Just acquired a clean one owner 3.0 liter V6 powered 6-spd auto FWD Fusion with 139K miles, leather and sunroof - etc., and am happy in first week of ownership. Drives great, shifts smoothly, suspension feels still tight, everything works (except the keyless entry). I'm going to keep this car for a long time.

It's my 2nd very clean used Ford in three years (after a 2006 Ford 500), so I guess I'm switching my favoritism to Ford. I'll have to get to the dealer (local, where it was purchased) to find out how / what's wrong with the digital keyless entry system because the original owner didn't know - said he'd never used it.

My questions:
1) Tranny. The owners manual calls for first tranny fluid service at 150K. This car has 139K, and I intend to have dealer do this service within weeks because I want to keep this tranny working smoothly, repair free. So, any info / experiences / suggestions as to whether flush service or a drain and fill would be better for this 6 speed auto?
2) Prior owner took car to various places for oil changes, likely plain jane syn blend or dino type oil. No evidence of oil consumption. What kind of oil do owners of this engine use; not asking for a debate, just some input points. 5W-20.
3) Spark plugs. Original plugs are still in place; how many miles do these last for - in practice?
4) Problem avoidance. What should I look for or do to avoid maintenance issues; I can follow the manual, but what breaks first?

Thanks for your input, guys!



Clean engine compartments always look good!

No dents or blemishes.

 

1 - Flush is nice, but you may want to pay extra to have the pan/control cover removed and filter replaced, then refill it.
2 - I use full synthetic in both my vehicles, I dislike synthetic blend since the company doesnt have to tell you how much is synthetic, for example 90% dino oil +10% synthetic = synthetic blend.
3 - Your due for a spark plug change, its not to bad if you have time and some experience, you will have to remove the upper intake manifold but its not to bad, Motorcraft plugs seem to work best, NGK and Denso I would not object to. DO NOT USE BOSCH PLUGS IN A FORD.
4 - EGR(exhaust gas recirculation) issues and lower control arms that are kindof a pain to replace, that engine does leak at the oil pan and timing cover, big jobs but its up to you when you fix them, my trucks timing cover is leaking some but I dont feel like spending a day fixing it so I just leave it alone.

 

Thanks for the input Scott. On oil, which brand synth and what years are your Fords. I'd had immediate oil leeks from RedLine, Amsoil synth in 1990's vintage Honda Nissan cars, so I'd hope to know your oil brand vs. Ford vehicle year (oil vs seal rubber compatibility). I'll get Motorcraft or NGK plugs then.

 

Oil brand doesn't matter, personally I use penzoil full synthetic in my various vehicles but thats cause its not overpriced and they do rebates fairly often.