Powershift transmission fluid change DIY

[rondeo]

The dreaded transmission fluid change! Not so bad if you can get the car up level. These are my notes for my own use. Information from 'official' Ford and Volvo sources. The high price of fluid from Ford will keep you guessing whether to buy 6 or 7 litres. I get FUCHS in 20 litres for the same price. Keeps well. Any corrections etc appreciated.



TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGE Getrag 6DCT450
'POWERSHIFT'

FUCHS or PENRITE fluids are available
much cheaper than Ford. I have used FUCHS DCTF
with no problems, and is specified for the application.

You will need an ELM Obd2 adapter
and a copy of the Russian 'Forscan' software to check the temperature,
and that there are no faults in the TCM.
Forscan is available as a paid android app and free for windows.
You will also need some way of raising the car so that it is LEVEL
at a suitable height to drain the old fluid.


FLUID CHANGE
Getrag 6DCT450 on MONDEO 2007-2014

1. PREPARATION

Ford specification WSS-M2C936A.
OR
FUCHS part number 4377
FUCHS Titan DCTF
Usually 6 litres is required, maybe a little more depending on
exactly how much drains from the fluid cooler in the process.
Transmission filter kit, comprising filter plus housing and seal.
Temperature of transmission fluid: 35-45 degrees C (Forscan)
Transmission must not be in limp mode or have DTC's.
Remove air filter housing etc to gain access to filler plug.
Raise car to a convenient height.
Note: CAR MUST BE LEVEL.
Remove undertray (10mm socket)
Place waste container to hold about 6 litres.
Remove passenger side wheel to gain access to the filter.
Remove two nuts and three screws and clamp the plastic guard
out of the way.
Engine running, brake pedal applied, select all gear positions
for 20 seconds each. Return to PARK.

2. DRAIN THE OLD FLUID

Engine off.
There are 3 drain plugs before 02/2009, 2 drain plugs after.
Remove all the 8mm hex socket drain plugs.
After the fluid has drained replace the drain plugs.
Unlock and remove the filter.
The filter housing has a plastic locking clip, a
plastic wedge is handy to hold it open.

3. FILL WITH FRESH FLUID

Prime the new filter with fluid (about 0.1 litres) and install.
Fill transmission with 5.5 litres of fluid.
Install the filler plug.

4. LEVEL ADJUSTMENT

Engine running, brake pedal applied, select all gear positions
for 20 seconds each. Return to PARK.
Remove the level check plug.
A two-foot long extension with a universal joint makes it easy.
Allow fluid to drain until it begins to drip.

Note: THE FLUID THAT ESCAPES DIRECTLY AFTER
THE FLUID LEVEL CHECK HOLE IS OPENED
IS NOT AN INDICATION OF A CORRECT FLUID LEVEL.
FLUID MUST BE ADDED THROUGH THE FILLER OPENING
WITH THE LEVEL CHECK HOLE OPEN UNTIL THE FLUID AGAIN
RUNS OUT AT THE LEVEL CHECK HOLE, AS FOLLOWS:

Top up via filler hole until fluid flows again
through the level check hole,
(be patient, takes a while to flow through)
allow to drain until it begins to drip.
Ford suggests adding fluid in 250ml lots.
No more than 750ml should be needed, depending on
how much fluid was purged from the oil cooler in the process.

Install level check and filler plugs etc.

[ope126]

Thanks for this info!

[DJENANS]

does anyone know if the final oil level check is done with engine running?

[rondeo]

Level check is done with engine off, cheers.

[rondeo]

Video:

https://vimeopro.com/completemedia/v...video/29488374

Same gearbox.

[Mondaveo]

Found a new video on YouTube from another DIY'er, seems to jive with rondeo's instructions and good to see the process with an actual Mondeo.
https://youtu.be/M4WtZUhf7kM

[rondeo]

Excellent video guide!

I liked the whiteboard bit, helps demystify the filling, running, checking, filling business.

His claim about long term reliability can only be speculation though - it's only been in the Mondeo 7 years.
Let's see in 14 years if there's any evidence to support his opinion.

[rondeo]

FLUID CHANGE
Getrag 6DCT450 on MONDEO 2007-2014

1. PREPARATION

Ford specification WSS-M2C936A.
OR
FUCHS part number 4377
FUCHS Titan DCTF

6 litres is the normal amount of fluid to drain,
7 litres will be needed to refill because about 0.5 to 0.75 litre is lost during level adjustments.
Transmission filter kit, comprising filter plus housing and seal.
Temperature of transmission fluid: 35-45 degrees C (Forscan)
Transmission must not be in limp mode or have DTC's.

Remove passenger side wheel.
Remove the retainers (three are underneath) and pull the wheel arch liner out to the side to gain access to the transmission filter from underneath.

Remove air filter housing etc to gain access to filler plug.
Alternatively arrange a tube with an elbow at the end to fit in the filler hole. A 1/2" drive 8mm hex and ratchet just fits under the air box, and the plug can be reached by hand.
Raise car to a convenient height.
Remove undertray (10mm socket)
Place waste container to hold about 6 litres.

Note: CAR MUST BE LEVEL FOR THE FOLLOWING

Engine running, brake pedal applied, select all gear positions for 20 seconds each. Return to PARK and switch engine off.

2. DRAIN THE OLD FLUID

There are 3 drain plugs before 02/2009, 2 drain plugs after.
Remove all the 8mm hex socket drain plugs.
After the fluid has drained replace the drain plugs.
Unlock and remove the filter (32mm socket).
The filter housing has a plastic locking clip, a
plastic wedge is handy to hold it open.

3. FILL WITH FRESH FLUID

Prime the new filter with fluid (about 0.1 litres) and install.
Fill transmission with 5.5 litres of fluid.
Install the filler plug.

4. LEVEL ADJUSTMENT

Level adjustment is done in two stages.

1.

Engine running, brake pedal applied, select all gear positions
for 20 seconds each. Return to PARK and switch engine off.
Remove the level check plug (8mm hex).
A two-foot long extension with a universal joint makes it easy.
Allow fluid to drain until it begins to drip.
(maybe 250ml lost)

Note: THE FLUID THAT ESCAPES AFTER
THE FLUID LEVEL CHECK HOLE IS OPENED
IS NOT AN INDICATION OF CORRECT FLUID LEVEL.
FLUID MUST BE ADDED THROUGH THE FILLER OPENING
WITH THE LEVEL CHECK HOLE OPEN UNTIL THE FLUID AGAIN
RUNS OUT AT THE LEVEL CHECK HOLE, AS FOLLOWS:

2.

Top up via filler hole in 250ml lots until fluid flows again
through the level check hole,
(be patient, may need up to 750ml)
allow to drain until it begins to drip.
(maybe another 250ml lost)


Install level check and filler plugs etc.

[rondeo]

Did another transmission fluid change today, took way too long but worked out well. It was the third time I've done it (over two cars).

Did a couple of things differently this time.

To fill with fresh fluid I used a funnel and tube with a 1/2" poly pipe and elbow.

That way I didn't need to remove the airbox, which is tedious (technically needs removing and replacing twice).

I used two trolley jacks at the front for undertray removal etc.

The car was on three wheels for fluid level adjustment.
One jack under the passenger side adjusted the sill height from the floor so it was the same as the other side.

I changed the fluid at 45000km to see how it looked.

Last time at 60000km the fluid and filter looked a bit grim.

I'm thinking 50000km would be a good compromise if you were to lavish a bit of tlc.

So that's the end of my 20l tub of FUCHS.

It's an odd procedure which sometimes looked as if it was going wrong because the fluid flow seemed too much or too much was needed to be added to adjust the level.

But it turns out OK.

I revised my notes with a switch off engine added somewhere
and the alternative filling method added: posted below.

[bundybear75]

Mines due (180k) in about 8000km (or 8 weeks). Thinking of having a go at it myself. Hoping I can get a transmission temperature out of my Ultragauge scantool. Haven't plugged it in yet but it does do the tranny temp on my Cruiser.



From the Ultragauge site:

Compatible with vehicles which use these protocols only:

Protocol.....................MX Compatible
J1850 VPW (GM)..................✓
Ford..................................✓
CAN...................................✓
ISO-9141...........................NO*
KWP2000...........................NO*

[rondeo]

Worth considering anyway.

Ford service promise is $810 at 180000km'

2x 4l Penrite DCT fluid is $100
+ engine oil $60
+ air filter $40
+ cabin filter $20

is $430 less.

With two cars it starts to make sense.

With one car and at 60000km intervals not so clear.

But there's the satisfaction of DIY.

These cars have a $2020 Ford service bill between 180000 and 195000, excluding water pump.

[stefcio007]

I had my trans fluid and filter replaced at 31k km. Previous owner did a 60k km service before selling.

How long do you think that should last?

[rondeo]

With time travel it should last indefinitely?

[bundybear75]

Where is everybody sourcing the filters for the transmission? Mines due next service and I'm keen to have a go at it myself. How much are they? Its always nice to know if Ford are ripping me off.....

[Jasonp]

Adelaide Parts on eBay. I haven't bought that particular filter yet, however I've bought other atuff from them and everything I bought was genuine OEM.

[rondeo]

In 2016 filter was $36.82 at Ford dealer.

Titan DCTF fluid was $319.12 for 20 liters at Bursons.

So now it costs $132.56 for fluid and filter compared with $427.79 in 2013 when filter was $102.65 and 6 liters of fluid was $325.14 at Ford dealer...

[bundybear75]

Originally Posted by rondeo

In 2016 filter was $36.82 at Ford dealer.

Titan DCTF fluid was $319.12 for 20 liters at Bursons.

So now it costs $132.56 for fluid and filter compared with $427.79 in 2013 when filter was $102.65 and 6 liters of fluid was $325.14 at Ford dealer...

Thanks Rondeo, Filter isn't as bad as I expected. Funny thing is that ebay (UK) lists an internal and external filter for the DCT450

[rondeo]

There is an internal filter somewhat like the engine has one in the sump.

Does not normally require attention.

[Jasonp]

Has anyone used the Penrite DCTF yet?

I was tempted to buy a few bottles the other week when it was on special but chickened out.

[rondeo]

Haven't used the Penrite.

Used the Titan just because it was there at the time.

Penrite DCTF is listed as suitable for Mondeo so likely OK:

http://www.penriteoil.com.au/assets/...ary%202015.pdf

[V8kado]

I've used the Penrite twice now, serviced myself. Good stuff, meets Ford spec and a good quality fluid.

Try and purchase when on sale at SuperCheap Auto, by far the cheapest option when servicing these gearbox's. I paid $61.56 / 4L for the oil, and $32.75 for the filter from Ford ($37.64 normally, ask for trade price you'll be surprised)

Had some issues with surging and this fixed it. Completed a second 6DCT450 service in short time to completely flush the trans and works a treat.

Couldn't be happier atm.

You'll need over 6L to complete the service.


Ford spec.


Reference for the part number for the external trans filter.


I've got a whole heap of photos of my service which I'll put up one day.
Will be great to support what rondeo has already supplied which was a saving grace, thanks so much!

[Jasonp]

Great to read you've had no problems with the penrite fluid V8kado. Not that you should have as it meets the ford spec.

Also thanks Rondeo for this thread as it's been very helpful.

[bundybear75]

30% off Penrite products at Supercheap till Wednesday 28/6/17 - if anyone is considering doing a change in the near future

[Jasonp]

Yup, got 3 bottles yesterday. Bought extra just in case.

[bundybear75]

Originally Posted by Jasonp

Yup, got 3 bottles yesterday. Bought extra just in case.

Yeah I grabbed 2 - About $55 each so around $85 for a fluid change - Much cheaper then when they replaced my speed sensor at $300+ for fluid

[sailaway]

Originally Posted by bundybear75

Yeah I grabbed 2 - About $55 each so around $85 for a fluid change - Much cheaper then when they replaced my speed sensor at $300+ for fluid

Had an oil change yesterday but seeing I had 4 ltrs leftover from last service I had to stick with that brand. Fuchs Titan Super Syn and buy another 5 Ltr container just to get 6 Ltrs for service.

So all up service with oil filter and extra 5 Ltr of oil came to $200 done onsite at my place. Highly recommend this mechanic.

[bundybear75]

Clocked over 180k km yesterday. Planning on doing the service tomorrow. If I think of it I will grab some snaps as I go and add them here (Maybe to Rondeo's post?)

I like the idea of using a IR camera to check the temperature (in case my scan tool doesn't give the required info)

[Jasonp]

I changed the tranny oil a couple weekends ago, per Rondeos instructions. Hardest part was getting the air cleaner housing out. Simple once you know how.

I used forscan on my laptop to get transmission oil temps.

Also I used the penrite dct oil and used about 7L.

Easier to change than the ZF in my falcon.

I bought a socket to undo the filter, but I think a spanner would be easier to use in hindsight.

[rondeo]

Originally Posted by bundybear75

Clocked over 180k km yesterday. Planning on doing the service tomorrow. If I think of it I will grab some snaps as I go and add them here (Maybe to Rondeo's post?)

I like the idea of using a IR camera to check the temperature (in case my scan tool doesn't give the required info)

Some photos would be great.

The required temp in Ford manual is 35 to 45 deg C. Probably good enough to have it warm to the touch?

[rondeo]

Originally Posted by Jasonp

I changed the tranny oil a couple weekends ago, per Rondeos instructions. Hardest part was getting the air cleaner housing out. Simple once you know how.

I used forscan on my laptop to get transmission oil temps.

Also I used the penrite dct oil and used about 7L.

Easier to change than the ZF in my falcon.

I bought a socket to undo the filter, but I think a spanner would be easier to use in hindsight.

Last time I left the air box in, used a 90 deg watering system elbow from Bunnings. I had the funnel on pvc tube, held in place with wire.
Makes the job quicker.