" is right! THAT is THE BEST description I've heard of something like that! I'll have to remember that one. Nothing if not absolutely right!
That car looks so clean under, no rust or anything. WOW.
That trans looks clean. That plug according to the internet is to keep it from leaking out the dipstick hole before it is assembled, and when they install the dipstick it pushes that plug into the pan.
110% kept it incase you pull one
That's right, it also means the pan has never been dropped so the filter has never been changed.
The biggest reason I enjoy watching you fine auto mechanical content creators is the exposure to the different models and manufacturers... That yellow factory assembly dip stick plug? Never knew that before and now I do!
None of my family's automobiles or trucks have been to a retail service facility in 3+ decades. I know them all intimately. But, as a DIY'er I'm not exposed to the diversity of makes and models you folks are. But now via TH-cam? I am!
Thanks for the ride-along!
Y'all would figure the dip sticks that design them cars would put a friggin drain plug in the tranny pans after all these decades of making cars.... Right????
@@thekingsilverado8419 They don't even put dipsticks in the transmissions anymore. Some don't even put dipsticks in the engine.
@@carlt6932 Yes we have noticed on most brands the dipstick is now located behind the steering wheel...
Great video and awesome car. Thanks so much for not having the background music…! Part of the enjoyment in watching your videos is hearing the normal garage sounds. Phone, tools being affected by gravity, radio playing and such..👍
I can appreciate a client that really take car of their car. I noticed that you took care of making sure that you paid attention to the cleanliness of the car even though it's in an area, where no one is going to see. INTEGRITY. Great work
With a car underside that looks this clean, it would just be wrong not to keep it that way.
My personal friend is my car mechanic. He works from his home - 110 miles away from me. I still take my small fleet of personal vehicles to him when it's more than an oil change. The antenna on my 2001 Silverado got broke off in the car wash. Three separate dealer repair estimates ranged from $466 to $511 to fix it. Showed the estimates to the car wash manager who sent me a check for $466. My friend then fixed it and gave me a bill for $45. He always under-charges me so I gave him the full $466. Love and trust him more than my family doctor.
Multiple people have already explained the yellow trans plug you found, nice clean Mustang, I envy your lack of rust in Florida, have a super day and remember the haters are going to hate.
As someone who lives in salty road Scotland, I understand.
Much respect to the owner of that Mustang. It's clearly well loved and taken care of.
yeah, that car look showroom clean inside and out.
Too bad it’s a v6
Agreed, that's an amazingly clean SN95. It's too bad that so many of those cars have been ragged out, they are great at what they were designed for - being awesome daily drivers.
Good morning everyone
I did a basic pan drop and strainer/gasket replacement on my neighbor's 04 Nissan Xterra... They were kind enough to have actually put a damn drain plug on the pan.
I have a green 96 mustang convertible it has 85000 on it it was given to me 3 years ago with 78000 tires battery oil change is all I’ve had to do it sat in a garage for 9 years has a brand new top thanks and Rip Bob the mustang lives on
The plug as you have already been told is to plug for the dipstick goes into the transmission pan at assembly. And because you're the first one ever ended at trans you have now achieved acquiring the transmission Cherry.
Yes, that is what it is called.
That fluid looked surprisingly good for 90,000 miles. It makes me wonder if it had been changed before, and the tech just put the cherry back, thinking it was to remain in there.
Or did they use a pump and removed the fluid and not replace the filter
@@richwoodcock637 That's very possible also.
Omg, I was so worried for that dangling connector be dangling more, would not be able to sleep! Thank you Ray.
Very clean car for its age clearly the owner respects his car. You did the owner and the car well by not doing more than was required. Good job!
escaping midwest winters helps too
Should have replaced the transmission mount. The rubber was turning into black gelatin.
I like minivans very much. They are an extremely practical vehicle. They carry more stuff and/or more people more comfortably than any SUV. I have continuously owned at least one minivan from my first one in 1990 until just a year or two ago. Now, it's a full size van, although I'd like to get back to a mini now that my need for the big one has ended.
Was a heavy vehicle services mechanic for 54 years & never wore a glove during that time, how the industry has changed, for the good I might add.
That has to be the cleanest underside I've ever seen in my entire life. It must never have been driven anywhere wet and spent every night garage kept.
I just sold a 2005 Explorer with 225K miles and it looked just this clean.
Ok I'm going to say it, you pulled a vacuum to pull out a pint of fluid so why not do that before dropping the pan to get the old fluid out?
I have heard quick lube places do this for tranny fluid change assuming they actually perform service
@@nickmalone3143 You can bet they don't drop the pan or replace the filter as that has been seen on other channels.
@@nickmalone3143 Yes some places uses an automated fluid exchanger for transmission fluid. They do work as my daughters car transmission was severely contaminated by water. They had to do two exchanges which cleaned up well (only charged for one). However this included a filter change and allows the mechanic to inspect and assess the condition of the transmission. But a fluid exchange can be helpful to maintain clean conditions but not to replaced scheduled filter exchanges etc.
The plug was used to block the hole for the dipstick during the assembly process. When the dipstick is installed, the plug falls into the oil pan. All it means is that you were the first to change the transmission fluid. Just discard it.
90k miles first fluid change in 22 years don't see that every day
Wow the fluid isnt that bad it's still red for 22 y/o car with 90k miles
I never knew that! Seriously, thanks!
I actually sat here and watched trans fluid being poured down the funnel.
...and I enjoyed it XD
Genuine Motorcraft, to boot. Bravo Ray.
Ray I saw you’ve already got the comment they been doing that for years like since the late 60s, first time I saw when I thought I broke it meaning the transmission. A friend of mine worked at the Ford plant in Edison New Jersey years ago and he said the same thing that all transmissions come with it and then when they put the dipstick tube in they just let that flop in the pan. Thanks for all your videos I really enjoy what you do and how good you are at your job, you really take your time to diagnose it and fix it correctly. Nice to see a mechanic worth a damn
That pan gasket is reusable, it says so on the pan . Keep up the great work!
Yep, sure is. "Pan is equipped with a reuseable gasket" @ 17:26
Ford used those to plug the dipstick tube hole. When you install the dipstick tube, it pushes the plug down into the pan. It's also a good indicator that the pan hasn't been off or fluid/filter serviced.
What a nice loved car. Congratulations to the owner!
That is correct , it is a plug used at the factory to keep dirt from getting into the transmission while it waits to be installed in a car on the production line , when they are putting the car together and the drive train is mated to the body, one of the final things is to put tbe dipstick tube in. The dipstick tube pushes tbe plug into the transmission pan and lives ther until it’s first transmission oil change .
"Everyone likes minivans.... right?" I am somewhat of a van man, and I am of the opinion that the minivan is the ULTIMATE VEHICLE. You can haul stuff (and it's covered), you can haul people, you get decent mileage, many of them can pull trailers.... the list goes on. Screw the haters, minivans FOR LIFE!
Ray i use my vac to remove trans fluid before the service. It makes alot less mess. Good work as always
I drain it the hard way once, when that pan without a drain plug comes off it gets repurposed as a parts wash pan or recycled. Only a pan with a drainplug gets reinstalled.
Now that's the way transmission fluid should look like. Props to the owner. 👏
if it aint red its gonna be dead
That is exactly what it should look like. It is precisely what it looks like on my 1990 Volvo 240 with its original AW70, and in my brother's current ride, a 2015 Ford F-250, in his old ride, a 1987 Colony Park, my former 89 Grand Marquis, and both of my former 79 Thunderbirds. All of them have one thing in common. Every one was either factory fitted with or had added on day one a heavy duty external transmission cooler. Both the Mercurys had them from the factory along with power steering coolers, and neither Wasa Police Package car. The 79s both had 302s with C-4 transmissions, so coolers were included. The Volvo got a 21,000 pound made by B&M the day after Ma took delivery. 387,000 miles later and it still works like new. Not too shabby. Oh, the original, untouched, AOD in the 86 wagon was still operating exactly as new at over 550,000 miles.
For a 22 year old car, the underneath of it amazingly clean.
Preserved by trans fluid....
It's in Florida, not a rust belt State.
@@yz250a wrong. That car don't know what salt and snow are.
@@jdtractorman7445 yeah not ct ny or pa. I had a buick the still ran but got junked because the rear beam axle was falling out because of the rot.
The color on that trans fluid was perfect, this guy clearly cares a great deal about his car.
Over 175k view in 2 days... Your killin it Ray. Only thing is you cant retire from your day job to live off your TH-cam channel because your TH-cam channel IS your day job. Talk about double edged sword. Thanks for your content
So happy to see Motorcraft fluid go back in this machine, very well taken care of car!
The first time I saw one of those plastic plugs in the bottom of a transmission pan was on a 2 speed in a 1963 Fairlane 500. Good times. 🙂
2-Speed? I had a '57 Fairlane 500 and it had a 3-speed Ford O'Matic (until I put a manual in it).
Wow! Finally a well maintained vehicle from a customer that cares. The extreme opposite from those that Run Till Fail people.
Some of us run till fail keep them this nice. Failure is a lot linger aware...
It is a pleasure to watch a thorough mechanic do his job.
Finally I see a mechanic that has principles.
When draining the fluid just either put a venturi into the pan so most runs out the venturi OR Use a pump down the filler hole to avoid the messy spill during the pan drop.
I always try (when I remember) to loosen the bolts that are furthest away from the easy ones near me. Case in point, dripping fluid. I really enjoy your knowledge of mechanical things.
Yellow plug is the plug for the dipstick tube hole during transmission assembly. Gets pushed in when dipstick tube is installed during final assembly on vehicle.
Dang it, you beat me to it!😂
Thank you for turning the feet the right way!!
First transmission service because that plug is in the Pan when Factory installed dip stick tube they push those plugs down into the pan.
Dig the technique with the vacuume extraction, going to have to add that to the handbook😀
I would have used a vacuum extractor for the pan at 10:20 !
They are magic little devices, also for tidying up pans too, like a wet hoover!
agreed that thing sucks! i like the use of the dipstick as a reference to vacuum it to full mark once and done
That car looks dealership clean, driven on sunny days strictly on asphalt, that is clean for 89k miles!
The car looks brand new underneath
I'm not very interested in how many boxes of gloves he goes through in a week, but would love to know many many cans of brake cleaner he goes through.
Now that is a mathematical problem to be calculated! He uses those brake cleaner cans like I use raid on roaches! “Oh there’s another one… ” 🤣
That's the "shop supply" fee lol
I am not surprised Ray goes through 100 gloves a week. Nitrile gloves are the worst as they rip at the slightest nick.
the answer is not a number of cans used, the answer is just simpley "yes"
If you're not paying for them, then it's as many as you can get away with using before the garage starts complaining.
One clean car inside and out, owner gets a thumbs up and you for your expertise
That plug is there so that where is the car is going down the assembly line when they put the dipstick tube in that plug is forced into the pan area during assembly
Nice job Ray, but why didn’t you drain the converter and change all that fluid as well? About half again from the converter drain plug, plus any metal fragments that come out with it.
That's a fluid exchange and some manufacturers say not to do that. For instance, with my 2010 Subaru Forester, they recommend only changing what's in the pan at the factory intervals.
@@MosinMan76254 Certainly can't speak of all model years and vehicle models, but I've owned various F150s and crown vics with this same 4r70w transmission and they had drain plugs on the torque converters. There is a black rubber plug on the bottom of the bell housing, pop that out of the way and roll the engine over until you see the plug peaking at you through the hole. Not sure it qualifies as an official fluid exchange as it's just being gravity drained and it's not hooked up to a machine or anything, but in any case I never came across any documentation telling me not to drain it on any of my own personal vehicles. To refill I just top off the pan and start it, let it run a minute to get fluid back into the torque converter, and then continue topping it off as it gets some heat in it. Been doing it that way since the 90s and haven't managed to ruin one yet
@@MosinMan76254 Agree. Most manufacturers say not to fully flush out all the fluid - they say just take off the pan, change filters and top up. Also spoken to many auto trans specialists over the years and they say the same thing. They said from experience you get more problems afterwards if you flush completely. Will bow to many years of experience from people who know much more than me re auto trans. Retired mechanic in Land Down Under.
@@bobhudson6659
Yessir, you got it!
Use the fluid extractor to drain the pan once the bolts are loose
Totally! Even before you loosening the bolts.
Ray, I just want to express my thanks to you and to your fellow You tube creators who who provide us with actually interesting content rather than the dreck that the TV industry upchucks out over the airwaves. Keep up the good work!
i disagree. dont you miss the fake drama and made up arguments and the token mechanic girl. :)
@@David-ik8wj Well...
I’m not a car guy, but you and your channel are the perfect combination of expertise and humor that = good entertainment and shared knowledge. Thanks
we called them cherries! they are a plug for the dipstick tube while going down the assembly line until the dip stick tube is installed. it is then just shoved into the pan when the tube is installed! it is also a way to tell if the tranny has never been serviced before!
There's another possible explanation. It _was_ serviced but the person that did it thought the plug belonged in the pan so they put it back in the pan before bolting it back on. That would also mean they didn't know to clean the magnet.
👆This. That fluid is way too clean for 89K miles. It’s also too clean for a “spill and fill”. I’d guess the fluid was exchanged with a recovery machine (flushed). The pan doesn’t even get removed and all the fluid is exchanged that way.
critical thinking is the key that solves the puzzle to the science of the universe
The magic question is what is the date code on the filter?
@@dirkbilgram717 true
Damn with the mileage, the trans fluid is as clean as the interior! Good job Mustang owner!
What I like more is the "Pan is equiped with a reusable gasket" message on the pan :)
Yeah I would like to see any pan gasket thats "reusable" after 22 years that hasn't turned into brittle phenolic resin.
And METRIC, for people with the wrong tools and a willingness to round off fasteners...
@@jncg2311 true, this can be challenging 🤣
I bought this big plastic clothing container.. it’s 30”wide and 40” long.. works so good in the driveway for oil/trans changes.. you can’t possibly miss. Drop free.
What a beautiful 22 year old mustang wow so clean @Rainman Ray's Repairs
Wouldn't the fluid evacuator be useful to stick into the trans pan to remove some of the trans fluid before removing the remaining bolts? It would help to avoid the massive spillage from the trans pan. Great video as always.
you have no sense of adventure
That's how I do mine when when dropping pans, I don't have to worry about Trans fluid burning/smoking on the Y-pipe. Yes you can brake clean everything but why not try and do the job as clean as possible?
Sry
drain plug would help. wait till they stop them on the sump..then winge..
@@harrywalker5836 On the super duty they have a drain plug. I stopped using them because I one that wouldn't stop seeping. Plug was tight as could be and still seeped.
Did you ever try a hooked hose, into the pan? The diameter wouldn't have to be too large, and with one of those bulb pumps attached, you could siphon the majority of the fluid out beforehand.
Slower but way cleaner - use a mighty vac or similar vacuum fluid pump and suck it out via the dipstick tube. I've done that numerous times and it makes the job much cleaner, but slower.
Edit. Now I see the end of the video... Yeah that.
@@leahyz yes, I wrote my comment before Ray want topside and pulled out that pump...and I realized that'd be a better way. At least suck out 80% of that stuff, reduce the danger of slopping all over yourself!
Ray have you ever thought of using the “ Mighty Vac “ to remove the fluid from those transmission pans. Just a thought.
problem is you still have a dirty filter and metal parts in pan and magnets
@@edjeep Would still have to take the pan off and change the filter, but it would be a mostly empty pan he's removing. Less splashy that way.
I found the same thing in my
F-250 transmission pan, after some research I found it is called a virgin plug and it installed where the dipstick goes. It's installed by the trans manufacturer for shipping to prevent contamination. When the car manufacturer installs the dipstick it gets pushed into the pan.
I was saying to myself the second I saw those leaves....."For such a well cared for pony, those leaves have to go!" (Totaled my dad's 67 pony convertible in 72.....special place in Hell for me.) And, Ray made me a happy man when he took out the air gun. LOL
@21:18 Thank you Ray. That freaking plug was driving my OCD crazy the entire video and as you sprayed that all out and were wrapping up under the car I was starting to believe that you might have just left it in the dangly position. My brain was screaming but then, you saved the day and hung it back up. I guess I should know better than to doubt you but dang, that was just bugging me the whole time from the first second I saw it. Another great video man!
Great video as always. Have you ever thought about putting a drain plug on transmission pan?. I have put them on my cars and no more spillages.
Why not use the fluid suction chamber you use on break jobs and power steering fluid changes to reduce the level of fluid in the pad before dropping it all the way to reduce spillage down your arm.
do you mean "brake jobs"...break jobs are bad
@@longbowfta No, break jobs! breaks can be a tough job sometimes, like when your mother in law shows up.
Or a length of clear 1/2" tubing?
My Scion has a drain plug in the transmission oil pan so you can get most of the oil out before removing the pan. It is as if most manufacturers want to encourage people to never replace the oil and filter so the transmission will wear out faster.
no, its to encourage them to get overcharged at dealerships instead of saving money and doing it themselves.
@@brapamaldi
The people who do not do it themselves will not do it themselves even with a drain plug because you still have to remove the pan to replace the filter and will still get some oil on you no matter what you do. That and the fact that without to proper jack and safety stands it would be impossible for them to get under their car to do it and the dealers and transmission shops charge way too much.
The opening on those bottles of ATF is offset. If you pour with the belly of the bottle towards the ground and the spout at the top, there will be no "glugging", just a smooth straight pour. Thanks for the videos
That fluid looks really good! Perfect time to change it!
Yellow plug in pan has been answered.
When I saw the fluid around the plug that the speedometer used to go, before you pulled it out, I knew you found the leak.
I have often wondered why automatic transmissions do not have a drain plug. At very least 4x4 / tow package pick ups.
Some do, some even have torque converter drain plugs
@@billyjack5957 never seen it, manual trans yes auto ...never .
WOW, clean Mustang! Well taken care of car. Nice to see!
Ray, there is an easy way to install gaskets like to the oil pan without using the bolts just use two zip ties to hold the gasket to the oil pan, and after you put it back in its place close it with the bolts and remove the zip ties and continue the closing of the bolts
BTW I'm a big fan of the channel and recommend you to all my friend
Greeting from Israel
Don't know for sure on a 2000 model but mine had a drain plug on the torque converter behind that rubber plug in the bell housing. Had to crank engine around until the drain plug lined up. When I do service, I vacuum the oil out through the dipstick tube. Makes it less messy. Love your work and videos a lot.
My first trans service and I found a "honey dipper in the pan. I spent a long time looking for a location to put it. An old, wise mechanic told me it was a plug used at the factory before install to keep junk out of the trans. Sometimes they are pulled out, sometimes shoved in at assembly.
You could also have use the extractor before you dropped the pan :-). I do that all the time. Also, you could measure the amount of fluid that came out.
That’s one clean Mustang. You do a good , thorough job. I wish all mechanics worked as you do. Keep up the Good work and your work ethics . Stay Safe 🤙🍻🍺🙏
Nice Mustang. Very clean. Just picked up a 2000 coupe a week ago. Gonna have fun with that car. Got it as a project car.
And such a smart way to adjust the fluid level. Been wrenching 50 years and never thought of doing it this way.
Hey just signed up to your channel, and wanted to thank you for being so honest. It’s hard to find good mechanics.👍 Colorado viewer.
I never understood why they don't put drain plugs on the pan's. WHY!!! Lol
50 % of pans do have a drain plug.. But engineers don't thing of service. LOL
$$$$$$
I know! Always my beef too. My Toyotas all have drain plugs and every 10k, I drop out two quarts and add fresh.
@@bertblue9683 Transmissions have gotten far more complicated over the years, and are now much more so than the engines. Yet the filtration for them is still basically the same as it was 25 years ago.
How about the Ford Escape with a non serviceable trans filter? You have to split the case to get to it. Pain in the a$$.
Hi Ray. I really like your channel and I learn a lot!! Your approach to walking us through your videos is very creative. I appreciate your ways of teaching the layperson (me). The “ popping the hood” and other various colorful way of making your videos is nice. It brings me a smile. Thank you.
I’m not familiar with the rules, but I wonder can you use the Jeopardy clock count down when you need some type of filling in when adding fluids or any other needed count down.
Anyways that’s my in- put. Thank you again for teaching like you do. I’ve learned a lot and really enjoy watching. Oh yeah, I’m subscribed and so glad I found your channel.
Cleanest trans service I have ever seen, that's the kind of service you get doing it yourself! It's hard to get that done at a shop a lot of times.
That plug you found in the pan seals the dipstick hole in the tranny from the plant. When the dipstick tube is inserted, it pushes the plug into the pan. When the filter is serviced for the first time, the plug can be disposed of. I have seen some newbs put it back in the pan though.