Ford Maverick hf45 transmission fluid change???

[doitmyself]

My son is on the fence about doing preemptive transmission fluid changes before the 150,000 manual recommendation. It's a commuter truck, no towing. My understanding is this transmission runs relatively cool and does not have the traditional wear components.

Thoughts?? The Maverick forums seem equally divided. I'm thinking every 75,000 is a good compromise?

Thank you and wishing everyone a great new year moving forward.

 

[Hermann]

My plan is to change the fluid in the eCVT at about 50k on my Maverick Hybrid.

 

[Racer4]

My 22 Maverick Hybrid I have already changed my transmission fluid at 20,000 miles. Very easy to do, I did it mainly because some people on the Maverick forum said there’s was not full from the factory. I used Motorcraft ULV drained mine cold and measured the amount that came out, mine was full.

 

[martinq]

I would do the first break-in fluid change (engine, transmission, diff, etc) at ~1k then again at the first engine oil change / first year.

Based on what I find I would consider following the Severe Service maintenance intervals. Regardless, I would definitely recommend dropping the CVT pan annually (during engine service) to clean & inspect. Once the pan and magnets stay clean enough I would switch to the mfg recommended interval but always drop the pan for inspection.

The pan and magnets do most of the CVT (and AT) fluid cleaning. CVT fluid cleanliness and temperature are critical to long life.

 

[ctechbob]

I would do the first break-in fluid change (engine, transmission, diff, etc) at ~1k then again at the first engine oil change / first year.

Based on what I find I would consider following the Severe Service maintenance intervals. Regardless, I would definitely recommend dropping the CVT pan annually (during engine service) to clean & inspect. Once the pan and magnets stay clean enough I would switch to the mfg recommended interval but always drop the pan for inspection.

The pan and magnets do most of the CVT (and AT) fluid cleaning. CVT fluid cleanliness and temperature are critical to long life.

Likely that would be way overservicing the trans. There's no belts, clutches, or bands in the Ford 'CVT''. There's really nothing in there to contaminate the fluid other than wear on the planetary gears and bearing, which should be extremely low. It isn't a traditional CVT. It is 'simply' 2 electric motors and a planetary gearset.


Maybe a break in change and then one at 15-30k should be plenty.

Here's a good/quick look inside one. (Or rather one that should be extremely similar)

 

[martinq]

Likely that would be way overservicing the trans. There's no belts, clutches, or bands in the Ford 'CVT''. There's really nothing in there to contaminate the fluid other than wear on the planetary gears and bearing, which should be extremely low. It isn't a traditional CVT. It is 'simply' 2 electric motors and a planetary gearset...

Thanks for the info, I didn't realize that. Regardless, if it was mine, I would get on top of service ASAP. To get everything clean I would do a few short-change inspections and monitor from there. Each vehicle / power train has it's own quirks and faults, knowing is half the battle.

Thanks for the video link, watching now.

 

[ctechbob]

Thanks for the info, I didn't realize that. Regardless, if it was mine, I would get on top of service ASAP. To get everything clean I would do a few short-change inspections and monitor from there. Each vehicle / power train has it's own quirks and faults, knowing is half the battle.

Thanks for the video link, watching now.

Lol, don't get me wrong, I'm all for servicing, my 10R80 gets 10k drain and fills. Its just that the hybrids probably don't need anything near that.

 

[martinq]

Lol, don't get me wrong, I'm all for servicing, my 10R80 gets 10k drain and fills. Its just that the hybrids probably don't need anything near that.

It's strange that such a simple gear box seems to have a high failure rate unless it's lack of maintenance? Several are claiming failures under 150k but it'd be great to get access to the actual stats on this.

 

[ctechbob]

It's strange that such a simple gear box seems to have a high failure rate unless it's lack of maintenance? Several are claiming failures under 150k but it'd be great to get access to the actual stats on this.

Especially since Toyota doesn't seem to have the same history of failures, and they are very similar designs. To the degree that it is my understanding that Ford and Toyota shared some tech many years ago on the hybrid powertrain.

 

[Nuclear_42]

I would stick to 30-45k miles intervals with the oem fluid. Unless you switch to something like Amsoil or HPL ULV then maybe try to push 50-75k. The main issue is just keeping the fluid clean and clear of contaminant that accelerate wear.

 

[MalibuRam65]

I would stick to 30-45k miles intervals with the oem fluid. Unless you switch to something like Amsoil or HPL ULV then maybe try to push 50-75k. The main issue is just keeping the fluid clean and clear of contaminant that accelerate wear.

After a 2nd drain and fill you should be good push the change interval further.