2000 - 2011 Ford Focus Transmission Flush (No Machine)

[@Ab-hd2jc]

These videos are good for people who aren't mechanics to have a heads up on what a real ,honest mechanic will need to do

[@mahamadrasul5282]

Thanks for your video But if you don’t flush dirty out , it’s still Oky or not ? Thanks

[@jesseknight1993]

Thank you very much for making this easy to watch video. You did an awesome job! I have done this process before but not on this platform/application. The only thing I did different was put my car on ramps and vacuumed the pan as much as I could. The I dropped the pan and swapped the filter. My car has 120. I got it at 98k and decided that the guy I got it from was like a little brother to me but he's no mechanic like I am. So I did a flush and I'm glad I did. The transmission slipped in first gear all while being full of fluid, but its burnt and thin as water.. So I'm replacing all the fluid and this video made it so easy! Locations, fluid amount, and tool sizes!

[@jaredshelton4718]

Whats the torque spec for the pan bolts?

[@zack4563]

Any updates on how your car is doing? I have 155k and I’m thinking about doing this. Thanks

[@mytech6779]

My 2007 shop service manual says Mercon V not LV. The L is low viscosity and may effect the shifting or torque converter stall.

[@hanksgarage_]

Ford regularly updates requirements for fluids, yours is out of date.

[@alanjones4989]

Ford Focus changed to merconLV in the automatic trans in 2008 and up

[@mytech6779]

@@hanksgarage_ On further research it seems that Ford only made the change to reduce the part numbers in inventory, I can't find any functional advantage to the change.

[@Icytits]

@@mytech6779 A lower viscosity fluid cools more effectively than a higher viscosity fluid, as well as being easier to pump. This removes some of the load moving the fluid itself off the pump.

[@mytech6779]

@@Icytits Lower viscosity is also more prone to small leaks and creates a thinner film between bearing surfaces leading to faster wear or lower load limits. The thinner film is why it cools more effectively. The cooling difference will be pretty inconsequential in normal driving conditions, and in hot conditions viscosity drops even lower further reducing hydrodynamic protection when you need it most. Ford has developed a reputation for encouraging maintenance practices that reduce total life of the machine.

[@iangibbs3872]

What do you mean by "Power Brake"?

[@1omarrr]

If I chose no flush at all is that possible , and how much oil do I have to add after putting the panel back up ?

[@robs_garage0278]

Have you ever heard about the recall on harbor freight jack stands

[@hanksgarage_]

Yea but not sure any of mine are affected

[@robs_garage0278]

@@hanksgarage_ same

[@1omarrr]

How does the gasket goes on ?

[@handheldnintendofan]

So the pan didn't have a gasket before do you really need to buy one? Can't you just re bolt the pan without the gasket?

[@hanksgarage_]

@@handheldnintendofan use an rtv silicone in place of a gasket. You will need either or.

[@Dr.BalzanYamouth]

Hey i see your still replying, impressive, was just wondering if you know how much would be recommended for just the pan drain, not all, dont wanna over or under fill it, drian the pan, how much should i pour?

[@hanksgarage_]

I don’t know what it is off hand. But you’ll be able to find that with a Google search. It won’t be dead on you’ll have to verify on the transmission dipstick after you fill it

[@nathanieldortch399]

Thank you Sir, you made it simple to understand and identify the location of everything related to the Ford Focus transmission, I have a 2009 Ford Focus and I honestly had No idea where and how to add transmission fluid to my 🚗 car, your a Professor of Auto mechanical work Sir, appreciate you, U.S. NAVY VETERAN NATHAN DORTCH

[@rebeccalankford2652]

My 2001 Ford focus Lx 5 speed does not have a dip stick. Was told it had to be filled underneath?

[@hanksgarage_]

That’s correct. Fill plug and drain plug. When they get filled the fluid is only supposed to come up the the lower threads on the fill plug where it would slowly drip. That’s when it’s full.

[@patrickbrooke4887]

What is the Inside Diameter of the plastic tube you used on the flush?

[@hanksgarage_]

3/8" I believe

[@mg6192]

how many miles did you have on the transmission fluid before you did this change? I have about 100k on my car and haven't changed the fluid before so I would like to see how the color and magnet compares to yours when I change it.

[@hanksgarage_]

163k not sure if it had ever been changed before. 173k now and no issues with the trans since this change

[@samy7644]

@@hanksgarage_ that's a relief. Mines at 114k and never changed it. More confident in doing it now

[@jesseknight1993]

@@samy7644 same here. I have done this process before but not on this platform/application. The only thing I did different was put my car on ramps and vacuumed the pan as much as I could. The I dropped the pan and swapped the filter. My car has 120. I got it at 98k and decided that the guy I got it from was like a little brother to me but he's no mechanic like I am. So I did a flush and I'm glad I did. The transmission slipped in first gear all while being full of fluid, but its burnt and thin as water.. So I'm replacing all the fluid and this video made it so easy! Locations, fluid amount, and tool sizes!

[@1omarrr]

Did you change the seal on the pan or there was no seal .thank you for video.

[@aldenz776]

⁠@@1omarrrhe says there was no gasket so he bought one

[@mytwocents4892]

Be nice if they would put a drain plug on the pan it could have a special cover on it to warn you that its not the motor oil

[@billrau2398]

I have a 2007 Ford focus I ended up purchasing a Mazda transmission pan which is exactly the same as the Ford focus transmission pan & it does have a drain plug bolt on the pan 👍🏼

[@V0N32]

Can you please link me? Any idea if it's the same as an 09? I've got both & want to restore them with my sisters / teach them the basics :) @@billrau2398

[@jes72875]

My 2005 Ford Focus manual says Mercon V is the one to use. Will the transmission fluid your using work on my 2005 or do I just go find the Mercon V?

[@hanksgarage_]

It’s updated now to a newer fluid. I believe it is mercon LV

[@hanksgarage_]

The fluid I used is a full synthetic universal fluid that’s highly rated

[@jes72875]

@@hanksgarage_ thanks... Crazy thing is that I called my local Ford deal and gave the lady my vin and she said Mercon V 🤦‍♀️. I see your video and some others using Mercon LV 🤔. This had me all confused. So I can use Mercon LV. Thanks for the feedback.

[@baconphillip]

Is there no drain plug?

[@hanksgarage_]

No. Most auto transmissions you have to drop the pan. It’s annoying.

[@durondasherman2118]

I have 220 thousand miles on my focus, and having gear slippage and engine light is on. We tightened down the trans pan cause it was leaking but my mechanic thinks that changing the fluid and putting new gasket and filter on would make it explode, is this true?

[@981moro]

First check The fluid level. If it doesnt have enough fluid its a big problem. There are lots of small holes and places in the transmission and changing The fluid on a reaaally old fluid could plug those holes because theres usually a lot of dirt and stuff. But it could also help because dirty fluid can cause problems. But If The problem isnt The fluid itself IT won't fix anything. I recommend finding a shop that focuses on automatic transmission repairs.

[@mytech6779]

Your mechanic is an idiot. All of the fluid goes through the filter before any of the transmission, all of the gunk in an old transmission will be in the pan or in the old filter and assuming the pan is cleaned and you aren't too sloppy about installing the new filter you will seen no negative effect. Very old fluid can have its viscosity modifiers break down and this will cause poor shifting behavior. So while it won't fix broken pieces or worn out friction materials this can sometimes make a big difference. Way back there was a trick where folks would flush out dextron/mercon transmissions with type-F fluid to improve performance and extend trans life, the dex/merc was designed for smooth shifts that the public tends to favor when buying new cars but this means more slip during each shift, Type-F is more like the specialty racing fluids and makes faster firmer shifts by reducing slip during the shift but this can be perceived as harsh by some people. In fact I did this to an old car that would barely move due to slip, and after that it drove like new for thousands of miles.(The engine wore out before the transmission so I can vouch for extended long term effects.) Now I don't know anything about the compatibility of new fluids, this was only to illustrate that fluid can make a notable difference in shifting. (And manufacturers will all say don't mix or change because of liability and a lack of incentive for actual testing.)

[@BigGent22]

Hi there, Own a 2004 mk1 (uk) ford focus on 66k miles. Service book and the Haynes Manuel book both saying that the transmission fluid is for life and doesn't require a change just a fluid level check. Seems to go through the gears fine however does vibrate slightly when selecting either P N D or R, this a sign of a fault? Many thanks 😊

[@hanksgarage_]

Most likely that’s a bad transmission mount. Very common on these cars. I have a video about changing it out. It’s not too bad

[@darkwhitedirewolf]

Thank you, my 2010 focus is coming up to 120 K What did you torq your bolts to on reassembly ? Have a great day

[@hanksgarage_]

62inlbs 👍

[@darkwhitedirewolf]

@@hanksgarage_ Thank you Appreciate it

[@mytech6779]

Shop manual says 10nm(89in lb) but that is with silicone sealant not a gasket.

[@deuslaudetur2451]

The iconic sound of a 2008 ford focus running, i know that sound anywhere

[@matt12239]

Does a fluid change fix rough shifting?

[@hanksgarage_]

Usually it will

[@parkersowers435]

I just bought an 09 Focus and not sure of maintenance history. It has 130,000 on it. Any recommendations for preventative maintenance?

[@hanksgarage_]

Transmission fluid, antifreeze, check power steering and flush brake fluid

[@aca2983]

Watch valve cover gasket, engine mounts, and sway bar end links. You'll be needing those eventually.

[@skip741x3]

brother, our 2003 zetec focus with auto trans has 327,000 mi on it and doesnt burn any oil..always used full synthetic for engine...we bought it with 150,000mi on it and put the rest of the mi on ouselves..changed the trans fluid once, pan drop and filter change only.. was advised Against a full flush on a tranny with this many miles.. that advice was universal..everybody advised that.. my fluid is not brite red but not dark either..I'd like to flush but dont want to create issues... shifts are good going up thru gears and down as well except for the 3/2 shift..that one is clunky... overdrive 4/3 shifts are smooth...always wondered if its the solenoid for that shift thats bad?

[@ScrubA-Dub-ch9ed]

Where you placed the clear tube at. Is where the old tranny fluid comes out of?

[@hanksgarage_]

Yea. The lines run to the side of the radiator

[@capri8225]

Just doing a pan drop and filter how many quarts? 4?

[@jnunez1203]

Heard it takes about 6..if completely drained..

[@Anthony-ho4kw]

3

[@paisa007]

What is the torque on the bolts?

[@jarikvanloocke8623]

He had said 62in/lb on a different comment. 89 if you're using the silicone sealant

[@MiguelMartinez-hd1yh]

Thank you very much for making this video it was very helpful. Can I ask how much fluid did you use? I read in the user's manual the capacity is 6.6 liters, but when I did the change I ended up using like 2 liters less. Greetings :)

[@girlfrriend]

fluid has to make its way through valve passages and to the torque converter it could take some time

[@gymworks7958]

Same for 2013? ..no dipstick !

[@nieluszelaya9782]

My car is a focus 2008 ses and no entry in reverse.. Can you help me,, ?

[@mnl493x]

Is this done on a 2.0tdi diesel 6 speed or doesn’t it matter🤔. Thanks

[@hanksgarage_]

With the dual clutch auto? No that would be a different process.

[@mnl493x]

@@hanksgarage_ okay thanks for that 👍

[@jack-spicer1381]

So wait you flushed the radiator also ?

[@hanksgarage_]

Yes that’s what pulling the line from it does

[@eightfivesix2322]

Much appreciated thank u now I know how to do the whole shabang.

[@FrankAcosta-l4f]

Thank you for video about do same here my car just got make sure do it right

[@Jim.Thunda]

Too much trouble to clean the outside of the pan?

[@hanksgarage_]

For who? You? Yes.

[@dfields9511]

Gr8 vid, now if ford could put a drain plug on the transmissions would make it a lot easier. The valvoline maxlife is good and cheep stuff. $18/Gal I did find that it was not as good for a HONDA that takes z1 or dw1 fluid. My wife’s Honda shifted much smoother with Honda DW1 fluid.

[@hanksgarage_]

Would be nice if they did for sure

[@dfields9511]

Hank's Garage Would it be possibly to use a fluid transfer pump to pump out some or most of the ATF before removing the pan?

[@hanksgarage_]

D Fields yea you can do that

[@RoadKing05FLHR]

I'm getting ready do do mine. Going to pump it out the dipstick, fill and drive it, pump it out again, fill and drive it, pump it out again then change the filter and fill it. Should get it good. It looks like you did not flush yours before changing the filter. According to the manual it takes Mercon V.

[@alanjones4989]

Ford Focus automatic transmission takes mercon LV in 2008 and up. The power steering still takes merconV but not the trans

[@nicholashubbard2239]

Thank you

[@mg6192]

what year is the car in this video?

[@hanksgarage_]

2008

[@qualityreno9689]

Good job, but this is a fluid change, not flush, as per the title. Not recommended to flush atf for high mileage vehicles.

[@hanksgarage_]

People are going to search fluid flush and see this way, which is safer. We can argue wordage all day but it’s a non issue.

[@kontrarien5721]

@@hanksgarage_ Your wording worked for me because this is exactly what I was looking for.

[@Ab-hd2jc]

This ismuchmorecomplicated than I thought.

[@pennyking3823]

what size is the clear hose?

[@hanksgarage_]

3/8”

[@pennyking3823]

@@hanksgarage_ thanks