Hello,

I have a similar problem and, after several tentatives, i finally found something that improved the shifting behavior. I will share my case here.

I got a 2013 Fusion Titanium 2.0 Ecoboost AWD with 60.000 Km and was very disappointed with shift quality. Besides some minor and sporadic hard shifts (which didn’t bother me so much), the most annoying issue was a huge delay/hesitation specifically from 2nd to 3rd gear on mid/high engine load situations. When changing from 2nd to 3rd climbing a hill, for example, the engine cuts/holds the acceleration for around 2s until the 3rd is finally engaged. On light engine load situations (like accelerating slightly on a plain road), the 2-3 shift performs normally (no delay).

After a lot of research (found several reports of this problem, but no clear solution), i started with the basics:

• Fluid change (flush/complete)
• Updated PCM calibration to the latest available (Ford dealer)
• Clear adaptive tables / relearn

The overall shift quality improved a bit, but the 2-3 delay/hesitation was still there (identical).

Before going to next step, also tried a fluid additive:

• Added Lubegard Platinum

But no luck. Didn’t notice any improvement.

From this point, i started to pay more attention on the shift behaviour during my everyday ride (commuting to the job). I was able to observe that the 2-3 delay/hesitation on mid/high engine load was much more evident when the trans was cold. After a 30-40 min ride, it turns less evident (still there, but not so much annoying as when cold).

Then, since i read a lot cases of problems on valve body (separator plate damaged by the check balls, wear on housing of control valves, etc…), i decided to go deeper:

• Replaced the valve body by a brand new one (both parts, main control and solenoid body) and reprogrammed the strategy and body ID codes using Forscan (works perfectly, automatically downloaded the calibration file from the internet). This procedure is known as “Transmission Characterisation”.

The overall shift quality was now a bit better. Improved smoothness, no more minor/sporadic hard shifts. However, for my surprise, the 2-3 delay was still there! Identical behaviour (worse when cold, better when warm) So, in my case, the problem was obviously not related to the valve body.

After discussing the case with a local transmission specialist, he raised the possiblity of some issue with the torque converter (not releasing the clutch properly). So, before going to the final and most expensive step (rebuild), he suggested a last try:

• Added Lubegard Shudder Fix

The trans didn’t have any apparent shudder, but since this additive changes the fluid friction characteristics, i decided to give it a try. We applied the additive and went out for a test ride. The trans was already warmed up because i made a 30 min ride to the transmission shop. The result was impressive. The 2-3 delay/hesitation in this scenario (warmed up) was completely gone! No more "less evident", it simply shifts quick and firm.

I drove the car for a few days and the overall performance of the transmission was much improved, specially when the trans is warm after a 30-40 min of operation. When the trans is cold, however, the 2-3 delay/hesitation is still very evident and annoying (still happens only on mid/high engine load situations).

So, i am surprised and pleased with the improvement achieved with Lubegard Shudder Fix, this is why i decided to share here. It might help other users.

I will continue the investigation of 2-3 delay/hesitation when cold on mid/high engine load.

Regards,

Felipe.

 

After discussing the case with a local transmission specialist, he raised the possiblity of some issue with the torque converter (not releasing the clutch properly). So, before going to the final and most expensive step (rebuild), he suggested a last try:

• Added Lubegard Shudder Fix

We didn’t have any apparent shudder, but since it changes the fluid friction characteristics, we should give it a try. We applied the additive and went out for a test ride and… Surprise! The 2-3 delay/hesitation was gone! Im driving the car 2 days since this procedure and it is incredible!

Of course, this solution may not work forever since we don’t know exactly what is wrong inside the transmission. Also, it may not work for everybody since there are multiple possible causes for shift quality issues. But, anyway, it fixed the annoying 2-3 delay/hesitation in my case… and it is a cheap/quick try.

Regards,

Felipe.

Interesting, thanks for posting the details. One of my 6F35 shifts great. The other one has the 2-3 flare mostly when cold but it can persist.

 

go to the dealer and ask them. If they say you don't have to TELL them you want it done.
Long as it been this long I would change it after 100 miles just to clean the slug out

 

Hi, My wife has a 2016 Ford Fusion Se and she was having tranny problens at lower speeds shifting between 2nd and 3rd and such. Like exiting on a slight decling exit ramp..it would bang while slowing down..So after month or so of this I take it down to Ford Dealer in my town they told me they could'nt find no problems..So my wife drove it a couple of days and she said its getting worse.This time I took to our local transmission shop ( a well respected 30 yr. old transmission shop in our town) He told me that it needs a total rebuid and that he found metal shavings on the bottom of the oil pan.. This car is four years old with 85,000 mi There is no way that should need a rebuilt transmission..I think Ford knows there is a huge problem with these transmissions and won't admit it because the would have to recall all these cars..like they did on the Ford Focus which has the same tranny.. Hdnce thats why the Ford Dealer denied any problems with it...My wife told me that there is a class action lawsuit against Ford on these transmission..you might wana check that out and get on that class action lawsuit.. I'm not paying $4,000 to have the trans rebuit

 

I have the same issue with my 2016 fusion, but at least it doesn't throw me back in my seat that hard. The car just jerks pretty hard. It seems to only happen if I slowly accelerate, like when I can only go about 25mph. I was hoping to get an answer here. I suppose I'll just have to take it somewhere to get checked out. I've never changed the fluid, so I guess thats a good thing to try first!

 

Ok yea its got 130k or so miles so its probably overdue!

 

Hello new to the forum here. Just a couple questions I hope can be answered.

1. I have a 2017 Fusion se AWD 2.0T with 65,000 miles and I cannot seem to find any info on when the rear diff needs the fluid changed and if the front diff is integrated with the transmission and needs the fluid changed at the same time. (I am not familiar with AWD vehicles but I know there are different types of systems.) I flush the diff in my 09 Mustang GT every spring, but this being the daily driver that I do not drive hard at all I don't feel the need to change the diff fluids so often.

2. The shift from 2nd to 3rd is very harsh and will actually throw you back in your seat. 2nd will go up to 4k or higher rpms sometimes and then shift to 3rd. When I let the car warm up for 5 minutes it shifts the worst. But even when the car is fully up to temp it will still have the harsh shift. It will do it when in regular automatic mode or when I manually shift from 2nd to 3rd with the paddle shifters. Once again I do not drive this car hard at all for the intention of it lasting a long time and being reliable.

If anyone has some helpful info I would gladly

 

I looked it up & it says you have to reply by Oct 6th 2020. Chevrolet screwed me like this with a power steering issue on a Traverse. All the car companies are dirty.

 

How many tubes I poured still work?

 

Did this work for you?

 

Spiker Fire?

 

The transmission specialist poured one 59ml container. Looking at Lubegard website, this is the only size available, and you should NOT use more than 2 tubes per vehicle.

 

New member here. Having the exact same problem with 2->3 shifts on my 2015 SE (85k mi), especially when cold. I've had the dealer perform a flush and cleared the adaptive tables which stopped the issue from getting worse but it's definitely still there. I've taken to switching to 'manual' mode while the engine is cold and I let of the accelerator a bit as I shift from 2 to 3. The delay is still there but it reduces the impact. The car likes to be at a certain speed when performing the shift. I figure less impact=less damage. My wife thinks it's because of the way I drive (I accelerate faster than average because I like my maneuvering room and space from other cars); it's nice at least to know that I'm in good company with this transmission issue.

@Spike_Fire I am also very interested to know if the Lubregard shudder control worked long term for you.

 

I have 145k miles on my 2.0 Fusion. At 110k miles I had the severely delayed and harsh 2-3 shift. I did several drain and fills (driving 100 miles between) and it got better, but not perfect. I put in some of that lubegard because of this thread and it is night and day better. It took a couple weeks to get better, but its been fantastic. I have done a couple more drain and fills after adding and its stayed good and I have not needed to add any more.

I used Castrol Transmax as I could not find any of the Motorcraft LV, from what I understand its licensed and/or approved replacement for Mercon LV, 30k miles and several drain and fills later its performing great even with my very heavy foot.

 

I have 145k miles on my 2.0 Fusion. At 110k miles I had the severely delayed and harsh 2-3 shift. I did several drain and fills (driving 100 miles between) and it got better, but not perfect. I put in some of that lubegard because of this thread and it is night and day better. It took a couple weeks to get better, but its been fantastic. I have done a couple more drain and fills after adding and its stayed good and I have not needed to add any more.

I used Castrol Transmax as I could not find any of the Motorcraft LV, from what I understand its licensed and/or approved replacement for Mercon LV, 30k miles and several drain and fills later its performing great even with my very heavy foot.

Which Lubegard did you go with? The Shutter fix small tube, Red, or Platinum?

Castrol Transmax does have a licensed version of Mercon LV (and a whole lot of others).