Tocheck the transmission fluid, make sure the car is warm, look underthe hood for a yellow or red cap, sometimes … labeled withTransmission, pull it out, wipe it off and dip it back into thetube, and pull it out and see the level of the fluid on the stick. The owners manual and the Ford Website state the fluid is to be changed at 60,000 miles, a flush and filter change at 150,000 miles. Changing the tranny fluid is as easy as changing the oil. I'll take a look at that in the morning, thanks - I was considering installing a Steeda short shift in the near future anyway, so I'll have a look at replacing the cable end when I do it to be on the safe side. Before adding transmission fluid, make sure that your engine was running when you checked the fluid level. After draining, replace the drain plug.
Every time, the person is the happiest with the Ford fluid. What does that Getrag box have in common with ours? Place a six-quart drain pan directly under the transmission. There is no doubt that more frequent fluid changes will not harm your transmission, and will most probably extend it's life. Turn on engine and shift into all positions P through 2. Yea, trust me, you'd want to change the tranny fluid if you drive your car hard.
Since you will be adjusting the shift knob many times throughout your journey, it is important to make sure that it feels right. That was the only draw back. Started the car,slid easy into gear,drove off. I was changing clutch on my focus so fluid drained through the axel pretty much. I would never own anything else except for a few select vehicles, but I would put Amsoil in my car anyday before Motorcraft oil, which is a good oil. Had 150K on it when I sold it. Add fluid a little at a time continually checking levels.
Don't know who supplies the transmission fluid but Motorcraft motor oil currently is rebranded Kendall and the oil filters are rebranded Purolator. The slow shift and ensuing whining noises could be a result of a fluid leak. Fill the transmission with about 8 quarts from the dipstick tube. Discard it with its seal. You do need to check the level now and then because it can go down. Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 308-03A for the transmission fluid draining and filling procedure. Do not assume that a condition described affects your car or truck.
Changing the fluid isn't any harder than changing the oil for the car. If you still have stiff shifts with honey chances are you have tight shift forks or other issues withing the trans but it's not the lube. If you are having problems with the transmission in your Focus, such as clunky shifting or hesitation, check the fluid level first - it is amazing how many drivers pay thousands of dollars for transmission work when a half quart of transmission fluid would have fixed the problem. Anytime you wish,just make sure you use the type specified in the owners manual,but my experience has been that these things basically have lifetime oil if not contaminated,the reason motor oil is so temporary,is what its exposed to-by products of combustion and whatever. You can carefully pry the pan off, but be careful not to gouge the transmission housing, or bend the transmission pan.
They contracted with Getrag to develop the transmission, can't imagine that Getrag didn't spec the lube. That was the only draw back. Also to claim Ford uses crappy fluid, I disagree, typically if someone has issues with their tranismission it is due to their driving skill, not the fluid. Use it at work in the paper mill with great results in an awful environment. If it does, then follow the recommended interval. Anything else is 2nd hand speculation.
Contact a Ford or Lincoln dealership to determine whether the Bulletin applies to your vehicle. Let the old transmission fluid drain into the drain pan, then remove the remaining three bolts and disconnect the pan. I am also glad you have 8 years of focus experience and are a loyal company. Ford Motor Company reserves the right to supercede this information with updates. When adding transmission fluid to your Focus, be sure to add it slowly as the transmission fluid capacity is reached quickly and it is difficult to remove excess fluid if you overfill. My Saturn has 266k on it and the transmission is still full, I have not changed it either, but it is easier to check because it has a dip stick on it. The filling hole is on top of it, should be just underneath, a little behind and to the left of your battery.
Dealers are usually way expensive. This video shows you how to add transmission fluid to your 2006 Ford Focus. I believe an 8mm allen wrench will work for the fill and drain plugs. However, measure the amount of fluid you get out. Drive th … e car a short period to heat up the fluid, this will also help to extract any sediment in the transmission. Use a funnel and add fluid to the trans dipstick.