2014 Ford Focus ST transmission fluid upgrade?

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42ryan24

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I have a 2014 focus ST with about 40k on the clock and I'm looking to get some better fluid to aid in smoother shifting. I've tried motul dctf transmission fluid which is one of the few fluids that meets the ford spec WSS-M2C200-D2. I'm wondering how important it is to meet this spec and if their are potential fluids out there that don't meet the spec but would still offer improvement for me.

XT-11-QDC is the ford fluid specified for my car

I have also tried replacing the fluid with new oem fluid and didn't notice much difference. Generally, upshifts are good, downshifting into 2nd and 3rd gear is rather poor and also finding 1st or reverse from a stop often requires going to another gear first (although I have heard this is common amongst other cars as well).

Warranty is not a concern because I have already voided it from a host of modifications but damage to the transmission from the wrong fluid is something I need to avoid.
 
No, it's a 6 speed manual gear box. The factory fill is a dual clutch transmission fluid though.
 
The Ford spec fluid is one of the lowest "current" viscosity fluids available.


Quote:


Here is an updated list of dedicated GL-4 and a few GL-5 MTL's.

NOTE: This list is only a “suggested” list of currently known MTFs that may be applicable as a replacement. It is not an endorsement of any one fluid, nor is it implied that any one fluid will cure problems in MTs that have design problems or are worn.

A. These MTL fluids are closest to a Kinematic Viscosity of 6.x cSt@100C (About the same viscosity as a Dexron VI) and SAE 70 or so are:


1. Castrol Syntrans FE 75W,

2. BMW (Pentosin) MTF-LT-3,

3. Honda MTII or MTF 2.

4. Ford FML-XT-11-QDC

5. Volvo Manual Transmission Fluid (6.4 cSt) [Recommended for: type M65 5-speed with 6-cyl. engine, M66, MTX75 and MMT6 and of the type M56, M58 and M59 from and including model year 1996. Meets Ford specification WSSM2C200-D2]
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: 42ryan24
I have a 2014 focus ST with about 40k on the clock and I'm looking to get some better fluid to aid in smoother shifting. I've tried motul dctf transmission fluid which is one of the few fluids that meets the ford spec WSS-M2C200-D2. I'm wondering how important it is to meet this spec and if their are potential fluids out there that don't meet the spec but would still offer improvement for me.

XT-11-QDC is the ford fluid specified for my car

I have also tried replacing the fluid with new oem fluid and didn't notice much difference. Generally, upshifts are good, downshifting into 2nd and 3rd gear is rather poor and also finding 1st or reverse from a stop often requires going to another gear first (although I have heard this is common amongst other cars as well).

Warranty is not a concern because I have already voided it from a host of modifications but damage to the transmission from the wrong fluid is something I need to avoid.


Have you tried dosing the OEM Ford DCT fluid with Motorcraft XL-18 friction modifier? It's used in the MT-82 transmission to smooth out the shifting.
 
Originally Posted By: 42ryan24
I have not tried this, I am going to look into this a bit more.

Warranty is not a concern because I have already voided it from a host of modifications but damage to the transmission from the wrong fluid is something I need to avoid.


You need to determine if it is a viscosity sensitive problem or a wear problem.

Quote:
Try a slightly higher viscosity such as:

B. The next higher viscosity MTL would be the 7.0 to 7.5 cSt@100C versions [70W75] (About the same viscosity as the original DexronIII/Merc)

1. Royal Purple's Synchromax

2. Ravenol MTF-2

3. Honda MTF

4. VW part number G052512A2

5. GM Manual Transmission and Transfer Case Fluid

6. BMW (Pentosin MTF 2) MTF-LT-1, 2

7. Tutelo (Petronus, Italy, Product Code 1402)

8. Pentosin Pro Gear 70W75 (Australia)

NOTE: This list is only a “suggested” list of currently known MTFs that may be applicable as a replacement. It is not an endorsement of any one fluid, nor is it implied that any one fluid will cure problems in MTs that have design problems or are worn.


https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/1231182/4/Synchromesh_Manual_Transmission

Also, you might try

http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=79&pcid=27

It has an AW and friction modification package that is just about right for an MTF with about a 6.8 cST viscosity.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: MolaKule
Also, you might try

http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=79&pcid=27

It has an AW and friction modification package that is just about right for an MTF with about a 6.8 cST viscosity.


How different (and more 'stout') could this possibly be than their Dex 3 D4 fluid, which they claim (and yes, I know you refute those claims) protects as well as a full GL4 MTF??
 
Because it's analysis shows this has a very good AW and FM package comparable to their MTF additive packages:

Boron 100
Silicon 10
Calcium 3700
Mag 10
Phos 2200
Zinc 2500
KV 7.0@100C
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: MolaKule
Because it's analysis shows this has a very good AW and FM package comparable to their MTF additive packages:

Boron 100
Silicon 10
Calcium 3700
Mag 10
Phos 2200
Zinc 2500
KV 7.0@100C



OK, THANKS!
thumbsup2.gif
 
Originally Posted By: MolaKule
Originally Posted By: 42ryan24
I have not tried this, I am going to look into this a bit more.

Warranty is not a concern because I have already voided it from a host of modifications but damage to the transmission from the wrong fluid is something I need to avoid.


You need to determine if it is a viscosity sensitive problem or a wear problem.

Quote:
Try a slightly higher viscosity such as:

B. The next higher viscosity MTL would be the 7.0 to 7.5 cSt@100C versions [70W75] (About the same viscosity as the original DexronIII/Merc)

1. Royal Purple's Synchromax

2. Ravenol MTF-2

3. Honda MTF

4. VW part number G052512A2

5. GM Manual Transmission and Transfer Case Fluid

6. BMW (Pentosin MTF 2) MTF-LT-1, 2

7. Tutelo (Petronus, Italy, Product Code 1402)

8. Pentosin Pro Gear 70W75 (Australia)

NOTE: This list is only a “suggested” list of currently known MTFs that may be applicable as a replacement. It is not an endorsement of any one fluid, nor is it implied that any one fluid will cure problems in MTs that have design problems or are worn.


https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/1231182/4/Synchromesh_Manual_Transmission

Also, you might try

http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=79&pcid=27

It has an AW and friction modification package that is just about right for an MTF with about a 6.8 cST viscosity.




This Redline URL comes up as their PS fluid? Are you referring to one of their ATFs?...or their DCTfluid?
 
I just looked on Redline's website and it didn't mention DCTF meeting WSS-M2C200-D2. You can ask them if it is OK for your car but there are likely to be fluids that are closer to the specs you are looking for. If I am not mistaken VW's DCT fluid is labeled a 75w. I don't know who made the fluid since many of these fluids are custom labeled for the brand they are sold for. I can not tell you which fluids will work fine for you since I have no idea how fussy that transmission is about the correct fluids. Aren't Ford Focuses similar to Volvos? In the Volvo forums look and see which cars have the same transmission and see what they have used and how long they have used it trouble free.

That is how I found cheaper alternative fluids for my 06 Jetta and that is because the same transmission is found in many other cars and I found that there is a cheaper fluid than the stuff that VW sells for $18.36 + tax that works just as well.

That is what I would do, research the other brands that Ford has with that same transmission. It might surprise you how many other cars use the same identical model. Is anyone using a different fluid? What and how long has it lasted is what I would ask in the forums for those cars.
 
Originally Posted By: pbm
Also, you might try

http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=79&pcid=27

It has an AW and friction modification package that is just about right for an MTF with about a 6.8 cST viscosity.

This Redline URL comes up as their PS fluid? Are you referring to one of their ATFs?...or their DCTfluid?


No, the URL is correct.

Here is an average analysis to prove my point as listed in another thread:

------------------------------
Additives: ppm

Boron 100
Silicon 13
Calcium 3700
Magnesium 12
Phosphorus 2200
Zinc 2500

Vis@100C 7.0 cSt

FLashpoint 480F
------------------------------

If you don't believe me, confirm it with Redline.
 
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