Going crazy with ford- what to do? (auto, manual transmission, plugs)

[VegasGrace]

Manual transmission 'whines' in the lower gears....more than normal. I'd like to check the 'manual transmission fluid level' but how?

I've checked my manual and although it has a picture....it doesn't tell me WHERE the plug is located under the hood.

Can you help? Know what the whining noise might be? Where the plug is and how to take it off?

Thanks

[ferretkona]

Manual transmissions do not have a oil check stick. They have a plug you remove, when full it dribbles out the hole.
My new 6 speed automatic is a sealed system with no check stick either.

[ferretkona]

Plug is located on the side of the transmission. You will have to raise car to access and/or see it.

[VegasGrace]

ferretkona, thanks..... I guess I can't do that myself unless I jack the car up?

But I don't know what "side of the transmission" looks like.

[Grandpa Pipes]

All manaul shift transmissions have both fill and drain plugs on the transmission housing NOT under the hood that is auto transmissions only.

If you add grease be sure to follow the weight recommended by Ford for manual transmissions.

Do this with the car shut off!
Checking is easy if you don't mind getting dirty. Park the car on a level spot then crawl under the car to find the plug in the side of the transmission housing carefully remove the plug to see if the grease is at the bottom of the plug threads if not stick your finger in the hole to see if you can touch the grease if not then add to the bottom of the thread and re-install plug taking care not to over tighten the plug.

If the whine is REALLY loud then more than likely you have bearings going out.

If all of this is bit more than you are comfortable with take it to a shop since you will be under the car......and that is no place at all for a newbie!