"Steve" > wrote in message
...
> James wrote:
>
>
> > This week I was looking at new 2005 Ford Explorers for my company.
While I
> > had the hood up on one Explorer the salesman proudly pointed out that
there
> > was no transmission dip stick and that you go 100,000 miles before a
fluid
> > change. I know there are at least 2 vehicles that do not have
transmission
> > dip sticks (2004 Chev Cavalier and 2005 Ford Explorer).
> >
>
> Lexus (Toyota) has been playing that stupid game for a number of years
> now. I'm not surprised that GM has lost its collective sanity also, but
> I'm sorely disappointed in Ford. Especially in a vehicle like an
> Explorer- I could halfway understand it in a dispose-a-car like the
> Cavalier or a Focus.
>

I wonder - how difficult would it be at the first fluid change to remove the
transmission
pan and weld in a fitting for a flexible transmission dipstick? These are
popular with
people who add headers, seems to me that just because the manufacturer
thinks a
dipstick isn't necessary doesen't mean you have to accept that.

Ted