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As you can see The Load extension has nothing to do with the strength of the Van the Load floor could be removed, or modified in lots of ways for different uses. How close to the front seats would be wide open to what ever plan was had for the Van.

The ATF here seems to get darker with age and if it is run on the hot side of its range it could have a decidedly dark color . It also could have a smell that would tell you its been hot. The fact that the LV fluid is synthetic could change how it ages.

Well they don't make it easy Not sure what the bolt is was there a sealing washer on it like the level plug. If you put a pan under the drain you can measure what you take out and it will make it easier to put the right amount back. If the fluid is as black as you say it needs to be done 2 or 3 times to flush the converter of the old fluid . That would be very Important to give the Transmission the most life.

No it does not , on the inboard side of the Air filter and just to the right of the valve cover Look down and you will see a black cap which is the Trans vent. If you pull up it will come off and that is the fill for the transmission. thin long funnel and it will become an easy job

I seems to me that the choice of the van would be secondary to the choice of roads

The operating life of the ATF is directly dependent on the Temp. The higher the temp the shorter the fluid life.

I think you are correct about the fluid change interval . Mine will get done soon . The Fluid change as easy as an Oil change and it will be done at the same time for me. As to the Trans recall, There was a recall on the Escape with a very inexpensive kit for the parts. It could still come for the TC .

Sound like a good plan waiting for more news

The engine oil life worries me less than the possible leak in the Transmission, I would make a habit of checking the gear box every 2500-4000 miles. You may get included maintenance, but being with out the Van for 2 months while the dealer does the Transmission is a big price to pay for not checking .

Yes it is , The Escape has had a recall , but the TC has not. Bret 1197 You may still have a warranty claim because of the warranty history of your vehicle. The fact that your TC was in for the same problem and it has not been solved may give you some protection. Keep us Posted.

Here is what the 2014 Owners manual (page 188) says about oil changes . The interval depends on the load and service. When to expect the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message Vehicle use and example Interval Normal 7500-10000 miles (12000-16000 km) Normal commuting with highway driving No, or moderate, load or towing Flat to moderately hilly roads No extended idling Severe 5000-7499 miles (8000-11999 km) Moderate to heavy load or towing Mountainous or off-road conditions Extended idling Extended hot or cold operation Extreme 3000-4999 miles (5000-7999 km) Maximum load or towing Extreme hot or cold operation Maintenance Intervals At every oil change interval as indicated by the information display * Change engine oil and filter. ** Rotate the tires. Perform a multi-point inspection (recommended). Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level. Consult your dealer for requirements. Inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and parking brake. Inspect the engine cooling system strength and hoses. Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields. Inspect the rear axle and U-joints. Lubricate any areas with grease fittings (A

mrtn I have worked on most of them and sooner or later they all leak . So your new Honda does not surprise at all.

I have not been a committed Ford Customer, but I like the TC very much and it disappoints me also. I have driven lots of old cars and truck's . At some point the vehicles all leak fluid as they head into there golden years. Ford does not have a dip stick or an electronic telltale to let you know the fluid is low !! The corporate thought process that allows this disappoints me even more.

Mine has a weep from the left seal. It has gotten smaller as the CV shaft has warn in. I check mine every 2500 Miles. If you check this topic link below there are several ssm Bulletins on the topic of the leak. The fix seems to be a bushing and seal and an inner CV joint. http://fordtransitconnectforum.com/topic/3064-left-front-axle-leaking-transmission-fluid/ When you Check the fluid make sure the car is warm [Normal Operating Temp. and running in park or neutral {parking brake on}. If the car is not running the fluid will pour out the sight bolt and you cannot get the level right. I have made a dip stick that I can put through the sight hole so I can check the leak rate of the seal. I think the left half shaft in on the short side and the seal design is marginal. Good Luck Keep us posted

Its a Blind rivet, You will have to drill it out carefully. I would start with a 3/16 Drill and if the head comes off when you get 3/16 to 1/4 into the head you will have the right drill, if not then go to a 1/4 " drill .

Correct on the Fluid, I am about to do the same thing, the drain and fill amount is 4 Liters. The trans holds 8.5 if the it its dry. I am going to drain the fluid , Refill and run for 10 Minutes and do again that will ensure that most of the fluid will be New. Then when warm the Oil should be at the sight bolt on the drivers side and just in front of the half shaft.

twinankhs Looks like the Tail and stop light bulb was installed incorrectly or the socket assembly is faulty. If the stop light is on as a tail light it could over heat the socket. That should be an easy fix for Ford. Welcome to the forum

Good info, If when you call ford and give the reference number that gets the parts person to the mirror section. Then the descriptions of the different mirrors will allow the Parts person to find the correct numbers for the Actual mirror that you want to order.

On the Parts diagram the whole Mirror Number is 17682 the yellow square shows what parts come with the mirror , The Trim piece in the front and cover are separate. The mirror cover comes in a black standard color and one that is primed to be painted. The major issue I have with the small mirrors is the Blind spot element should be on the bottom inside corner of the Mirror. Being on the outside and high it does not show the side of the TC for reference .

Welcome to the club

Here are two Pictures of the roof structure from the Parts catalog . I am not sure if there is a side curtain air bag to worry about, 103west43rd would have more information on that. Hope this helps

Cool keep us posted

I think so. Northern tool has a very nice looking one in the Trailer section for $799.

Cosworth you are spot on . The Load floor extension covers the foot well for the second seat

Lovely, Nice finish. The only Problem that I would have is the 800 lbs of stuff that would always be on top of the hatches if that was my TC!