Hi, I recently brought an old fiesta automatic. It has some issues with pulling away or when slowing down, it kangaroo hops. I checked what I thought gear box oil dipstick, but I want to make sure thats what it is! Has anyone got a picture? I have the manual from the car and the haynes one, and none of them show it's location! which i think is quite mad seeing as both say how to prep engine for checking oil levels.

nicky, October 2012

The dipstick is on the side of the transmission nearest front of car. I'm pretty sure it's not an oil level problem. The secondary drum is not holding pressure and therefore cant grip the drive belt or keep ratio correctly. This usually costs more than the cars worth to fix.

mags, October 2012

Sorry I can't remember offhand but I'm sure it is in the Haynes manual (I'm sure it is at the gearbox end of the car).Point is you don't check auto box levels the same way as you check the engine oil,you check the level on a flat road ofcourse,but with the engine running at a specific RPM.Ask a local friendly garage to check it for you.Auto fluid rarely needs looked at (but does need changed eventualy) unless you have a leak,have you got oil on the ground,probably red in colour,or is there signs of oil stains around the gearbox,it doesn't burn it you can only loose it through a leak.Go to a garage.

Rich, October 2012