How to Add Transmission Fluid to a 1990 Ford Lariat

The 1990 Ford F-Series of trucks were available in a several trim package levels. The top tier package was the Lariat, which offered buyers leather seats, automatic transmissions and a variety of power options. Regardless of the trim package, each F-Series truck has need of transmission fluid for proper transmission operation. The fluid performs several duties, including friction reduction and heat removal. The fluid also acts as a hydraulic agent, aiding the transmission in gear shifts. If your Lariat does not have the proper amount of transmission fluid, you risk poor shifting at best and catastrophic transmission failure at worst.

Instructions

1

Start the Ford Lariat. Depress the brake pedal firmly. Shift the transmission through each gear and then shift back into park (do not turn off the engine before proceeding).

2

Open the hood.

3

Pull the transmission fluid dipstick, wipe it off with a rag and reinsert it. Pull the dipstick back out and note the level of fluid on the dipstick -- which should be at the top of the "Full" range.

4

Insert a funnel into the transmission dipstick tube. Pour one pint of Mercon V transmission fluid into the funnel.

5

Remove the funnel and insert the dipstick. Repeat Step 3 to check the fluid level.

6

Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until the transmission fluid registers at the top of the "Full" range on the transmission dipstick. Close the hood and shut off the Ford when done.