Get Maintenance and Specifications -> Fuel information Guide for Ford Fusion 4 Door First Generation (2006-2012)

Maintenance and Specifications

2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.

3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.

4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.

WARNING: Fail-safe mode is for use during emergencies only.

Operate the vehicle in fail-safe mode only as long as necessary to

bring the vehicle to rest in a safe location and seek immediate repairs.

When in fail-safe mode, the vehicle will have limited power, will not be

able to maintain high-speed operation, and may completely shut down

without warning, potentially losing engine power, power steering assist,

and power brake assist, which may increase the possibility of a crash

resulting in serious injury.

WARNING: Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the

engine is running or hot.

5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.

Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem

increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an

authorized dealer as soon as possible.

FUEL FILTER

Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with

the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not needed.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS

Important safety precautions

WARNING: Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an

overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.

WARNING: The fuel system may be under pressure. If you hear

a hissing sound near the fuel filler door (Easy Fuel௡ “no cap”

fuel system), do not refuel until the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may

spray out, which could cause serious personal injury.

WARNING: Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death

if misused or mishandled.

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WARNING: Fuel ethanol and gasoline may contain benzene,

which is a cancer-causing agent.

Observe the following guidelines when handling automotive fuel:

• Extinguish all smoking materials

and any open flames before

fueling your vehicle.

• Always turn off the vehicle before

fueling.

• Automotive fuels can be harmful

or fatal if swallowed. Fuels such as gasoline and ethanol are highly

toxic and if swallowed can cause death or permanent injury. If fuel is

swallowed, call a physician immediately, even if no symptoms are

immediately apparent. The toxic effects of fuel may not be visible for

hours.

• Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling too much fuel vapor of any kind

can lead to eye and respiratory tract irritation. In severe cases,

excessive or prolonged breathing of fuel vapor can cause serious

illness and permanent injury.

• Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If fuel is splashed in the eyes,

remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15 minutes and

seek medical attention. Failure to seek proper medical attention could

lead to permanent injury.

• Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. If fuel is

splashed on the skin and/or clothing, promptly remove contaminated

clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Repeated or

prolonged skin contact with fuel liquid or vapor causes skin irritation.

• Be particularly careful if you are taking “Antabuse” or other forms of

disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing gasoline and/or

ethanol vapors, or skin contact could cause an adverse reaction. In

sensitive individuals, serious personal injury or sickness may result. If

fuel is splashed on the skin, promptly wash skin thoroughly with soap

and water. Consult a physician immediately if you experience an

adverse reaction.

• FFV fuel tanks may contain zero to 85% ethanol. Any fuel blends

containing gasoline and ethanol should be treated the same as “Fuel

Ethanol.” Flex fuel vehicles have a yellow bezel placed over the fuel

fill inlet.

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Pure ethanol is the alcohol which is the intoxicating agent in liquor, beer

and wine. It is distilled from the fermentation of plants such as field corn

and sugar cane. When ethanol is produced for use in motor fuels, a small

amount of gasoline is added to make it unfit for beverage use. The

resulting ethanol blend is called denatured fuel ethanol meaning that it is

denatured with 2% to 5% gasoline and is suitable for automotive use.

During the summer season, fuel ethanol may contain a maximum of 85%

denatured ethanol (Ed85) and 15% unleaded gasoline. The fuel ethanol

has a higher octane rating than unleaded regular or premium gasoline

and this allows the design of engines with greater efficiency and power.

Winter blends may contain up to 75% denatured ethanol (Ed75) and up

to 25% unleaded gasoline to enhance cold engine starts. Severely cold

weather may require additional measures for reliable starting.

Ethanol is more chemically active than gasoline. It corrodes some metals

and causes some plastic and rubber components to swell, break down or

become brittle and crack, especially when mixed with gasoline. Special

materials and procedures have been developed for flexible fuel vehicles

and the dispensers used by ethanol fuel providers.

WARNING: Flexible fuel components and standard unleaded

gasoline fuel components are not interchangeable. If your vehicle

is not serviced in accordance with flexible fuel vehicles procedures,

damage may occur and your warranty may be invalidated.

WARNING: When refueling always shut the engine off and

never allow sparks or open flames near the filler neck. Never

smoke while refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain

conditions. Care should be taken to avoid inhaling excess fumes.

WARNING: The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can

produce static electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is

pumped into an ungrounded fuel container.

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Refueling

WARNING: Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel fire can cause

severe injuries. To help avoid injuries to you and others:

• Read and follow all the instructions on the pump island;

• Turn off your engine when you are refueling;

• Do not smoke if you are near fuel or refueling your vehicle;

• Keep sparks, flames and smoking materials away from fuel;

• Stay outside your vehicle and do not leave the fuel pump unattended

when refueling your vehicle — this is against the law in some places;

• Keep children away from the fuel pump; never let children pump

fuel.

• Do not use personal electronic devices while refueling.

Use the following guidelines to avoid electrostatic charge build-up when

filling an ungrounded fuel container:

• Place approved fuel container on the ground.

• DO NOT fill a fuel container while it is in the vehicle (including the

cargo area).

• Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while

filling.

• DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill

position.

Easy Fuelா “no cap” fuel system

Your fuel tank is equipped with an Easy Fuel௡ “no cap” fuel filler system.

This allows you to simply open the fuel filler door and insert the fuel

filler nozzle into the fuel system. The Easy Fuel௡ system is self-sealing

and protected against dust, dirt, water and snow/ice.

When fueling your vehicle:

1. Turn the engine off.

2. Open the fuel filler door.

3. Slowly insert the fuel filler nozzle fully into the fuel system, and leave

the nozzle fully inserted until you are done pumping. Pump fuel as

normal.

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4. After you are done pumping fuel, slowly remove the fuel filler

nozzle—allow about five seconds after pumping fuel before removing the

fuel filler nozzle. This allows residual fuel to drain back into the fuel tank

and not spill onto the vehicle.

Note: A fuel spillage concern may occur if overfilling the fuel tank. Do

not overfill the tank to the point that the fuel is able to bypass the fuel

filler nozzle. The overfilled fuel may run down the drain located below

and in front of the fuel filler door.

If the check fuel fill inlet lamp or CHECK FUEL FILL INLET message

comes on, the fuel fill inlet may not have properly closed. The inlet may

have stuck open or debris may be preventing the inlet from fully closing.

At the next opportunity, safely pull off the road, turn off the engine,

open the fuel filler door and remove any visible debris from the fuel fill

opening. Insert either the fuel fill nozzle or the fuel fill funnel (see

Refilling with a portable fuel container for funnel location) provided

with the vehicle several times to dislodge any debris and/or allow the

inlet to close properly. If this action corrects the problem, the check fuel

fill inlet lamp or CHECK FUEL FILL INLET message may not reset

immediately. It may take several driving cycles for the check fuel fill inlet

lamp or CHECK FUEL FILL INLET message to turn off. A driving cycle

consists of an engine start-up (after four or more hours with the engine

off) followed by city/highway driving. Continuing to drive with the check

fuel fill inlet lamp or CHECK FUEL FILL INLET message on may cause

the service engine soon lamp to turn on as well.

WARNING: The fuel system may be under pressure. If you hear

a hissing sound near the fuel filler door (Easy Fuel௡ “no cap”

fuel system), do not refuel until the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may

spray out, which could cause serious personal injury.

Flex fuel vehicle (FFV) fuel fill inlet

If your vehicle is flex fuel capable, it will have a yellow bezel placed over

the fuel fill inlet.

Choosing the right fuel

If your vehicle is a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV), use only UNLEADED

FUEL and FUEL ETHANOL (Ed75–Ed85).

If your vehicle is not a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV), then only use

UNLEADED fuel or UNLEADED fuel blended with a maximum of 10%

ethanol. Do not use fuel ethanol (E85), diesel, methanol, leaded fuel or

any other fuel.

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The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law and could damage your

vehicle.

Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic

compounds, including manganese-based additives.

Note: Use of any fuel other than those recommended may cause

powertrain damage, a loss of vehicle performance, and repairs may not

be covered under warranty.

Octane recommendations

Your vehicle is designed to use

“Regular” unleaded gasoline with a

pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.

87

Some stations offer fuels posted as

(R+M)/2 METHOD

“Regular” with an octane rating

below 87, particularly in high altitude areas. Fuels with octane levels

below 87 are not recommended.

Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if

it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel

with the recommended octane rating, see your authorized dealer to

prevent any engine damage.

FFV engine (if equipped)

If your vehicle is flex fuel capable, it is designed to use Fuel Ethanol

(Ed75–Ed85), “Regular” unleaded gasoline or any mixture of the two

fuels.

Use of other fuels such as Fuel Methanol may cause powertrain

damage, a loss of vehicle performance, and your warranty may be

invalidated.

It is best not to alternate repeatedly between gasoline and E85. If you do

switch fuels, it is recommended that you add as much fuel as

possible—at least half a tank. Do not add less than five gallons (18.9L)

when refueling. You should drive the vehicle immediately after refueling

for at least 5 miles (8 km) to allow the vehicle to adapt to the change in

ethanol concentration.

If you exclusively use E85 fuel, it is recommended to fill the fuel tank

with regular unleaded gasoline at each scheduled oil change.

Fuel quality

Unleaded gasoline engines

If you experience starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability problems

during a cold start, try a different brand of “Regular” unleaded gasoline.

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“Premium” unleaded gasoline is not recommended for vehicles designed

to use “Regular” unleaded gasoline because it may cause these problems

to become more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your

authorized dealer.

FFV engines

If you experience starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability problems

during a cold start, try a different brand of E85 fuel. If the driveability

problems continue, fill the vehicle with regular unleaded gasoline and

drive vehicle normally until gasoline is used. See your authorized dealer

if the problem persists.

Do not add aftermarket fuel additive products to your fuel tank. It

should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel

tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane

rating. These products have not been approved for your engine and

could cause damage to the fuel system. Repairs to correct the effects of

using an aftermarket product in your fuel may not be covered by your

warranty.

Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-Wide Fuel Charter

that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved

performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.

Gasolines that meet the World-Wide Fuel Charter should be used when

available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the

World-Wide Fuel Charter.

Cleaner air

Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to

improve air quality, per the recommendations in the Choosing the right

fuel section.

Running out of fuel

Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse

effect on powertrain components.

If you have run out of fuel:

• You may need to cycle the ignition from off to on several times after

refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to

the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer

than normal.

• Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the

engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than

1 gallon (3.8L) may be required.

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• The service engine soon

indicator may come on. For more

information on the service engine soon indicator, refer to Warning

lights and chimes in the Instrument Cluster chapter.

Refilling with a portable fuel container

With the Easy Fuel௡ “no cap” fuel system, use the following directions

when filling from a portable fuel container:

WARNING: Do not insert the nozzle of portable fuel containers

or aftermarket funnels into the Easy Fuel௡ system. This could

damage the fuel system and its seal, and may cause fuel to run onto

the ground instead of filling the tank, which could result in serious

personal injury.

WARNING: Do not try to pry open or push open the Easy Fuel௡

system with foreign objects. This could damage the fuel system

and its seal and cause injury to you or others.

When filling the vehicle’s fuel tank from a portable fuel container, use the

included funnel.

1. Locate the white plastic funnel. It

is attached to the underside of the

spare tire cover or is included with

the tire changing tools.

2. Slowly insert the funnel into the Easy Fuel௡ system.

3. Fill the vehicle with fuel from the portable fuel container.

4. When done, clean the funnel or properly dispose of it. Extra funnels

can be purchased from your authorized dealer if you choose to dispose

of the funnel. Do not use aftermarket funnels; they will not work with

the Easy Fuel௡ system and can damage it. The included funnel has been

specially designed to work safely with your vehicle.

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ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY

Measuring techniques

Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the

driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as

possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are

NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend

taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,000 miles

(1,600 km) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more

accurate measurement after 2,000 miles–3,000 miles (3,000 km–5,000

km).

Filling the tank

The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to

the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in the Maintenance

product specifications and capacities section of this chapter.

The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the

empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the

amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates

empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel

tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.

The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should

not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your

vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be

able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the

fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.

For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:

• Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,

an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.

• Use the same filling rate setting (low — medium — high) each time

the tank is filled.

• Allow no more than two automatic click-offs when filling.

• Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.

• Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.

• Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.

Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.

Calculating fuel economy

1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading

(in miles or kilometers).

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2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in

gallons or liters).

3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record

the current odometer reading.

4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer

reading.

5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel

economy:

Calculation 1: Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.

Calculation 2: Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total

kilometers traveled.

Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city

or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle’s fuel

economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records

during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel

economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.

Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits

Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change

a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.

Habits

• Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.

• Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel

economy.

• Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste

fuel.

• Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.

• Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.

• Slow down gradually.

• Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%

less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).

• Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.

• Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.

• You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if

unnecessary shifting between the top gears occurs. Unnecessary

shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel economy.

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• Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may

reduce fuel economy.

• Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel

economy.

• Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.

Maintenance

• Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.

• Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel

economy.

• Use recommended engine oil. Refer to Maintenance product

specifications and capacities in this chapter.

• Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the

recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks

found in scheduled maintenance information.

Conditions

• Heavily loading a vehicle may reduce fuel economy at any speed.

• Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately

1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).

• Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example; bug

deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may

reduce fuel economy.

• Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.

• Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first

8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.

• Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to

driving on hilly terrain.

• Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top

cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.

• Close windows for high speed driving.

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EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM

Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a

catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with

applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic

converter and other emission control components continue to work

properly:

• Use only the specified fuel listed.

• Avoid running out of fuel.

• Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at

high speeds.

• Have the items listed in scheduled maintenance information

performed according to the specified schedule.

The scheduled maintenance items listed in scheduled maintenance

information are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle

and to its emissions system.

If other than Ford, Motorcraft௡ or Ford-authorized parts are used for

maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting

emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine

Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.

WARNING: Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass

or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the

engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

Illumination of the service engine soon

indicator, charging system

warning light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors,

smoke or loss of engine power could indicate that the emission control

system is not working properly.

An improperly operating or damaged exhaust system may allow exhaust

to enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly operating exhaust

system inspected and repaired immediately.

WARNING: Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and

potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.

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Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By

law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,

sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not

permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent

it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on

the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the

engine. This decal also lists engine displacement.

Please consult your Warranty Guide for complete emission warranty

information.

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)

Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s

emission control system. This system is commonly known as the

on-board diagnostics system (OBD-II). The OBD-II system protects the

environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet

government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists your

authorized dealer in properly servicing your vehicle. When the service

engine soon

a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause the service engine

soon indicator to illuminate. Examples are:

indicator illuminates, the OBD-II system has detected

1. The vehicle has run out of fuel—the engine may misfire or run poorly.

2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel—the engine may misfire or run

poorly.

3. The fuel fill inlet may not have been properly closed. See Easy Fuel௡

“no cap” fuel system in this chapter.

4. Driving through deep water—the electrical system may be wet.

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank

with good quality fuel, properly closing the fuel fill inlet or letting the

electrical system dry out. After three driving cycles without these or any

other temporary malfunctions present, the service engine soon

indicator should stay off the next time the engine is started. A driving

cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway

driving. No additional vehicle service is required.

If the service engine soon

indicator remains on, have your vehicle

serviced at the first available opportunity. Although some malfunctions

detected by the OBD-II may not have symptoms that are apparent,

continued driving with the service engine soon

indicator on can

result in increased emissions, lower fuel economy, reduced engine and

transmission smoothness, and lead to more costly repairs.

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Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing

Some state/provincial and local governments may have

Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs to inspect the emission control

equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent

you from getting a vehicle registration. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M

test if the service engine soon

indicator is on or not working

properly (bulb is burned out), or if the OBD-II system has determined

that some of the emission control systems have not been properly

checked. In this case, the vehicle is considered not ready for I/M testing.

If the service engine soon

indicator is on or the bulb does not

work, the vehicle may need to be serviced. Refer to On-board

diagnostics (OBD-II) in this chapter.

If the vehicle’s engine or transmission has just been serviced, or the

battery has recently run down or been replaced, the OBD-II system may

indicate that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To determine if the

vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn the ignition key to the on position

for 15 seconds without cranking the engine. If the service engine

soon

indicator blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not

ready for I/M testing; if the service engine soon

indicator stays on

solid, it means that the vehicle is ready for I/M testing.

The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system

during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the

vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting

of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:

15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by

20 minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle

periods.

Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the

engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The

engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,

do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If

the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will

have to be repeated.

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POWER STEERING FLUID

Refer to scheduled maintenance information.

• 3.5L V6 engine only

1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating

temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be

near the center of the normal area between H and C).

2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several

times.

3. Turn the engine off.

4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the

MIN/MAX or upper and lower lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this

range.

5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking

the level until it reaches the range between the MIN/MAX or upper and

lower lines. Be sure to put the cap back on the reservoir. Refer to

Maintenance product specifications and capacities in this chapter for

the proper fluid type.

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BRAKE/CLUTCH FLUID

Brake and clutch (if equipped) systems are supplied from the same

reservoir.

• 2.5L engine

MAX

MIN

• 3.0L/3.5L engines

The fluid level will drop slowly as the brakes wear, and will rise when the

brake components are replaced. Fluid levels between the MIN and MAX

lines are within the normal operating range; there is no need to add

fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range, the

performance of the system could be compromised; seek service from

your authorized dealer immediately.

TRANSMISSION FLUID

Checking 6-speed automatic transmission fluid (AWF21)

(if equipped)

Refer to your scheduled maintenance information for scheduled

intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not

consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the

transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or

shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.

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Checking automatic transmission fluid at normal operating

temperature (140°F-158°F [60°C-70°C])

Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an

accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up

(approximately 20 miles [30 km]) until the engine coolant gauge

indicates normal operating temperature. If your vehicle has been

operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic

during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be

turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before

checking.

1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until the coolant gauge indicates

normal operating temperature.

2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.

3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,

start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear

ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage (approximately

10–15 seconds in each position).

4. Move the gearshift lever to P (Park) and leave the engine running.

5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry, lint-free rag. If

necessary, refer to Identifying components in the engine compartment

in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.

6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.

7. Remove the dipstick and inspect

the fluid level. The fluid should read

within the hot range on the dipstick

if at normal operating temperature

(140°F-158°F [60°C-70°C]).

Checking automatic transmission fluid at cool temperature

(59°F-77°F [15°C-25°C])

If a fluid check is necessary at a low

fluid temperature (59°F-77°F

[15°C-25°C]), perform the check

using the cold range on the dipstick.

However, the fluid must be

re-checked at the proper fluid temperature.

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Low fluid level

Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid

level does not show at all on the

dipstick.

Driving the vehicle with less than

the recommended fluid level may result in transmission failure. An under

fill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement

concerns and/or possible damage to the transmission.

High fluid level

Fluid levels above the normal

operating range may result in

transmission failure. An overfill

condition of transmission fluid may

cause shift and/or engagement

concerns and/or possible damage to

the transmission.

High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.

Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels

Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of

fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the

Maintenance product specifications and capacities section in this

chapter.

Note: Only one ATF fluid specification has been tested and approved for

use with the automatic 6-speed: Premium Automatic Transmission fluid.

MERCON௡ fluids cannot be used with the automatic 6-speed without

damage or voiding warranty.

Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause

internal transmission component damage.

If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 ml) increments through the filler

tube until the level is correct.

If an overfill occurs, excess fluid should be removed by an authorized

dealer.

An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or

engagement concerns and/or possible damage.

Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or

cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission

operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.

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Maintenance and Specifications

Checking automatic transmission fluid (6F35) (if equipped)

Refer to your scheduled maintenance information for scheduled

intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not

consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the

transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or

shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.

Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an

accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up

(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been

operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic

during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be

turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before

checking.

1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating

temperature.

2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.

3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,

start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear

ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.

4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.

5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If

necessary, refer to Identifying components in the engine compartment

in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.

6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.

7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in

the operating range for normal operating temperature.

Your vehicle is equipped with one of the following dipsticks.

Low fluid level

Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid

level is at the bottom of the dipstick

and the outside temperatures are

above 50°F (10°C).

DO NOT ADD

ADD (CHECK HOT)

Correct fluid level

The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating

temperatures 185°F-200°F (85°C-93°C) on a level surface. The normal

operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles

(30 km) of driving.

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Maintenance and Specifications

The transmission fluid should be in

the zone, identified by the arrows in

this figure, if at normal operating

temperature 185°F-200°F

DO NOT ADD

ADD (CHECK HOT)

(85°C-93°C).

High fluid level

Fluid levels above the zone,

identified by the arrows in this

figure, may result in transmission

failure. An overfill condition of

transmission fluid may cause shift

DO NOT ADD

ADD (CHECK HOT)

and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage.

High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.

Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels

Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of

fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick blade. Refer to

Maintenance product specifications and capacities in this chapter.

Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause

internal transmission component damage.

If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint

(250 ml) increments through the

filler tube until the level is correct.

DO NOT ADD

ADD (CHECK HOT)

If an overfill occurs, excess fluid should be removed by an authorized

dealer.

An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or

engagement concerns and/or possible damage.

Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or

cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission

operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.

Checking transmission fluid level for recreational flat tow

operation

Before recreational flat towing your vehicle, the transmission fluid level

may need to be set to a lower level. These guidelines are designed to

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Maintenance and Specifications -> Fuel information for Your Ford Fusion 4 Door First Generation (2006-2012)

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