Update on Redline D6 in 6F35

[Klutch9]

It's been about 3 weeks since I drained and filled the trans in the Fusion. I only bought 4 qts of the D6, but ended up needing 5 qts to do the refill (thanks to conflicting drain/fill amounts on the ol' interweb), so I also ended up adding 1 qt of Valvoline MaxLife ATF. Overall, the trans operation is quite improved. There is still the odd shift every now and again, but for the most part, the shifts are quicker, smoother, more direct, all with FAR less flaring - in fact, the past couple of days the trans has not flared at all - and more predictable shifting performance. Any undesirable qualities still remaining are because of the programming, IMO, but I really do think the D6 helped a lot. Next time I do the drain/fill process, I will buy 5 qts of the D6, since I know the correct quantity now. I know that some people will attribute the better performance simply to the fact that the fluid was new, but all of the fluid was new as of July when the trans was rebuilt, and only had about 2,500 miles on it; so even the drained fluid was almost brand new. It seems that the D6, with a tiny bit of Maxlife added, really is that good. I also added LG Red to the new fluid after the rebuild too, and the D6 still made a big improvement over that.

As for the procedure itself, it was very simple. The belly pan came off with 6 (7?) screws, and then slid right off. Remove the 11mm pipe plug and out comes the fluid. Remember, the 11mm pipe plug uses NPT threads, so the thread shaft gets bigger the closer you get to the hex head. So it should only be screwed in about 3/4 of the total threaded distance. Just thought I'd throw that in there

Very easy, quick process though. I recommend it to anyone with this transmission. I will be doing yearly drain/fills with D6, and might switch to year-and-a-half intervals once the total fluid capacity contains almost all D6.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Makes me wonder if Mercon LV is not a good idea for this transmission? My parents have a LONG way to go until it's out of warranty (49,000 miles), but it's something to look into for sure when the time comes!

 

[slo town]

I use Redline D4-ATF in our 2010 Honda Element. Much improved!

We bought the vehicle brand new and it always had a slight gear whine to it, though it wasn't bad enough to worry about it. I never even talked to Honda about it. However, the Redline D4 COMPLETELY eliminated the gear whine. Go figure.

I think Redline's transmission fluids are stellar products.

Scott

 

[Klutch9]

My Focus also has really bad gear whine. No idea why, as i've been in several other Foci with the same engine/trans combo and they do not have this whine. Granted, they were 08-11 models, but mechanically the same as my car. The whining is still there even after 2 drain/fills and a little LGR. Oh well. It's not a major issue I suppose, since the trans shifts very well. Maybe I'll treat it to some D4 or D6 when I do the next drain. Hmmm...

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Is your focus a manual or automatic?

My focus doesn't like going into 2nd gear and I do have a bit of gear whine

 

[Klutch9]

My Focus is an automatic. I did have the MTX-75 in my Zx2, though, and occasionally it also didn't like going into second gear. Good transmission otherwise.