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ATF dipstick stuck ;01 legacy


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Can't get it out. Tried wd-40, don't know what to do next, help..

Have you tried twisting it a few degrees in either direction before (and while) pulling? That usually loosens them. Certain "penetrating" solvents will make the problem worse by swelling the seal, and you certainly don't want that stuff in the trans.

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Have you tried twisting it a few degrees in either direction before (and while) pulling? That usually loosens them. Certain "penetrating" solvents will make the problem worse by swelling the seal, and you certainly don't want that stuff in the trans.

 

 

Thanks for your advise.

 

Well I'll go pull and twist some more.

 

So,, is there where I would re-fill the tranny at a fluid change?

 

Is there another spot to fill tranny with ATF?

 

Thanks

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Use a long skinny funnel to fill through the dipstick hole.

 

Not sure of the engine set up on the newer Leg's, but on my SVX when my hand finally jerked up with the freed dipstick, I busted a vacuum connector off of my cruise control valve.

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Thanks for your advise.

 

Well I'll go pull and twist some more.[...]

You're welcome. If you haven't managed to free it yet, and assuming that the '01 dipstick is similar to the earlier models ('99, for example :) ), there's a "trick" that should work. A socket (from a wrench) whose outside diameter is a bit smaller than the hole in the dipstick handle, along with a short-length extension, will give quite a bit more leverage as well as something to more easily hold onto. Even a 1/2" drive extension by itself could work, or a piece of about 3/4" (19mm) diameter wooden dowel or similar material approximately 4" (10cm) in length would probably do. Use reasonable force; with the added "handle", a slight twist and pull should be sufficient.

 

The skinned knuckles and/or broken parts others have mentioned are real-world risks. If none of the above helps, perhaps someone has glued the dipstick in place so that it's now a "no user service required" (or possible) trans ;) .

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You're welcome. If you haven't managed to free it yet, and assuming that the '01 dipstick is similar to the earlier models ('99, for example :) ), there's a "trick" that should work. A socket (from a wrench) whose outside diameter is a bit smaller than the hole in the dipstick handle, along with a short-length extension, will give quite a bit more leverage as well as something to more easily hold onto. Even a 1/2" drive extension by itself could work, or a piece of about 3/4" (19mm) diameter wooden dowel or similar material approximately 4" (10cm) in length would probably do. Use reasonable force; with the added "handle", a slight twist and pull should be sufficient.

 

The skinned knuckles and/or broken parts others have mentioned are real-world risks. If none of the above helps, perhaps someone has glued the dipstick in place so that it's now a "no user service required" (or possible) trans ;) .

 

Thank you your suggestion. I will try it tonight. I have been giving the dipstick a daily tug, twist, and friendly motivation ;; without any success so far.

 

I will let you know how I make out.

 

Thanks

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Has the transmission pan ever been removed? It it has, the dipstick might have been caught between the pan and the case upon reassembly, if it was left in the tube. But I never heard of it happening with this transmission.

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Has the transmission pan ever been removed? It it has, the dipstick might have been caught between the pan and the case upon reassembly, if it was left in the tube. But I never heard of it happening with this transmission.

 

The transmission, as far as I know, has never been removed. I suspect that the fluid has never been checked or changed. The stick is in VERY firmly. I have tried and tried ( every day ), it will not budge. The dealer is saying that they may have to cut the neck of the tube, to free up the stick. Then, they would add a rubber portion with clamps. I'm not sure there is any other way.

 

This is the Tranny dip stick, on the driver side. The front differential stick on the passenger side is also stuck. I guess the previous owners did not check the fluids.

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Now this sounds frustrating. If something has to be destroyed, maybe it should be the dipstick handle, as long as the debris does not fall into the tube. Also, the whole dipstick tube assembly can be removed. It's held to the transmission case with a couple of bolts.

Maybe someone lost the O-ring and put some silicon there instead?

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