Best Transmission Fluid For Ford F150, Focus, Escape, Fusion

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Quick Comparison

Let’s look out some key features that the following transmission fluid offer to make the time-saving decision

Best Ford Transmission Fluids Review

1. Genuine Ford MERCON-V Automatic Transmission Fluid

This Genuine Ford XT-5 Automatic Transmission is the best transmission fluid for ford that is featured a high-viscosity index and premium quality. Besides, it’s hydro-processed base oil that is specially designed with performance additives.

Thus it will offer excellent shifting characteristics at both low and high ambient temperatures. At the same time, the fluid will ensure superb thermal and oxidation resistance and low-temperature fluidity.

Providing wear protection, the transmission fluid will prevent the formation of sludge, gum, foam, and lacquer. Especially the manufacturer designs this fluid in red color to allow the owner to detect the leak easily.

Moreover, it’s a Mercon V type premium-quality automatic transmission fluid that is suitable for use as hydraulic oil in a broad variety of industrial applications. With a 5 quart large container, this transmission fluid is available at an affordable price.

2. Ford Genuine Full Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid

This Ford Genuine Fluid is a Full Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid that meets Ford’s fill-for-life requirements. However it’s a bit pricy, but the transmission fluid is packed with lots of quality feature that makes it worthy.

With a high-performing additive, the fluid offers improved gear shifting at all ambient temperatures. At the same time, it includes excellent thermal, oxidative, and shear stability which makes it highly suitable for ford to have effective performance.

It comes with wear protection to boost the service life of synchronizers and bearings. Reducing friction in the transmission fluid not only offers optimal lubrication but helps reduce operating temperatures. Thus the owner will have improved efficiency and increased component life.

As it’s a synthetic blend transmission fluid so Ford’s owner will have extended drain intervals and all-season promises performance. Even compared with conventional oils, this transmission fluid will offer extended gear life. Most importantly, with extreme pressure properties, this manual transmission fluid will allow for high load capacity.

3. Valvoline DEX/MERC Automatic Transmission Fluid for Ford

Available in a 1-gallon container, this Valvoline DEX/MERC Automatic Transmission Fluid will be the best option for the ford user who is on a tight budget and doesn’t want to compromise with quality. It’s a high-quality transmission fluid that is specially formulated to meet challenging demands.

Especially the manufacturer formulated this transmission fluid with premium base stocks and advanced additive technology that makes it eligible to do so.

Most importantly, its responsive low-temperature fluidity is helpful in both hydraulic and electronic controlled transmissions and transaxles. However it is mostly recommended for Ford M2C138-CJ and M2C166-H, still compatible with other ford models as well as other brands.

With Enhanced anti-shudder protection this transmission fluid for ford focus will offer smooth shifting and maximum power transfer.

On the other hand, it is developed with anti-wear technology so the fluid can help improve transmission durability and offer you a healthy engine to enjoy riding. Even if you are looking for a transmission fluid that provides better oil flow at low temperatures, still it will be an acceptable option.

4. ACDelco Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid

Next, we have ACDelco Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid. It’s a most recent release from the brands that offer more consistent shift performance. Even if you consider the extreme condition performer, still it will be a recommended option.

Most importantly it’s a Dexron-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid, so using this one on to ford vehicles will help automatic transmissions to be a better performer and last longer.

Apart from the ford vehicle, this transmission fluid is a suitable option for GM vehicles and other models that earlier used Dexron older series. With an oxidation resistance formula, this fluid improves friction durability and viscosity stability.

Another attractive feature of this transmission fluid for ford f150 is it greatly improves fuel economy and longer transmission life. Providing extended drain intervals this fluid transmission will let the ford owner enjoy without worrying about transmission failure.

5. Castrol TRANSMAX DEX Transmission Fluid

Looking for transmission fluid especially for ford older model? Then this Castrol 03520C TRANSMAX DEX will be the right option to choose. This transmission fluid has been specially formulated for all Ford models from 1983 to 1996 as well as general motors’ 2005 and earlier vehicles.

The best part of this transmission fluid is it includes Superior high-temperature protection that will allow the ford user to enjoy the city and highway driving. At the same time, its enhanced friction durability will provide smooth transmission performance even in long run.

Even if you are living in a warm climate area and worried about increasing viscosity you are highly recommended to use this Castrol TRANSMAX DEX transmission fluid.

The manufacturer designs this fluid with supreme oxidation resistance that helps prevent increases in viscosity. Lastly, this transmission fluid for ford escape is available in a 1-gallon container that won’t cost much.

6. Mobil 1 Automatic Transmission Fluid for Ford Focus

This Mobil 1 55221 3309 Automatic Transmission Fluid is an exceptionally high-performance lubricant that is suitable for certain slip-controlled lock-up automatic transmissions.

With a unique formulation, this transmission has excellent lubricating characteristics that offer quiet operation and smooth shifting in approved transmissions. The key feature of this transmission fluid is it includes controlled friction properties.

So it can make the efficient and smooth transmission of all normal temperature ranges. At the same time, the features help control transmission shudder to offer excellent vehicle drivability. Providing supreme wear control not only extends transmission life but offers enough lubrication.

As the fluid offers super protection against rusting and corrosion, so you will always have clean and fresh fluid to enjoy smooth driving. However, it isn’t a synthetic blend transmission fluid but considering its optimum feature still the fluid will cost you a bit more than other competitors.

7. Motorcraft MERCON LV Automatic Transmission Fluid

If you have a healthy pocket and don’t want to go to a fluid shop often for quality transmission fluid, then buy this Motorcraft MERCON LV Automatic Transmission Fluid. This transmission fluid for ford fusion is available in a large 12 quart case so you can mostly concentrate on your long-distance riding rather than going to shop.

Besides, this Premium-quality ATF offers excellent performance in electronically controlled automatic transmission with a high-viscosity index. With an especially performed additive this fluid offers excellent shifting characteristics at both temps.

Protecting transmission shudder, this transmission fluid will offer superb oxidation and shear stability. At the same time, its good low-temperature fluidity will not only provide wear protection but help prevent the formation of gum, sludge, and lacquer.

Most importantly it is available in red color to detect the leak easily. So overall this best transmission for ford will prevent rust and corrosion and help you enjoy better riding performance.

Advantages of Changing Your Transmission Fluid For Ford F150/ Focus/ Escape/ Fusion

Better fuel economy

Fresh transmission fluid meets the viscosity and lubricating standard more easily as it includes better resistance to oxidation comparing older ones. Thus it offers better fuel economy to the vehicle. 

Smoother shifting

Regularly checking and servicing the car help maintain smoother movement for gears. Besides, it protects the gearbox and saves from an expensive repair even after a long run.

Reduced costs

Changing the transmission fluid is the greatly same time and money. A car owner can reduce the costs by using a synthetic transmission fluid as it has a longer overall lifespan and includes several features that make it last longer.

Extended transmission life

Regularly changing transmission fluid helps ensure a well-maintained car. At the same time, following the routine keep the transmission in great working order and help increase the transmission life.

Rust reduction

Transmissions can be pretty difficult as they had to deal with corrosion and rust. Chemicals, moisture, and other related factors can cause havoc. So it is important to change the transmission when needed. It will help reduce these potential problems.

Types of Transmission Fluid That Ford Use

The best way is to check the car’s owner manual. Here you will find the exact detail depending on the type of car and year. Besides, it will help find the trusted and recommended product for your car and help avoid any complications in the future.

Apart from these, there are many transmission fluids in the market but ford uses the Mercon series most.

This type greatly meets the standard of the automatic transmission fluid and is broadly used in most vehicles. Besides, it’s an oil-based transmission fluid that is effectively performed under high temperatures. And boost the engine’s life span.

Time to change the Transmission Fluid for Ford

Ford is one of the most durable vehicles that last for a long. But it is essential to check the car regularly to ensure everything is running smoothly. Poor transmission fluid causes many problems including components overheating and damaging the transmission.

Checking the transmission fluid is one of the crucial parts of the routine service and maintenance process. In this case, you have to find out the signs that indicate it’s time to change the transmission fluid. 

As a ford user, you will have to change the transmission fluid once every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or every two to four years. Keep in mind that this suggestion is for the average driver. If you drive long-distance more often, then you will need to change the fluid earlier than an average recommendation.

Apart from driving long distances, some other factors also control how often you will need to change the transmission fluid. You have had to change it after every 15,000 miles considering the following factors:

• Driving more often in a warm climate area
• If you drive in a snow area more frequently
• The people who involved in regular heavy hauling or towing
• The rider who involved in stop-and-go driving more often

Indications That Your Ford Transmission Fluid Needs Changing

Excluding the above-mentioned recommendations, a few other signs suggest your car needs transmission fluid change. Find the answer to the following questions

• Is the vehicle transmission slipping between gears?
• Suddenly experiencing rough or erratic gear shifts?
• Is the check engine light appearing on the dashboard?
• Suddenly are the gear shifts slowing down and delaying?
• Gears aren’t shifting?

If you find any of the questions answer yes, it means the car isn’t performing well. It can happen because of the low or dirty transmission fluid. So you will have to change the transmission fluid.

How to Check the Transmission Fluid on a Ford?

Simply follow these easy steps to check the fords transmission fluid:

Locate the Dipstick

First of all, open the bonnet and find out the car’s dipstick. If you are using an older model then you may find it either to your immediate left or on the passenger’s side. For the newer model, on the other hand, you will find it on the actual transmission body. 

Use the lever inside the car to open the bonnet and then firmly hold it up with the inside props provided. But be careful while opening the car bonnet. In a used car, the engine will be warm and it may cause minor finger burns.

So you can let the engine cool down first. However, since the transmission fluid expands with heat, you will have a more accurate reading with a warm engine than a cold. 

Check the Transmission Fluid Level

The next is to do is check the transmission fluid. If the dipstick has both warm and cold level indicators, then you should read it later. As we mentioned above, you will find a more accurate result with a warm engine. Besides you can check the level when the car is in a driveable condition.

So if your car has been rested a little, then drive it for a while before start checking the fluid level. In a warm engine, transmission fluid should be between 150Fᵒ and 170ᵒF. if you find it lower, and then replace the fluid.

Check the Transmission Fluid Quality

It is important to inspect the quality of the fluid. Park the car on a level surface and Pull out the dipstick. Then check both the consistency and the color of the fluid.

The fluid should be bright red or clear in some cases. If you find it either black or dark red, then change both the fluid and filter. After completing the process, you will need to replace the dipstick.

If you feel unconfident, then it is recommended to take the car to a professional workshop.

Good to Know

However, the process we have described above is simple and accurate, there is another alternative. Do you find any oil stains on your parking bay where often you park the car?

If yes, it means your oil is leaking and it is another indication of weak transmission fluid. But before taking action immediately check the level and quality of the transmission fluid physically.

Final words

Finding the best transmission for ford f150, focus, escape, fusion sure takes some patience. While you will need to keep many factors in mind, our above-mentioned list will help you make the right decision to enjoy long-distance and smooth ford riding.

Our top picks are Genuine Ford MERCON-V Automatic Transmission Fluid that maintains a great balance of price and performance. At the same time, we have covered massive information to help you properly maintain your ford vehicle. So whatever the model is, F150, focus, escape or fusion; hope this guide will boost riding enjoyments.