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Ford Freestyle transmission fluid, how often does it need to be changed?

15 messages,  Last post on Jul 12, 2010 at 5:20 PM

You are in the Ford Freestyle Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Freestyle, Engine, Transmission, SUV

Messages Page 2 of 2

#6 of 15 Re: [barnstormer64] by coldcranker

Jan 17, 2009 (8:27 am)

Replying to: barnstormer64 (Jan 17, 2009 8:04 am)
I don't know about the AWD system, but it wouldn't surprise me that it never needs changing, as car makers have moved toward using synthetic diff oil in those that will last for 10 years, which is all they care about.
 
When we say "newer" Fords have a 100,000 transmision change interval, I think thats been the case for about 8 years now in Ford's conventional automatics, so thats what I mean by "newer". The CVT is really an aberration. A totally different animal, as that big steel chain inside needs its lube.

#7 of 15 by barnstormer64

Jan 17, 2009 (9:15 am)

Thanks.
 
Seems surprising to me that the Service Advisor was that unaware of the CVT's requirements.
 
I honestly don't think that particular dealer has ever serviced the CVT. That Service Advisor has been there at least 5 or 6 years.

#8 of 15 Re: [barnstormer64] by coldcranker

Jan 17, 2009 (10:10 am)

Replying to: barnstormer64 (Jan 17, 2009 9:15 am)
That service advisor probably just had a brain freeze or something. Ford has put about 350,000 or so CVTs in Ford500s/ Freestyles/Montegos in recent memory.

#9 of 15 Re: [coldcranker] by barnstormer64

Jan 17, 2009 (2:41 pm)

Replying to: coldcranker (Jan 17, 2009 10:10 am)
Yeah, but how many of those have had to have the fluid changed so far?

#10 of 15 Re: [barnstormer64] by tim156

Jan 17, 2009 (3:27 pm)

Replying to: barnstormer64 (Jan 17, 2009 9:15 am)
If that particular dealer, or any dealer for that matter, sold only a few or no Freestyles they may not have sent any techs to CVT training. The first question I would ask is "have your transmission technicians received CVT training and does your shop have the proper equipment for a CVT fluid change"? Any cross contamination with conventional tranny fluid can damage your CVT. I asked at my dealer and two techs are certified. Also, if you purchased your Freestyle from a small town dealer, I would consider taking it to a higher volume dealership to have the CVT maintenance done. The reason being, there's a better chance they have the proper equipment and the certified techs, not a transmission tech who has to read a step, perform it, read another step and so on. Since this work is done at approximately 60000 miles, many cars will be past the warranty date. If there was a problem say 2000 miles later because the tech wasn't properly trained and you couldn't prove it, well, I know how ticked off I would be.

#11 of 15 Re: [barnstormer64] by coldcranker

Jan 17, 2009 (7:39 pm)

Replying to: barnstormer64 (Jan 17, 2009 2:41 pm)
Ford sold more Ford500s than Freestyles, and about half of those had CVTs. Since the average vehicle gets 12,000 miles per year, probably only about 5% of all CVTs sold have had the service. Guessing, of course. Some small percentage anyway. Its probably getting to be a common, hot issue now among the technicians at Ford dealerships. Just a few more months and they will be practiced.

#12 of 15 Ford CVT Mechanic Certification by edwinloos

May 27, 2010 (2:31 pm)

I looking to go to Ford to have my 2007 Freestyle transmission serviced. Does anyone know what type of "certification" the Ford mechanic should have for this transmission? It seems like there is a lot of potential to get a mechanic (even at a Ford dealer) who isn't specifically trained on the CVT and might do something wrong that would end up costing me money in the end.

#13 of 15 Re: Ford CVT Mechanic Certification [edwinloos] by bruneau1

May 28, 2010 (10:19 am)

Replying to: edwinloos (May 27, 2010 2:31 pm)
I wonder how many Freestyle owners have had trouble after having the transmission serviced. There are several specific procedures to follow with the cvt and i doubt that all technicians know what to do. Find out if the person who is going to do it has experience with this cvt. I am not going to have mine serviced until 60,000 miles and then only after some investigation. In any case,. this cvt is not to be flushed and the fluid is expensive.

#14 of 15 Re: Ford CVT Mechanic Certification [edwinloos] by coldcranker

Jun 21, 2010 (9:38 pm)

Replying to: edwinloos (May 27, 2010 2:31 pm)
edwinlos, I wouldn't be too concerned now, in 2010 after the CVT has been out there for over 5 years. The mechanics know it by now. However, some service advisors are kind of slow to figure it all out. I took mine in for the CVT service and had to teach the service advisor what Ford's recommendations are! Just be informed and make sure the service advisor doesn't think or do weird ignorant things here. Of course, the mechanic should be able to insist on whats right anyway, so it should be fine anyway.

#15 of 15 CVT Tranny by mrachedi

Jul 12, 2010 (5:20 pm)

Yep agree 60,000 is change target, and right it is not cheap. I think we paid $450 or such to have it done at KC MO dealer.

Messages Page 2 of 2

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