So everyone probably knows of the ATF debates out there. to flush, not to flush vs. drop the pan and change, etc. etc.

Well, I've decided to get a BG flush, which I hear is worth it. However there are two proices, one for standard Mercon ATF and another for I think "LV" ATF. So now I seek to find what kind of tranny is in my 2009 Ford Fusion 2.3L i4 motor. I THINK it's a 5-speed Durashift, although a 6-speed is also available for my car. Is there a way to verify this? Is there something online that is a good reference? For instance I have an SE with the sport package, so is it impossible or most likely that I have this transmission? All I can find is a WikiPedia article listing Ford Transmissions. And once I find what kind of transmission I have, how can I verify that it is "LV" or not LV. Yes I know I can ask the dealer, but I have trust issues. I like independent research and verification for myself before just believing what a shop will tell me, because shocker, it always ends up being the higher priced of the two. Also, if it is the "LV", is $220 a little steep for the flush?

Thanks for the help all.

 

Usually on either the driver's door ,or the door pillar, should be a label that will list the codes for most of the equip on the vehicle. There should be a code for the trans usually located on the bottom row of the label. Usually three digits. Once you have that code you can check with just about any Ford parts dept or on line and that should give you your answer.

 

Oh, I really wouldn't really worry about flushing this tranny, as I rebuild them ALL DAY LONG BECAUSE THEY ARE TOTAL JUNK! (I'm NOT exagerrating this, either, Hanky). The 6F35N (this trans in all but the 3.5L Fusion Sport), had the LV fluid that would turn black (not even brown, but black) starting at about 1000 miles.
Most of these transmissions in 09 and '10 I rebuild with the updated parts (valve body that's NOT made out of recycled beer cans), and new forward and overdrive clutches (which burnt all the time when the valve body went bad).
And yes, I may sound like a really nasty, old, sour tech, and I'm sure I am, but this is also true. Take it from me, I LOVE this tranny as it's not that hard to pull and rebuild.
One other interesting thing about this transmision; I've rebuilt them and used the regular old Merc V in them. It solves a lot of problems in these trannys, like a hard shift when hot. Though the LV (which stands for low viscosity) is the correct fluid, I haven't had any come back with the regular mercon in them. Plus, the fluid stays a lot brighter much longer, like we're used to.

 

One other thing. You're not changing the filter in this transmission unless you feel like taking out the transmission and splitting the case.

 

Greasemark, but that is not the transmission I have in the car. I ran the VIN with the parts dept and they say I have the FNR5. I really am lost. I'm not completely ignorant on cars. I do my own brakes, tune ups, oil, etc. but transmissions are something that I have always been ignorant on. The car has 65k miles on it and my wife tells me the trans shifts harder once in a while. All dealerships, aamco, and private garages are recommending BG flushes every 30k miles. I know it's money maker for them and probably is a BS recommendation half the time. But when searching the net for advice, it's all mixed. I just want what's best for the car that will ensure it lasts me well beyond 100k miles without a rebuild or a new trans.

 

If its a FNR5, you can get the old fashioned flush done (these use their own special fluid), or do the drain and refill. One thing to watch for when flushing is to get these tramissions HOT (the thermostatic cooler won't even open till about 160 degrees or so, and it's difficult to keep it open during the flush), but it can be done. This must be an earlier 09, as the 6F35N was the replacment for the FNR5 (which was a pretty durable trans.).

 

Yes it is a very early model '09. I purchased in September '08 actually. Thanks for the very helpful feedback!

 

One other thought; the flush is a great thing, but I might recomennd NOT using the flushing chemicals. They can be rough on the clutches and could lead to damage. Nothing flushes like good old new ATF!

 

I know this thread is 9 months old, but I just noticed when filing paperwork that the dealer may have used the wrong ATF. The manual calles for special FNR5/Mazda M5 ATF fluid part# XT-9-QMM5. On the dealer invoice it says they charged me for XT-5-QM/MERCON
V. I called them and they are going to check with the tech to see what he used and see if it was just a wrong coding on the invoice and call me back monday.

If they did use the wrong stuff, I am fine with fighting them and getting a redo for free, but I'm more concerned with any damage that could have been done during that 9 month period on the wrong stuff. I've put about 8K miles on it since the flush then.

this relaly burns me up. I take it to the dealer so this kind of stuff WONT happen.