2014 2500 Transmission dipstick tube

[larrymax]

I've already read this seems to be an issue and it happened. Went to check the level and the tube pulled right up with the dipstick. Crawled under and sure enough it's broke way back there behind the engine.

I ordered a replacement tube and it arrived today. Not looking forward to it from what I've read.

Here's what I'm wondering and please tell me if this is a dumb idea. If I can't get the new tube in place, Could I just cut the tube close to the pan (5 or 6 inches") and cut the dipstick to the right length and just keep it that way without having to deal with this again?

I don't care about crawling under the truck to check the trans fluid. Don't really care about selling it someday and explaining it to the new owner if that ever happens.

My truck is lifted so it's not really that big of a deal to get under there. I figure if I can use a tube cutter to get to the dipstick while still in it's original position and then mark where it's at, cut it, attach the dipstick cap, I should be good? I've also considered having to fill it/replacing the fluid and having enough room to do that also with the tube under the truck.

I have no idea if this is a bad idea or not? I'm not a mechanic obviously. I have no problem spending hours trying to get the new tube in place. Everything I've read says it's an absolute nightmare.

Any help and advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[larrymax]

Disregard, I got it done. Took about an hour.

 

[crazy jerry]

getting the tube out and in is easy. theres 2 bolts

 

[larrymax]

getting the tube out and in is easy. theres 2 bolts

The bolt half way up about killed me. No room and the cap over it was driving me insane. Once I finally got the rubber cap off that held some other thing, I didn't have a 10mm that would allow the clearance. Somehow I found a way. I really thought I wasn't going to be able to do it, but I did it

I'm an anxiety ridden person. I'm always trying to think ahead if something doesn't work. Doing this kept me up for several nights. Most of the time it works out. But that's me

 

[762-MM]

@larrymax

Thanks for your post. I have the same issue - broken tube.

There aren't many resources on this...only a couple forum posts and videos.

Did you install the revised tube with a 3rd mount point up top? Part Number 4627910AC.

If so, would you mind sharing how you attacked this? 2 videos I found show installing from below, but it doesn't appear these are the revised tube. Other references say from top only and you have to remove the intake manifold. Ugh. I'm guessing adding the 3rd attachment point might help keep the tube from breaking, but man...I'd rather have the old version vs tear into the intake.

Thanks for any comments or guidance. 2014 @ 100K.

 

[Jeepwalker]

Excuse my igonrance....are these tubes made of plastic? How are they breaking?

I had a plastic engine oil dipstick tube on a car that eventually broke (easily changed).

 

[762-MM]

Excuse my igonrance....are these tubes made of plastic? How are they breaking?

I had a plastic engine oil dipstick tube on a car that eventually broke (easily changed).

Thin-walled steel. Apparently really thin. I noticed mine dangling when changing spark plugs.

From underneath, I can see jagged steel where the tube broke apart...

 

[762-MM]

Here are a couple pics before I really dig in:

 

[762-MM]

Reporting back to anyone with the same issue.

I was able to get the revised transmission dipstick tube installed from above (without messing with the intake manifold). Time and patience, and not being billed by the hour or blood loss was key for me.

The original part only had 2 mounting tabs and can be installed from beneath the vehicle. The updated part adds a 3rd mounting tab which makes installing from below impossible. It appears impossible from above as well...without removing the intake manifold and wiring.

Here is what I did:

Pray and cuss. I was almost ready to give up and reinstall the broken tube, and see if it is covered by MaxCare. Or even just cut the 3rd tab off and be done with it. I didn't wan't the dealer messing with this, so I kept going.

The new tab which mounts in the engine bay on an existing stud is longer than the others. I was able to bend and manipulate the tab such that I could rotate the tube. it took 100 trips above and below (by yourself sucks), but it slowly moved and flexed enough to slip into place. Then I bent the new tab back into original position, and installed a flange nut onto the stud. Much more secure. Oh - and releasing the back ignition coil connector gave me a little more wiggle room.

Note that my middle mount location, which is a 10mm nut that gets loosened, was troublesome to find at first. The limited posts/vids just say loosen the nut, but I couldn't see the thing. It turns out on my 2014 there is a plastic mounting bracket friction-mounted to the stud. Then some sort of vent is attached to that bracket. Together they 'hid' the nut. Once removed by hand, I could get a socket up there and loosen that middle mount nut.

Hours later it was done cleanly.

Good luck if this is you