Community Forums

pduggs · 08-16-2018, 09:39 AM

Checked my trans dipstick today for first time. I found the dipstick missing. Placed my finger in the fill tube hoping to feel it, but no such luck. I had the coach inspected when I bought it in February and I would think inspector checked it. I had fluid analysis done.

Any suggestions?

Skip426 · 08-16-2018, 10:13 AM

It may be possible to remove the trans tube from the transmission ; without loosing any fluid; and see if the stick is inside the tube; if it's there it will be removable from the trans end as there will be about 6" showing .
Once you have the broken part , you can measure for a replacement.
The tube has an " O " ring seal to the trans housing , that may or may not require replacement before re-installation , but it's a common item available at any auto parts store.

EDIT: Do you have the trans owners manual that details how to check the fluid level using the shift control pad ? Best way to do it.

bdpreece · 08-16-2018, 11:00 AM

I don't have my coach home so I can't check but, you might check with other Monaco owners of 08 vintage coaches. I seem to remember reading that you only get a plug for the tube rather than a dipstick since you check the fluid level using the shift pad keys.

pduggs · 08-16-2018, 11:26 AM

Thanks guys. My owner’s manual refers to a dipstick and to check fluid level using it. It also states I can use the Shift Selector to check fluid level.

If the dipstick has dropped down into the bottom of the pan, it can’t do any harm can it, if I left it there? I hate to think of the cost to fix it.

RKins · 08-16-2018, 02:31 PM

I read in the manual that checking the level via the tranny dispay is possible if you have the sensor. I will have to try this next time I have the tranny above 140 degrees F.

Skip426 · 08-16-2018, 03:14 PM

If the portion of the dipstick that , is in the tube , is all one piece ; it can't go anywhere inside the trans , it would have to be in 1/8" segments to go anywhere and the filters would stop those pieces.

powerboatr · 08-16-2018, 03:21 PM

you may also try the 18" long skinny finger grabber. i have one that is 1/8 " in diameter and it can reach into some pretty small spaces, and grab.

pduggs · 08-16-2018, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerboatr

you may also try the 18" long skinny finger grabber. i have one that is 1/8 " in diameter and it can reach into some pretty small spaces, and grab.

Thanks. Great idea. Going to Harbor Freight to get one.

Do you have something like this one?
https://www.amazon.com/Flexible-Claw.../dp/B000RB7AGY

Randyman1 · 08-16-2018, 04:00 PM

If it is a metal stick, you might be able to use a magnet to pull it out if it is still standing upright in the tube but down to far from the neck to feel it.

pduggs · 08-16-2018, 04:42 PM

The tube is metal so I would think a magnet would attach to the tube before getting too far down the tube, but it is worth a try.

Randyman1 · 08-16-2018, 09:56 PM

I have a magnet that is on the end of an extendable rod, an actual factory made tool. It would stick to the side of the tube a little, but you would push it in until it touched the stick (provided it is still standing in the tube and is steel) and it would attach and you could pull it up and out, even with the magnet dragging on the sides of the tube. Just a thought.

monacosquire · 08-17-2018, 12:41 AM

I believe there is no metal section on your coach model.If you inspect the cap i doubt there will be any sign of breakage. Its just a blanking cap.However if you lift the interior engine access panel you will find the dip stick alive and well.

pduggs · 08-17-2018, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monacosquire

I believe there is no metal section on your coach model.If you inspect the cap i doubt there will be any sign of breakage. Its just a blanking cap.However if you lift the interior engine access panel you will find the dip stick alive and well.

I do not understand your post. Could please explain?

BigLar368 · 08-17-2018, 04:08 AM

Our RV has/had 2 dipsticks. When we were looking at our current RV prior to purchase I can remember pulling the dipstick out and looking at it. When we got home sometime after purchase it disappeared. Guess maybe someone needed it more than me. With that being said there on our RV there is another one which is actually more vertically positioned straight up under one of the access holes in the bedroom. When we serviced the trans couple of weeks again I was hesitant to try and pour 5 gallons of fluid in the bedroom. Turned out to be fairly easy. Much easier than filling from the dipstick tube that had the missing dipstick.