Today, cars equipped with robotic gearboxes () have become increasingly popular. Such transmissions combine the comfort and convenience of an automatic transmission, as well as the inherent fuel economy.

It is important to understand that manual transmissions are structurally reminiscent of mechanics, however, the requirements for the quality of service of these boxes are somewhat increased.

Maintenance should be understood as changing the oil and filters of the robot box. Next, we will consider when and why it is necessary to change the oil in the manual transmission, what kind of oil for the robot box needs to be selected, and also how the oil is changed in the robotic gearbox.

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Box robot: features of this type of gearbox

The robotic gearbox is the same "mechanics", but the clutch release and gear shifting functions are automated. Such automation became possible due to the presence, as well as actuators (hydraulic drives, servo drives)

Types of clutch servo drives and manual transmission on / off gears:

• electric drive (servomechanisms - electric motor and mechanical transmission);
• hydraulic drive (hydraulic cylinders controlled by solenoid valves).

Operating modes of the manual transmission:

• Automatic mode (ECU controls the box using actuators);
• Semi-automatic (manual). Sequential downshifts to upshifts and vice versa are performed using the gearbox selector or paddle shifters.

According to its design features, the manual transmission can be with one (type) or two clutch packages (type). Moreover, dual clutch boxes are also different, since the clutch can be dry or wet. Their fundamental difference lies in the fact that in a manual transmission with a wet clutch, the clutch discs are immersed in transmission oil.

Let's go further. As for the manual transmission service, the operating instructions for any car contain the necessary information that allows the car owner not only to properly operate his car, but also to maintain it efficiently.

At the same time, in the case of a robot box, you can often come across the statement that the unit is maintenance-free and designed for the entire service life of the car. In practice, it is important to understand that although a robotic gearbox belongs to mechanical type gearboxes, it cannot be said that the maintenance and repair of such a gearbox is similar to a traditional manual transmission.

Robotic transmissions require more frequent and regular maintenance; in case of malfunctions, some transmissions of this type may even exceed the cost of their repair.

This high cost is due to the presence of servomechanisms, hydraulic drives, mechatronics (valve body), etc. This is especially true when it comes to preselective robots with a double-plate clutch (DSG,).

At the same time, despite the higher cost of servicing these gearboxes, the price of cars equipped with manual transmissions is often less than in the case of equipping the car with a "classic" automatic or. As a result, robotic gearboxes are in growing demand.

When and why is it necessary to change the oil in the robotic box

As mentioned above, in the manual you can find information that the box is unattended. In practice, if the owner intends to avoid premature breakdowns and increase, it is necessary to replace the transmission oil and manual transmission filters.

It is important to understand that the manual transmission (especially the dual-clutch version) is a rather complex unit due to its design features. In this case, the overall service life of the robot box will depend on how correctly the box is used and how well the service is carried out.

So, it is recommended to change the oil for the box a robot with one clutch disc after a maximum of 80 thousand km. mileage. If we are talking about shifting gearboxes with double clutch (for example, DSG), then in the boxes a robot with a "dry" clutch oil can be changed after 60-70 thousand km. mileage, while the version with a "wet" clutch requires replacement by 50-60 thousand.

At the same time, it should be taken into account if the car is operated in difficult conditions and loaded modes (aggressive driving, off-road driving, towing a trailer, transporting heavy loads, etc.), in this case, the oil change intervals must be further reduced (at least by 20 40%)

Even changing the oil in the box before the deadline may be due to problems arising during the operation of this transmission and requiring repair or unscheduled maintenance.

The main malfunctions of a robotic gearbox:

• feeling of jolts / bumps when shifting gears in modes "D", "S", "M";
• the appearance of extraneous sounds in the gearbox when the car is moving at low / high speeds;
• the occurrence of vibrations in the box when driving;
• malfunction of mechatronics (errors are read during diagnostics).

Often, it is the transmission fluid that becomes the culprit for such problems. The fact is that the functional role of oil in the manual transmission:

• cooling;
• lubrication of units and assemblies of the box;
• removal of dirt and small particles.

We also add that the presence of mechatronics in a box with a double clutch means that in fact the oil in such a robot is a working fluid (by analogy with an automatic transmission). Simply put, pressurized fluid is fed through channels to the actuators.

What kind of oil to fill in the robotic box, how many liters of oil in the box is the robot

The choice of oil for manual transmission will depend on several factors:

• car model and make;
• year of car manufacture;
• transmission type;

As a rule, they are used in robotic boxes, since they are more resistant to oxidative processes and retain their properties longer when exposed to mechanical and thermal loads.

Each manufacturer for replacement in robotic boxes recommends using only original oil suitable for a given car model.

For instance:

• Volkswagen - VAG ATF DSG oil is recommended for 6-speed DSG with wet clutch;
• Renault - ELF RENAULTMATIK D3 SYN oil is recommended for manual transmission with one clutch disc;
• Ford - Castrol Transmax Dual 75W or FORD 1 490 761 is recommended for the PowerShift manual transmission.

Another important point is the amount of oil poured into the manual transmission. The amount of transmission fluid in the robot box is indicated in the manual for the car. Also, with self-replacement in a garage, many practice a bay of exactly the same volume that was drained before. Next, the level is monitored (if necessary, the level is adjusted).

Oil change in a robotic box

Changing the oil in a robot box is not difficult. The process of changing the oil in a robotic box is practically no different from changing the oil in a conventional mechanical box. Such an oil change can be done both at the service station and independently (subject to the availability of the necessary conditions and tools).

Before replacing, you need to study the manual to find out which oil is recommended for the robot box, as well as how many liters of oil in the box the robot is on a particular car. Having decided on the type of transmission fluid and the amount, you can proceed to the procedure for updating the gearbox lubricant. For example, consider changing the oil in a box by a robot on a Toyota Corolla.

In the vehicle operating instructions, the manufacturer recommends Toyota Genuine Manual Transmission Gear Oil LV API GL-4 SAE 75 fluid for the robotic gearbox, corresponding to SAE 75W viscosity and API GL-4 class. The recommended oil volume is 1.9 liters. For a 6-speed robotic box on the Corolla, the oil volume is 2.4 liters.

The step-by-step process of changing the oil in the robot box is as follows:

• it is necessary to warm up the box to the desired temperature (you need to drive 5-10 km by car, during this time the transmission fluid should warm up);
• install the car on a pit, overpass or lift it on a lift (free access is required under the front of the car);
• turn off the engine, remove the car protection (it is necessary to free access to the manual transmission);
• unscrew the drain plug of the box and drain the used oil into a prepared container (for operation, a spanner wrench for "24" is required);
• unscrew the filler plug of the box and tighten the drain plug;
• insert a hose with a funnel of the appropriate diameter into the filler hole;
• pour oil into the filler hole (it is necessary to fill in oil until it flows out of the filler hole);
• tighten the filler plug, install the engine protection.

We also add that you should avoid using non-original oils. If the owner, for one reason or another, changes the transmission fluid to a non-original, then they must be of high quality, and also meet all the tolerances and recommendations of the car or transmission manufacturer.

Even in the process of partial replacement (when the oil is just topped up) should be avoided. In simple words, only the oil that has already been filled in the gearbox should be used for refilling. This will avoid the loss of the useful properties of the lubricant, precipitation, unwanted chemical reactions, etc.

What is the result

As you can see, during the operation of a car equipped with a manual transmission, the owner needs to control the quantity and quality of the oil poured into the box. As a rule, such a unit often does not have the usual oil dipstick, unlike an automatic transmission.

On some robots for this purpose, a control window with a wall gradation is made, the level and condition of the lubricant is also monitored along the edge of the filler hole (like many manual transmissions), etc. The required amount of oil for the manual transmission (if necessary, replacement) is indicated in the vehicle operating instructions.

Finally, we note that often the owners mistaken the robot box for automated mechanics, referring to a similar design. In fact, the robot box must be able to operate correctly, and the oil used must exactly meet the technical requirements set forth by the manufacturer of the robotic gearboxes.

Read also

How to use a robotic gearbox correctly: "one-disk" robot, preselective robotic gearbox with two clutches. Recommendations.

The demand for the Ford Focus car is beyond doubt, as evidenced by the high sales figures for this brand. Agility, high level of comfort and low fuel consumption - these advantages have made the Ford Focus one of the most successful in the history of the company. Cars of this configuration are equipped with a Powershift automatic transmission, a robot box with two clutches.

For the smooth operation of the automatic gearbox (automatic transmission), transmission oil is used. This consumable protects the box from wear for a certain time, after which the oil needs to be changed. If we are talking about Ford Focus 3 cars, changing the oil in the powershift automatic transmission does not take much time and does not require the use of special equipment.

Oil change frequency

The latest generation of Ford Focus vehicles is equipped with Powershift, a semi-automatic transmission. According to the manufacturer, the transmission fluid in this box is designed for the entire service life and does not need to be replaced. As practice shows, this statement is not entirely true. An oil change in a Ford Focus 3 robot is still needed, especially on Russian roads. You will have to change the oil after 60 thousand kilometers. The manufacturer does not prescribe the exact replacement schedule in the manual, but you still have to monitor the condition of the oil. Any transmission fluid loses its properties over time, there may be several reasons for this:

• Changing temperatures - in the Russian climate, where warming is replaced by frost, the oil can thicken or become too liquid;
• Careless driving - overspeeding, abrupt maneuvers, engine operation at high revs;
• Bad roads or off-road - dust and dirt in this case will inevitably end up inside the automatic transmission.

Unfavorable operating conditions can cause serious damage, up to the overhaul of the transmission. To avoid costly repairs, it is important to closely monitor the condition of the oil and change it in time.

Checking the oil level in Ford Focus-3

Since the Powershift transmission in the Ford Focus is maintenance-free,

checking the oil level in the usual way (using a dipstick) will not work. There is simply no probe as such. You can check the oil level through the inspection hole - it is located at the bottom of the car. The car must be jacked up or in any other way. In this case, it is not necessary to remove the oil pan; it is enough to access the control hole, it is located next to the drain and filler. Having opened the plug, you need to carefully inspect the neck. If it is dry and no traces of oil are visible, top-up is required.

How to tell if the oil has lost its properties? The following signs indicate that it is time to change the oil:

• Specific burning smell;
• Blotches of metal shavings in the liquid;
• Presence of sediment - flakes of burning and dust;
• Color change - the used oil turns from light to dark brown.

If these signs are revealed during the check, then adding oil will not save the situation. Such a liquid must be changed completely, and it cannot be delayed. According to statistics, more than half of all Ford Focus 3 transmission failures are due to poor oil.

Selection of transmission oil for automatic transmission FORD

Many motorists are faced with the problem of gear oil selection. When changing transmission fluid, it is strongly recommended to use the brand of oil recommended by the manufacturer. Ford Focus cars are quite capricious in this regard - an incorrectly selected fluid will lead to a breakdown of the entire box. In the matter of choosing an oil for a Powershift automatic transmission, savings are inappropriate, the WSS-M2C936-A certification transmission fluid will be the best option. The following oils are allowed:

Castrol Transmax Dual;
Liqui Moly Doppelkupplungsgetriebe-Oil 8100;
Valvoline MaxLife DCT;
Motul Multi DCTF.

These analogs have a suitable level of viscosity and a set of synthetic additives.

Important! In no case should you mix different brands of oils - this will lead to a breakdown of the automatic transmission.

In addition to oil, you will need the following materials:

• Oil filter;
• Sealing rings;
• Metal brush;
• Surface degreaser;
• Slotted and Phillips screwdrivers;
• Waste oil container.

Additionally, you need to stock up on a suitable rag. The oil change process is a messy job.

Automatic transmission oil change stages - FORD FOCUS 3

Changing the oil in the automatic transmission Ford Focus 3 is not at all difficult, the procedure is carried out in several stages. In specialized services, special pumps are used to pump out the oil, ensuring complete drainage of the liquid. An independent oil change is carried out in several stages.

• It is recommended to warm up the machine for a few minutes before starting the procedure. Warm oil is thinner and flows out faster.
• Next, you need to place the car on a lift or lift it with a jack. A pit in the garage is also suitable.
• Dismantle the lower engine protection (crankcase) to access the drain holes.
• Clean the working surface from dirt with a metal brush.
• Since the Powershift box has a two-chamber design, there will also be two drain plugs. You need to install the container and carefully unscrew the plugs with a hexagon. It is advisable to drain the waste liquid from the chambers in turn - hot oil can get on the skin and cause a burn

While the transmission fluid is draining, you can change the oil filter. For Ford Focus, it is located to the left of the box body.

• After the oil has completely drained, you need to degrease the plugs with a special liquid and cover them with a layer of sealant, then carefully screw them into place and tighten well.
• Then you can fill in new oil. To do this, unscrew two plugs - the filler hole (located in the upper part of the automatic transmission) and the control one (next to the drain holes). During the filling process, you need to monitor the control hole - the process will be completed when fresh oil flows from it.
• After that, the car should run for 10-15 minutes so that the oil is evenly distributed inside the box. After that, you need to check the oil level, top up a small amount if necessary.

Important! In no case should you forget about using a sealant. The plugs on the Ford Focus are made of copper, so additional sealing is a must.

Advantages of timely oil change in automatic transmission

Timely oil change in powershift will not only extend the life of the vehicle as a whole, but also provide a number of obvious advantages:

• Reduced wear on friction discs and gears;
• The automatic transmission will become practically silent;
• High efficiency will be ensured, torque transmission will take place with minimal resistance;
• The probability of breakage of the planetary mechanism will decrease;
• The maximum engine power will be maintained.

Important! The quality of the oil to be poured is of decisive importance, poor fluid will lead to premature wear of the internal components of the automatic transmission.

Oil change in automatic transmission - FORD is a simple and relatively inexpensive process. It is advisable to carry out the procedure in a specialized service center, but the cost of such a service will be quite high. It is quite possible to change the oil yourself - this will help save money and extend the life of the car. The main rule is to monitor the level and condition of the transmission fluid so as not to miss the appearance of alarming symptoms. Neglect can be expensive - repairing a Powershift automatic transmission will result in a lump sum. Paying a little attention to your car will surely help you avoid costly repairs in the future.

Together with a 2.0-liter engine, a manual MTX75 gearbox was installed on the Ford Focus III, while 1.6-liter engines were equipped with a B5 / iB5 series manual transmission. Also, the car was equipped with automatic transmissions Powershift 6DCT250 and 6DCT450, which are robotic gearboxes with two clutches. Consider how to change the oil in the gearbox yourself for a Ford Focus 3.

How often should the gearbox oil be changed?

Manual transmissions are lubricated for life. Therefore, changing the oil in the Ford Focus 3 manual transmission is recommended only in case of gearbox repair. This practice is extremely common among automakers, but for a long and serviceable transmission service, it is still better to change the oil every 100 thousand km.

As with the manual transmission, there is no replacement for the 6DCT250 dry clutch robotic transmission. For 6DCT450, the manufacturer recommends changing the transmission fluid every 45 thousand km. This is due to the fact that a wet clutch is used in the 6DCT450 design, therefore, wear products of the friction linings clog the fuel filter, fluid circulation channels in mechatronics.

Oil selection

Robotic gearboxes can be filled with transmission fluid with WSS-M2C200-D2 approval. For lubrication of the gears of the mechanical box B5 / iB5, oils with the WSD-M2C200-C specification (class - API GL 4/5) are recommended.

For MTX75, the WSS-M2C200-D2 specification is recommended. If the specifications and class are observed, then both original products under the Ford label and good analogues (for example, Castrol, Motul, Shell, Mobil 1, ARAL) will ensure the long operation of the checkpoint. The recommended viscosity for manual transmission is 80W-90 (for regions where the temperature often drops below -30 ° C, it is advisable to pour 75W-90).

Oil change in manual transmission Ford Focus 3

For self-replacement, you will need a viewing hole. You can fill in new oil with a special syringe, but it is much more convenient to follow the instructions and use the filler hole. From other tools, you will need socket heads for 8, 19, a hexagon for 8 or a T-50 torx.

Do-it-yourself oil change in the Ford Focus 3 box should be done in the first 10-15 minutes after the trip. As the lubricant warms up, it becomes more fluid, which allows more fluid to be drained off faster.

Instructions

Oil change in automatic transmission Ford Focus 3

Before you change the oil on your Ford Focus III with 6DCT450, do not forget to buy a new filter element (the filter is not installed on the “robot” with a dry clutch).

To replace you need:

• unscrew the filler plug located in the upper part of the gearbox housing with a hexagon. To access it, you will need to remove some parts of the attachment. The filler plug can be left unscrewed if you have a syringe with which new oil can be poured through the level control holes;
• remove the engine shield mudguard;
• unscrew the level control plug;
• unscrew the drain plugs;

• wait until the old transmission fluid flows out and tighten the drain bolts;
• use a watering can or syringe to fill in new grease (until it flows out of the inspection bolt hole);
• unscrew the filter using a spanner wrench. At the moment of unscrewing the plastic holder, create an emphasis with a screwdriver or other suitable object;
• install a new filter element. Fill the filter to the top with clean oil before installing it.

After filling with new fluid, tightening the control and filler bolts and installing the mudguard, the oil change in the Ford Focus 3 automatic transmission can be considered successfully completed.

Video

The PowerShift 6DCT250 automatic 6-speed, dry dual-clutch, electronically controlled transmission is an innovative product. The developers have successfully combined the advantages of a conventional machine gun and mechanics in it, having obtained a very effective result.

• The transmission is installed with a front-wheel drive layout with a transverse engine arrangement for compact cars.
• These are used by many motorists. This segment, in particular, includes the popular Ford Focus 3.

There are different opinions among the owner regarding the reliability of the robotic transmission. The main subject of disputes is the correctness and frequency of maintenance, on which the service life depends.

The question of car owners concerns, first of all, the need to change the oil for PowerShift. Do you need it? If so, when to change the fluid and how to carry out the procedure correctly?

Change or not change oil in PowerShift 6DCT250

There is not a word in the manufacturer's recommendations about changing the oil. The robotic box is considered maintenance-free. At the same time, among the design features is the drain and filler neck for the transmission fluid. So, the replacement is still provided?

Why is the gearbox service not negotiated by the manufacturer? It's a matter of mentality: in European countries, cars with a mileage of more than 100 thousand km are practically not used. With such indicators, the oil resource of a regular factory fill is quite enough. In Russia, the mentality and opportunities are different.

1. The majority of domestic car owners are not ready to change their car every 100 thousand kilometers. It is easier to change the oil if possible so that the vehicle will continue to serve. Scheduled maintenance of the gearbox allows them to extend the life of the transmission.
2. Another reason is the climatic features of the country. Car operation in our harsh conditions, which differ from European ones, that is, with a wide range of temperatures and their constant drops, requires careful attention to the state of the transmission fluid.
3. The third reason is the condition of the road surface. In most regions of the Russian Federation, it is far from ideal. Even in large cities, the transmission often operates in overload mode, which reduces the resource of the unit.

If car owners argue, then the opinion of the masters is the same: the oil needs to be changed every 60-65 thousand kilometers. What is the reason for this? Due to the fact that specialists constantly have to repair robotic gearboxes with different mileage. They have the opportunity to compare the condition of the service fluid and see the results of the lack of scheduled maintenance:

• over time, foreign impurities appear in the oil, its viscosity changes;
• with a mileage of over 60-65 thousand km, the transmission fluid loses its properties;
• protection of parts from premature erasure is reduced;
• the process of normal cooling of the gearbox can no longer be expected.

If not serviced, the life of the 6DCT250 will be significantly reduced. As a result, it is no longer necessary to change the oil, but the entire set of units and mechanisms of the box. Even replacing part of the transmission units is an impressive expense, noticeably higher than with timely maintenance.

Which oil for 6DCT250 to choose

For robotic gearboxes, the category of which is 6DCT250, a transmission fluid is used that has the WSS-M2C200-D2 specification. The manufacturer recommends 74W FE 7U7J-M2C200-BA / CA oil. Other oils can be purchased that meet the above specification. Castrol Transmax Dual, Motul Multi DCTF will do.

Do not fill in cheap transmission fluids, oils with a different viscosity. This will lead to premature failure of your 6-speed robotic transmission.

Do not take the risk of taking transmission fluid from random sellers. Counterfeiting or counterfeiting is another reason for transmission failure. Service center specialists know all the parameters and will give their recommendations when buying an oil suitable for your car. This choice will be unmistakable.

Oil change procedure

A lift or pit garage is required for routine maintenance on the PowerShift 6DCT 250. You will also need:

• container for collecting used transmission fluid;
• canister with new oil (the required volume of liquid is 1.8 liters);
• vacuum unit;
• tORX 50 key;
• a large syringe for filling oil into the neck.

The procedure is carried out in stages.

Draining old technical fluid

The car is lifted or driven into a hole. To gain access to the gearbox, you will need to remove the engine mudguard. The drain plug is located on the underside of the box. It is clearly visible. Unscrew it with a TORX 50 wrench. Then pour the oil into a prepared container.

The used oil will have to be completely removed from the gearbox. For this, a vacuum unit is used. It is inadmissible to mix the remains of the old transmission fluid with the new one.

It is recommended to use a special flushing agent if the time for a scheduled oil change is missed or if you plan to fill in a transmission fluid that differs from the factory / previous one. Each flush comes with instructions, which are important to follow exactly.

If the drain cap O-ring remains intact, the plug can be reused. If damaged, you will have to replace it with a new one so that there is no leakage.

After draining the old oil and flushing fluid, it is important to tighten the plug carefully.

Mandatory filter replacement

When changing the transmission fluid, it is also important to replace the filter. Otherwise, the new oil will be defectively cleaned of impurities. It will quickly deteriorate. You will need to repeat the procedure unscheduled.

To replace the filter element, the liner is removed. After removing the old filter, inspect it. You will see that it is heavily soiled. This once again confirms: replacement is necessary. It is important to fill the new filter with oil before installation.

How oil is poured into the neck

The 6DCT250 gearbox filler plug is located at the top of the filler neck. You will have to get to it through the engine compartment:

• to open access to the neck, you will have to remove the air filter, which is fixed with two bolts;
• take the air filter to the side - access to the filler plug will open;
• use the same TORX 50 wrench.

The transmission fluid filler neck is narrow, which is why it is convenient to use a large syringe. It is important not to be mistaken with the oil volume. For this, the volume of technical fluid drained from the box is measured. It is necessary to fill in the same amount. It remains to tighten the plug well and return the air filter to its place, fixing it with bolts.

Is it possible to change the oil in PowerShift 6DCT250 yourself

The PowerShift 6DCT250 oil change procedure is quite simple. However, it requires care and skill. A master in a car service carries out maintenance quickly and efficiently thanks to his rich practice, but many car owners prefer to do it on their own if there is a garage with a pit, tools and desire.

• It usually takes a lot of time for newbies who decide to service for the first time. They are not immediately able to unscrew the drain cap.
• Access to the top plug is difficult, which often causes confusion.
• The failure of beginners is primarily associated with an attempt to get to the throat without dismantling the air filter.

Another difficulty with self-replacement is the lack of a vacuum installation for most motorists. Without this device, a certain amount of technical fluid will certainly remain in the gearbox. This is a negative factor.

Be sure to use oil of the same brand in this case, that is, it is important to get accurate data beforehand. Transmission fluids of different brands must not be mixed.

What happens if you do not change the oil in the box

Owners of cars with a 6-speed DCT250 robot claim that after changing the oil, the speeds change more smoothly, and when they start driving, uncharacteristic sounds that worried them disappear. This further confirms the conclusion of the masters: transmission service is necessary. What happens if you don't change the fluid?

1. With prolonged operation, the transmission fluid, as already noted, loses its viscosity. Moreover, each part is no longer covered with an oil film. This leads to premature wear of metal components.
2. A wide variety of impurities accumulate in the old fluid - from dirt to fine metal shavings. These fractions leave micro-scratches on the parts, which inevitably leads to a gradual malfunction of the unit.
3. The 6DCT250 box does not have its own cooling system. The temperature regime is maintained by air and oil circulation. Old transmission fluid is unable to properly regulate temperature. A dry robotic transmission that has not been serviced on time is prone to overheating.

Are you a caring owner interested in a long and trouble-free operation of your car? Do you want to face a breakdown on the road, away from the service station?

Do not forget about the planned oil change after 60-65 thousand km! The mileage between replacements can be reduced if the car has been operated for a long time in difficult conditions, with overloads.

The 3rd generation Ford Focus car replaced its predecessor, and did it quite successfully. The car has remained reliable, has become more modern, and is equipped with up-to-date electronics. Eit is not the most expensive representative of the auto concern Ford, but it is the Focus that is among the best-selling cars in the world. Automatic transmissions installed on the Focus 3 raise many questions. This is a rather controversial transmission option, which not everyone decides to buy. Although in practice the transmission works well, without any particular complaints about efficiency and durability.

Replacement frequency

Until now, motorists and experts cannot come to a consensus on changing the oil in an automatic transmission at Ford Focus 3. Therefore, you need to consider this issue in detail and give appropriate recommendations to car owners.

Let's start with the information provided by the official owner's manual for the 3rd generation Ford Focus. It indicates that the oil in the automatic transmission (PowerShift) lasts for the entire period. That is, you do not need to change it. Because of this, some difficulties arise regarding the replacement procedure for those who decide, contrary to the manual, to change the working fluid in the automatic transmission.

Experts advise still not to build on the official operating manual, but periodically change the lubricant in the gearbox. The only question is when you will change the oil, and at what mileage the replacement will become a necessity.

In the case of an automatic transmission installed on a Ford Focus 3, replacement should be carried out every 100 thousand kilometers. This is the average optimum life of the lubricant.

If the operating conditions are difficult, then the service interval is reduced to 60 - 80 thousand kilometers. Practice shows that even in Russia Focuses 3 behave well, the boxes can withstand the local climate and the rather low quality of roads. Therefore, most car owners will easily cover 100 thousand kilometers and even more.

Nothing eternal exists, so the statement about the "indestructibility" of the factory lubricant in the Focus automatic transmission cannot be considered fair. With use, the oil will lose its properties and characteristics. The box will begin to work intermittently, there will be serious malfunctions and breakdowns. As a result, expensive repairs will be required.

Given these facts, it is better to periodically change the lubricant and extend the life of the gearbox than to engage in complex and financially costly repairs. If the automatic transmission is severely worn, it may need to be completely replaced.

Try to keep track of how many kilometers. you ran on old oil, periodically checking its condition. If you notice clear signs of fluid wear, be sure to send the car to a car service or change the lubricant yourself. In the case of a Ford Focus 3 car, oil change in a robotic automatic transmission can be done by hand with the appropriate tools, conditions and skills.

Volume and condition

Since the gearbox on the Ford Focus 3 model is a maintenance-free automatic transmission, there is no traditional dipstick. This somewhat complicates the procedure for measuring the volume of liquid in the crankcase, but does not make it impossible.

Before checking the gearbox oil level, you need to support the machine and access the underbody. Here it is not necessary to dismantle the oil pan, since it is quite possible to do without these manipulations.

A control hole is provided on the automatic transmission case, which is used in the case of checking the level and condition. Look into it and see how much lubricant is inside.

If the hole is dry and has no traces of oil on its surface, this indicates insufficient lubrication. Take a special filling syringe and add a small amount of the substance. When oil begins to flow out through the control hole, the level is returned to normal. You can close the cap.

But sometimes topping up does not solve the problem of gearbox wear. Having figured out how to check the oil level in an automatic transmission, you should also take a sample of the composition for analysis. Liquid testing is extremely simple. There are three characteristic signs that indicate the deterioration of the substance and the loss of its physical and chemical properties:

All this suggests that the oil used in the box is no longer suitable for further use. Just topping up the missing amount of liquid, you will not correct the situation. It is necessary to completely drain the lubricant and fill it with a new one in order to exclude the possibility of failure of the automatic transmission on your Ford Focus 3.

Oil selection

Mixing old and new oil is definitely not an option. Therefore, if it is necessary to change the working fluid, a natural question of choice arises. Motorists are often interested in what kind of oil to pour into the box so that their Ford Focus 3 is not damaged and can change gears as efficiently as possible.

This is a really important question because Ford is very demanding on good lubrication. The better the transmission oil, the longer the machine will last. Having filled the crankcase with a low-grade composition, expect trouble in the near future in the form of breakdown and expensive repairs.

For an automatic transmission, which is installed on the Ford Focus 3, only synthetic oil is required. In extreme cases, you can use semi-synthetics. But this is done only when the car has been in operation for a long time and has a high mileage.

The ideal solution for the Ford Focus 3 will be the original Ford oil, which has the designation WSS-M2C200-D2. This oil is called Ford Motorcraft Mercon V. There are no problems with access to it, therefore, it can be purchased without any particular difficulties.

Purchase grease only from authorized dealers, certified retailers, and trusted stores. If for some reason you cannot buy the original composition or do not want to, look for an alternative lubricant among the leading manufacturers of transmission oils:

• Castrol;
• Shell;
• Motul;
• Liqui Moly.

The experience of car owners of Ford Focus 3 shows that it is not worth taking risks and experimenting here. The original oil is quite adequate in price and is cheaper than some analogues. But you will be completely sure that the operation of the box on this lubricant will not bring any unpleasant surprises. Filling with non-original composition is always accompanied by certain risks.

Required quantity

With the choice of oil sorted out. Now it's time to find out how much oil you need to fill in the automatic transmission of a 3rd generation Ford Focus car.

Most gearboxes require a minimum of 4 to 5 liters of lubricant. In some cases, the volume reaches 8 - 10 liters on conventional passenger cars.

But the robotic automatic transmission, which is called PowerShift and is installed on the Ford Focus as an automatic transmission, has a filling volume of only 2.0 liters.

Consider one important point. The filling volume does not correspond to the one that you can fill when you change it yourself. In practice, only if the crankcase is completely cleaned can 2 liters of new grease be used. For this, flushing compositions and special devices are used. They flush all the old fluid out of the system.

If you skip the flushing step, which, in fact, does not give serious changes in terms of gearbox behavior, then you will be able to fill in 1.6 - 1.8 liters of new gear oil.

In any case, buy a 2 liter canister. Since the composition has a shelf life of more than 5 years, you can purchase a container of 5 liters so that you can then change the lubricant after the service interval has expired. Decide for yourself.

Tools and materials

The main mistake of most of those who decide to change the oil in an automatic transmission on a Ford Focus 3 on their own is to rush. Trying to do everything quickly, car owners often break the sequence, make mistakes, which leads to the need to correct the situation already at the service station.

Such cases have become a weighty argument for car services to say that only professionals can correctly change the oil in a box on the Focus of the 3rd generation. As you already understood, this is not entirely true.

To do the whole range of work with your own hands, you need to prepare tools and consumables. You will need:

If you are going to flush the system, then take a 5 liter oil canister. Otherwise, you will not have enough fluid to simultaneously clean the crankcase and fill it with fresh lubricant.

The process has its own characteristics and nuances. But you should not be afraid to service the car yourself. Most Ford Focus 3 owners can easily cope with the task, so you can do it too.

Step-by-step instruction

Such services in specialized Ford service centers are quite expensive. This is one of the key factors in moving to self-service.

To change the oil in an automatic transmission on a Ford Focus 3, you should follow the step-by-step instructions.

That's it, the procedure for self-changing the oil in an automatic gearbox on a Ford Focus 3rd generation car is completed.

The job is not easy when compared to some other machines. But there is nothing that an ordinary car owner cannot do, having at his disposal a standard set of tools and a viewing hole in the garage.

If you are not confident in your abilities or just do not want to take risks, then contact the service center. It is better to do this at specialized service stations of Ford, since their specialists are well aware of all the features and nuances of working with an automatic transmission of such a model as Ford Focus 3.

Watch an interesting video on this topic: