Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting ATX Maintenance

I bought a 96 Mystique (V6) with about 75k miles about 2 months ago. The ATF looked pretty good. Since then I've done a 2 drains and refills (I know you only get about 1/3 of the fluid by pulling the drain plug.) On the first one I refilled with Valvoline Maxlife and the second I used 2 qts Mobile 1 and the rest more Maxlife. The transmission works fine and works smoother after the fluid changes. In the spring I was planning to a full fluid replacement. (I'm thinking of “cheating” by cutting the return line and using a male-to-male hose coupler, because getting to the end fittings is a pain.) I'll probably put in Mobile 1 at that time. Normally, I would also add a transmission cooler, but again, space is very tight and I haven't see a good place to mount it. Also, when it's cold it takes a while for the ATF to come up to full temp (and go into OD), so I'm not sure it really needs one.
My question is if there is anything else I should be doing like adding an additive (Lubegard, or one sold by Ford). I would much prefer to do extra maintenance on the trans rather than have to get it repaired.

Brucer,

I did not know that FORD sold an additive for the ATX.
What is it called ??

Your ATX calls for only Ford MERCON fluid.
The only other fluid you should use in it would be Amsoil Synthetic ATX Fluid.

Get yourself at least 18 quarts to do a full oil change and add the fluid
to the transmission as the fluid runs out of the coolling line.
The fluid should run at the rate of 1 Liter/15 seconds @ engine idle.

I don't know if Ford sells an additive either, that's why I was asking. The Mobil 1 synthetic is compatible with Mercon, and is easier to find tham Amsoil. When I do full fluid exchanges I change the ATF in the sump, then pull the return line from the cooler, start the engine and let 2 qts pump out, shut off the engine, replace the fluid and keep repeating until the fluid coming out looks clean. There isn't too much mixing of the old and new fluid this way, so maybe 1 or 2 extra qts. I figure 12 qts should do OK on this trans.

I have had good experience with Mobil 1 in our family's Ranger, but that's a MANUAL tranny. Go figure- a manual that calls for ATX.

But it shifted way better.

I would NOT do any additives.

Also, why does yours take time to go into overdrive? Fluid temperature should not influence shift points. Ambient temp might, but even then I would be surprised. In fact, I know it doesn't on mine...

Randy

AA737-823,

The PCM in our Contours, reads the TFT (Transmission Fluid Temperature)
for optimal shifting based on fluid temperature.
The Air Temperture, as well as the Engine Coolant Temperature,
and the Emissions being in CLOSED LOOP all affect the point at
when the ATX will shift into Overdrive.
If the Emissions is not able to achieve Closed Loop,
the ATX will not shift into overdrive.

I have noticed a difference in shifting when the car is cold as to when its warmer in the summer.

I used Mobil 1 in my old Grand Am. I was quite happy with it, until I blew a tranny line and lost ALL of it. Luckily the car coasted to a stop directly in front of a service station and the tech sold me all I needed for $5. That car is still going strong with 172K+ on it. The tranny is dying, but its because the next owner used ATF +3 when he lost some fluid because of the same problem. :rolleyes: