07 Fusion Transmission Fluid Change

[umbc12]

So I have a 07 ford fusion V6 that has 63K miles. I've never had the transmission fluid changed and I was looking in the maintenance manual and it says it needs to be changed every 30K miles. So I'm considering getting the transmission fluid changed but I've heard it may due more harm than good to have it changed in vehicles that haven't been routinely changing it. What is your opinion on having the fluid changed now? Is it too late or will it do some good? Also lately my car has been shifting harder and I didn't know if changing the transmission fluid would help. Any help would be appreciated, I don't know too much about cars.

 

Thanks

[jazztrumpet216]

Changing the fluid will help the shifting, and yes I would get it done. If you let it go 100K+, I would say don't bother.

 

Check the owners manual and make sure whoever you have do the change, uses the correct fluid. (If you don't mind paying dealer prices, you could go that route too.)

Edited December 25, 2010 by jazztrumpet216

[awdpath]

So I have a 07 ford fusion V6 that has 63K miles. I've never had the transmission fluid changed and I was looking in the maintenance manual and it says it needs to be changed every 30K miles. So I'm considering getting the transmission fluid changed but I've heard it may due more harm than good to have it changed in vehicles that haven't been routinely changing it. What is your opinion on having the fluid changed now? Is it too late or will it do some good? Also lately my car has been shifting harder and I didn't know if changing the transmission fluid would help. Any help would be appreciated, I don't know too much about cars.

 

Thanks

 

Only under " Special Operating Conditions."

[jtugfestiva]

I wouldnt go more then 60000miles on the fluid. These transmissions are small and run hotter then other transmissions. . They get dark pretty fast so changing them sooner at 30000 miles for peace of mind that they wont have any problems in the long run. Problems with old fluid was harsh shifting when they go pass 30000miles. After changing it they are suprised with how well it shifts afterwards. IVe used Mobil 1 full sythetic which is T-IV approved and ive used RP max ATF. Some people on this site used RP and are more then happy with the way it shifts. The fluid change is simple get a torx bit and let the fluid drain out. No need to drop the pan. Then refill i forgot how much fluid it took i think 4.5 idk but make sure you dont go over. hope this helps.

[tsetse51]

Only under " Special Operating Conditions."

 

Almost anyone in North America who's honest with themselves about their driving conditions/practices can admit that they should follow the "Special Conditions" or "Severe Operating Conditions" maintenance schedule in the manual.

 

As another poster stated, the main enemy of automatic transmissions is heat. That, and the fact that cost accounting has drawn a very fine line between normal operation and over-stressing automotive equipment, means the trans fluid and filter should be changed about every 30K miles.

[bbf2530]

Almost anyone in North America who's honest with themselves about their driving conditions/practices can admit that they should follow the "Special Conditions" or "Severe Operating Conditions" maintenance schedule in the manual.

 

As another poster stated, the main enemy of automatic transmissions is heat. That, and the fact that cost accounting has drawn a very fine line between normal operation and over-stressing automotive equipment, means the trans fluid and filter should be changed about every 30K miles.

 

Hi tsetse. :D While I would agree with you that changing at 30,000 miles certainly can not hurt anything, whether it is necessary or called for by Ford's "Special Operating Conditions" is a subject that at best is certainly more dependent on individual interpretation and driving habits.

 

From the Ford Maintenance Schedule, there are four specific "Special Operating Conditions". Here they are copied and pasted verbatim:

1 - "Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier".

2 - "Extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for long distances as in heavy commercial use such as delivery, taxi, patrol car or livery".

3 - "Operating in dusty conditions such as unpaved or dusty roads".

4 - "Off-road operation".

 

I can only speak for myself, but my driving fits none of those criteria. I do not tow or use any type of roof-top carrier. I do not drive my vehicle in the same manner as a heavy commercial, delivery, taxi, patrol or livery driver (periodic stop-and-go in heavy traffic does not qualify under that criteria). I rarely if ever operate my car on unpaved or dusty roads and never in off-road conditions.

 

The one that confuses many people is #2 ("Extensive idling and/or low-speed driving..."). If taken out of context, many people think that means "stop and go" city driving. It does not, as the full description explains. Very few people actually do that "...for long distances as in heavy commercial use such as delivery, taxi, patrol car or livery.", day-in and day-out.

 

So as can be seen by the Maintenance Schedule text above, in reality the driving habits of most people in North America certainly do not fit Ford's four "Special Operating Conditions".

 

However, I can still agree with you that for those who think 150,000 miles is too long to wait, there is nothing wrong with changing the transmission fluid sooner. My opinion? A good compromise would be in the 60,000-100,000 range. And again, for those who wish, go ahead and change at 30,000 miles.

 

I am not trying to talk those out of it who want to change at 30,000 miles. I am simply providing the correct information directly from the Ford Maintenance Schedule/Guide, for those who are on the fence as to what Ford requires and what their own particular driving environment calls for. In this way, we can help to avoid confusion for those not sure.

 

Hope this information helps.

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

Edited December 30, 2010 by bbf2530

[akirby]

Also note that the filter doesn't need to be changed. Per a former Ford transmission engineer - if the filter is clogged then the tranny is already toast. Just flush the fluid using the cooler lines which changes 95% of the fluid in one shot.