[SYZ]

they might be referring to an automatic transmission.

The MTX fluid change is very easy. 15 mins or so. Make sure you measure 2.1 quarts and you don't really have to worry about overfilling/underfilling.

 

[Sonicbluezx3]

I just did mine about a week ago. I had access to a lift, so it was pretty easy. When I pulled the fill plug at first, some fluid started to drain out... so I'm guessing it was a little over full from the factory. So when I filled it, I filled it until it started to drain, and plugged it up. Surprisingly, after 75k miles, the fluid didn't look that bad. It is honey color normally, and it was like dark honey color. I was expecting black lol. But it wasn't that expensive, cost me less than 20 bucks. You shoudln't need to flush your fluid... most of the flushing is just people ripping you off. I do notice better shifting, however.

 

[NemesisEnforcer]

u shouldnt need to flush the tranny unless its an auto. even then, the tranny fluid is rated for either 75k or 100k, cant remember which.

 

[penguin]

> the tranny fluid is rated for either 75k or 100k,

It varies by year. The 2005 model specifies a fluid change every 30,000 miles.

https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenance/maintenance_schedules/FullMaintSchedule.asp


If you do not follow the schedule, Ford does not have to honor the 100K powertrain warranty.

 

[NemesisEnforcer]

thats not true at all. the 2005 mtx75 does not take intervals like that. i just looked at my maintenance manual and the mtx shouldnt be changed til 100k. maybe thatsf au.i uno.bt thmtx7 is 100k. i also have had this confirmed with mike at hilbish and my own dealership, just had to confirm it.

 

[NemesisEnforcer]

and that maintenance thing about the 100k isnt true. a lot of the stuff they list on those intervals cant even be done on my car, like a cabin filter or the pcv valve

 

[ChrisRobin]

Just picked up some bottles at the dealership. Damn, $35cdn per bottle. Doesn't make sense even with the crappy exchange. I need to find a dealership right across the border in WA state.

 

[NemesisEnforcer]

i think i paid 19 each...

 

[Sonicbluezx3]

and that maintenance thing about the 100k isnt true. a lot of the stuff they list on those intervals cant even be done on my car, like a cabin filter or the pcv valve

You can too change your pcv valve....you just gotta take the intake manifold off first! It's not that hard.

 

[NemesisEnforcer]

yes i know that, but its not just a simple thing, like ud do at a tuneup or something. and no, it isnt easy. its a PITA. what i was referring to is the reg. maintenance stuff at say, 30k, and on this car , the pcv is not something that falls into that category. for example, when i brought up doing that 30k thing, the dealer said it would be 30 bucks for the pcv. ntil i brought the car in. suddenly it was 250 bucks.

 

[nlguy60]

I changed my mtx fluid due to a grind every now and then from 1-2 and 2-3 at high rpm...changed fluid with the motorcraft full synthetic...1-2 grind is no longer there and the 2-3 has improved to basically nothing, but isn't completely resolved. Noticed smoother shifting from the start. Great write up.

 

[grahama]

Great write up.

Bought 3' of 3/8 Id tubing just to be sure and it worked like a charm. Even easier than an oil change!!!

 

[bdnld4482]

anybody try red line???

 

[trevor]

redline is good stuff.

 

[Alexmdb]

I gathered all the data from this thread and made an article. I've had to do this a few times myself, I just put in the recommended ATF though since it wasn't my car.

http://mechdb.com/index.php/Ford_Focus_mtx_fluid_change

There's the article if anyone wants to take a look, you can edit it too if you wish. It's a new wiki I started.

 

[illinipo]

The ATF is obsolete, the correct fluid is XT-M5-QS.

 

[andwudz]

Well, I use Mercon V Mercon in my '03 Focus LX transmission. [clap]

It's been doing great in my old 5-speed transmission until it blew chunks out the side of the transmission case which was due to defective holding pins on the transmission gears. [vommit]

My new 5-speed transmission in which I put in a SPEC Stage 1 clutch when I installed it is doing great with it too. [grinking] [race]

 

[Alexmdb]

The ATF is obsolete, the correct fluid is XT-M5-QS.

Thank you for the correction, I will edit the wiki.

 

[deadend9009]

I had to undo the bottom mount (dog bone) on my '03 to reach the drain bolt. The 8mm hex was much more diy friendly than my VW's 32mm hex!


By the way, what is the EXACT spec on the ford honey? Is it a 75w90 GL-4?

 

[illinipo]

the bottle says nothing but there are specs online that say its 75w-90 full synthetic suitable in applications that call for GL-4.