Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General Transmission Fluid

I noticed that the power steering fluid, automatic transmission fluid, and manual transmission fluid have the same Ford part number (XT-2-QDX). I also noticed that the Ford's scheduled maintenance guide does not show when to change the manual transmission in the contour. Does this mean it does not need to be changed? I have a hard time believing this. Why would Ford leave this out?

I have also heard that Ford switched to a synthetic transmission fluid in the latter 2000 SVT models. Did this really happen and if it did what SVT build number did the switch to synthetic transmission fluid happen? Is there a Ford part number for the synthetic transmission fluid?

Also what is the recommended interval to change the manual transmission fluid? Would there be a difference in the interval if the manual transmission fluid were synthetic?

This should answer some of your questions.

http://www.contour.org/FAQ/FAQ.cgi?s=probs&display=shifter

The specified fluid is Mercon. Mercon seems to always meet General Motors latest Dexron specs as well (the current highest level of Dexron is Dexron III). So that means that Dexron III and Mercon is really the same thing.

Mercon is specified for the power steering, auto trans, and manual trans. To add a little confusion to things, the power steering fluid and manual trans fluid in 1995 was specified to be Type F automatic transmission fluid. It has been widely known for some time before then that Mercon could be used instead of Type F for power steering and manual trans.

I have been told (but have not confirmed) that the 1995 owners manual and shop manual also specified that 2 OZ of Ford friction Modifier should be added when the manual trans fluid is changed. This seems in part to be the basis for the development of the "cocktail" mentioned in the above link. Regardless of which trans fluid you use, there is a big benefit to using the friction modifier.

Ford made many internal changes to the manual transmission late in 1999 or early in 2000. The changes changed the fluid capicity. Before the changes, the capicity was 2.7 quarts. After the changes the capacity was 2.2 quarts. Starting with the revised transmission, they started using a golden or honey colored synthetic fluid. It is very expensive (around $18.00 a quart). Even it benefits from the addition of friction modifier. Ford says that this fluid is their preferred fluid for all the the manual tansmission Contiques for refill or for topping off.

Another alternative is to use the Chrysler spec ATF+3 fluid which includes a higher level of friction modifier to begin with so that additional friction modifier is not needed. This is what I use. It would be difficult to find it in a synthetic though if you feel you really need synthetic. At about $2.00 a quart you won't be so proud of it that you won't want to change it from time time. I change mine every 30,000 miles. Ford has no specified interval.

I hope this helps.

Not true (also confirmed by Terry H. @ SZ-02) .
My SVT #2137/2150 (13th from last SVT made) still has the "red" fluid inside . I double checked it friday night when I changed my oil . That will soon change , my dealership will soon be getting my car (once again) to change the fluid to try to help fix my shifting "issues" . I have heard from many people (one just this weekend) that the honey-colored fluid is even more expensive than $18/quart . At this point , being still under B-to-B warranty , the dealership will pick up the tab on the fluid .

Thanks for your help. Where is the fill plug location?

Front of the trans , facing forward , down low . Mine uses an allen wrench to remove it , I'd imagine yours does too .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Allen

I have a 1996 SE 2.5L, which also specifies Ford type F for the power steering. I think I am going to convert to synthetic Mercon soon by draining the entire ps system.