I'm 99% sure this is where the leak is from. The underside of the cap/dipstick is covered in fluid and anything that has stuck to it.The neck on the valvebody cover is the highest point that is wet. The fluid/ wet area is down the front of the plastic cover, then covers the underside of the trans. Both the trans plugs, drain and pressure test port, have red fluid on them. I had to add 1 quart of motorcraft mercon lv fluid on yesterdays oil/filter change.
Third gear seems to be where the torque converter locks up, which seems to take a long time, 3-4 seconds when accelerating at 1/2 throttle after it shifts to third.I also seem to get a "surge" or "stutter" under 1/2 or more throttle in third gear.
I changed the plugs (which looked okay) but it didn't stop this either. It only occurs every now and then. The plugs that were in it @ 45,000mi. were sp-534, I thought these were old, back in '13 plugs. My searching lead me to sp-580, so that's what I put in.I have 65,000mi on it now and have the esp warranty till 125,000mi.
I have never had a good experience at a dealership, ever. which is why I am hesitant to take it in to have it looked at.I want to get this sorted out because a gearheads tune is something I'd like to do this summer.