Lost dip stick

[frank J P]

I was checking the transmission fluid level and discovered there was no dip stick attached to the handle. This is on a 2004 Allison tranny 2500 5 speed connected to a Cummins ISB 5.9. I know the dip stick was there some time ago when last checked the fluid. HELP

[BFlinn181]

If you think the stick detached and is still in the transmission, you could try using a wire bent as a hook and try fishing for it. A more successful strategy might be to see if the dipstick tube is bolted on the side of the transmission. If so, remove bolt and tube, the stick should be there.

[38Chevy454]

I agree with Bob, follow the dipstick tube down to the trans housing, and remove it. The dipstick is likely inside the tube. The dipstick does extend down into the pan area, so when you lift the tube up, you should see the dipstick.

Or alternatively, might be a good excuse to drop the pan, change out fluid and filters, and then you can just pull the dipstick out the bottom while pan is off.

You will need to reattach the dipstick to the handle of course.

[Scotty1973]

2000 series transmission dipsticks and tubes simply push into the valve body through a seal and are typically retained with a bolt and clamp as mentioned in a earlier post.

If you remove the dipstick, fluid will run out, so be prepared

[wa8yxm]

When it comes to getting a new dipstick you have two choices

One is an auto parts store, I like the one-piece versions with out a plastic handle, the metal "Stick" comes out and forms a loop.

Or you can contact one of the RV-salvage yards.. Dip-sticks are not popular items on the used parts market so they should have real nice prices.

[MnTom]

The first thing I would try is to use a magnet that fits in the tube. I did that when a pin came out of the one on my truck.