🔧 Fusion - Transmission Fluid Drain & Refill

On your Fusion, the “transmission” is the hybrid eCVT. The normal DIY service is a drain-and-refill (not a power flush) to refresh the fluid and help the unit run cooler and last longer.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a level surface and support the car with jack stands before going underneath.
• ⚠️ Let the drivetrain cool if it’s hot; ATF can burn skin.
• ⚠️ Keep the ignition OFF and the key/fob away from the car while underneath.
• ⚠️ Hybrid safety: do not touch or move any orange high-voltage cables/components.
• ⚠️ Do not run the engine with the drain plug removed.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (8-quart minimum)
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• Socket set (8mm-15mm)
• Torque wrench (10-80 ft-lbs range)
• Trim clip removal tool
• Fluid transfer pump (hand pump) (specialty)
• Funnel
• Infrared thermometer (specialty)
• Scan tool with transmission fluid temperature PID (specialty)
• Shop rags

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Automatic transmission fluid (Motorcraft MERCON LV equivalent) - Qty: 5 quarts
• Drain plug sealing washer - Qty: 1
• Fill plug sealing washer - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Plan to check fluid level at a warm, specific temperature. Best method is a scan tool reading transmission fluid temperature.
• If you don’t have a scan tool, you can use an infrared thermometer on the transmission case/pan as an estimate. Scan tool is more accurate.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and support the front of the car

• Use a floor jack to lift the front jack point, then place jack stands under the correct support points.
• Give the car a firm shake to confirm it’s stable before crawling under it.

Step 2: Remove the lower splash shield (if equipped)

• Use a trim clip removal tool to pop plastic retainers, and use a socket set (8mm-10mm) for any small bolts.
• Set all clips/bolts aside in a tray so they don’t disappear. Take a quick photo first.

Step 3: Locate the eCVT drain and fill plugs

• Place a drain pan under the transmission.
• Find the fill plug on the transmission case (side-facing) and the drain plug on the bottom.
• Use a 3/8" drive ratchet or the correct socket set depending on plug style.
• Important: Always confirm the fill plug will loosen before draining.

Step 4: Loosen the fill plug first

• Use a 3/8" drive ratchet (or appropriate socket) to crack the fill plug loose.
• Do not remove it all the way yet—just confirm it will come out.

Step 5: Drain the old fluid

• Use a 3/8" drive ratchet (or appropriate socket) to remove the drain plug.
• Let it drain until it slows to a drip (usually 10–15 minutes).
• Clean the drain plug and magnet area (if present) using shop rags and brake cleaner.

Step 6: Reinstall the drain plug

• Install a new drain plug sealing washer.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten with a torque wrench: Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Fill with fresh MERCON LV fluid

• Remove the fill plug fully using a 3/8" drive ratchet (or appropriate socket).
• Use a fluid transfer pump (hand pump) (specialty) and a funnel to pump new fluid into the fill port.
• Add fluid until it just begins to weep back out of the fill opening.
• Install a new fill plug sealing washer and snug the fill plug by hand for now.

Step 8: Warm the fluid and set the final level

• Lower the car enough that it sits level (or keep it level on stands). Level is critical for correct fill.
• Start the car and, with your foot on the brake, slowly move the shifter through P-R-N-D and back to P, pausing 3 seconds in each position.
• Monitor transmission fluid temperature using a scan tool with transmission fluid temperature PID (specialty).
• Target temperature range for level check: 40°C–50°C (104°F–122°F).
• If you don’t have a scan tool, use an infrared thermometer (specialty) aimed at the transmission case/pan and get it close to that range. It’s an estimate.

Step 9: Final level check (overflow/weep method)

• With the car level and fluid in the target temp range, remove the fill plug using a 3/8" drive ratchet (or appropriate socket).
• Correct level is when fluid lightly dribbles/weeps from the fill opening.
• If no fluid comes out, add fluid with the fluid transfer pump (hand pump) (specialty) until it just starts to weep.
• Reinstall the fill plug and tighten with a torque wrench: Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).
• Wipe everything clean with shop rags so you can easily spot leaks later.

Step 10: Reinstall splash shield and lower the car

• Reinstall the shield using the socket set (8mm-10mm) and trim clip removal tool.
• Lower the car using the floor jack.

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✅ After Repair

• Test drive 10–15 minutes with gentle acceleration.
• Park on clean pavement and check underneath for any fresh wet spots.
• Recheck the fill/drain areas for seepage after the drive.
• Dispose of old ATF at a recycling center or parts store that accepts used fluids.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$90 (parts only)

You Save: $175-$360 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.