Will a 1998 transmission dipstick give an accurate reading in my 1996

MARTINKAMI

MEMBER
1996 FORD CONTOUR
2.5L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
148,000 MILES

Missing the transmission fluid dipstick in my car listed above GL. Got another at a junk yard today off of a 1998, seems to be the right length, but the loop at the end is much smaller than the original. I can only compare by memory though, and the yards database said the transmission for the 1996 was strictly 1996 only and not interchangeable. The fluid is definitely red in color, but this is after I added a half liter to get her home.

Wednesday, January 8th, 2020 AT 4:43 PM

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,071 POSTS

Hi,

The best I can offer is this: Both model years used the same transmission, the CD4E. I tried finding the OEM part numbers for the part, but nothing is available. The original ones on the 98 (if I remember correctly) were 24" long. That would be the only thing that changed which is what is going to make the difference. I suspect you will need to contact a Ford dealership and provide them with the VIN number to confirm the original length.

I wish I could provide more specifics, but because of the model year, info is getting more difficult to locate.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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