Home FAQ

How do I tell if my Ford 500 has a CVT transmission?

If you own a Ford 500, it's important to know whether your vehicle is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a traditional automatic transmission. Identifying the type of transmission in your Ford 500 can help you understand its maintenance needs and driving characteristics. In this article, we'll provide a detailed guide on how to determine if your Ford 500 has a CVT transmission.

Identifying a CVT Transmission in a Ford 500

The easiest way to determine if your Ford 500 has a CVT transmission is to check the owner's manual or the vehicle's specification label, which is typically located on the driver's side door jamb or in the engine compartment. The owner's manual will clearly state the type of transmission your Ford 500 is equipped with.

If you don't have access to the owner's manual or the specification label, you can also look for the following visual cues:

Gear Selector: A CVT-equipped Ford 500 will typically have a gear selector with "D" (Drive) and "L" (Low) positions, rather than the traditional "P, R, N, D, 2, 1" layout found in vehicles with automatic transmissions.

Transmission Fluid: CVT transmissions use a specialized fluid that is different from the fluid used in traditional automatic transmissions. If you see a label on the transmission fluid reservoir that says "CVT Fluid" or "Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid," then your Ford 500 is likely equipped with a CVT.

Driving Characteristics: CVT-equipped vehicles often have a unique driving feel, with the engine revving at a constant speed while the vehicle accelerates. This is due to the way a CVT operates, continuously adjusting the gear ratio to maintain the optimal engine speed.

If you're still unsure about the type of transmission in your Ford 500, it's best to consult a professional mechanic or the Ford dealership for a definitive answer.

Understanding the Benefits and Drawbacks of a CVT Transmission

CVT transmissions offer several advantages over traditional automatic transmissions, including improved fuel efficiency, smoother acceleration, and reduced maintenance requirements. However, they can also be more expensive to repair and may not provide the same level of performance as a traditional automatic transmission.

Knowing whether your Ford 500 has a CVT transmission can help you make informed decisions about maintenance, repairs, and driving style to ensure the best performance and longevity of your vehicle.

What years did Ford use the CVT transmission?

Ford previously partnered with German supplier ZF to offer a CVT in the Ford Five Hundred, Mercury Montego, and Ford Freestyle models between 2003 and 2008, but that partnership dissolved in 2008 when the Ohio plant producing these transmissions closed.

How do I tell what transmission I have on my Ford?

You can identify your Ford transmission by checking the white sticker on the driver's side door jamb for a "TR" code, looking for a stamped code on the transmission housing itself (often under the hood or the vehicle), or by using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to look up the specifications online. The owner's manual may also list the transmission type.

Method 1: Check the door jamb sticker

Open the driver's side door and look for a white sticker with black lettering.
Find the "TR" symbol on the sticker. The code next to it will identify the transmission. For example, a "W" might indicate the 6F35 automatic transmission, while a "B" could signify an AWF-21.

This video explains how to identify the transmission of your vehicle by checking the door jamb sticker: 48sSimple Mechanic AdviceYouTube · Oct 13, 2024
Method 2: Locate the transmission code on the transmission

Open the hood and look for the transmission, which is typically located in front of and below the engine.
Search for a metal tag or a stamped code on the transmission's case. Common locations include the bellhousing, tailshaft housing, or near the dipstick tube.
If you can't find the code from above, you may need to safely jack up the vehicle and look from underneath.
Once you find the code, you can search for it online to confirm the transmission model.

Method 3: Use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Find your VIN on the dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the driver's side doorjamb, or on your registration and insurance documents.
Enter the VIN into an online VIN decoder tool. Many online services and sites like AutoZone.com and J.D. Power offer free lookups that will provide details on your vehicle, including the transmission type.
Alternatively, visit the Ford Canada support site and navigate to the specifications page for your model to view available transmissions.

This video explains how to identify Ford transmission by VIN: 1mNexologyYouTube · Aug 12, 2025
Method 4: Consult the owner's manual

Check your vehicle's owner's manual. It may list the specific transmission that came with your truck.

Did the Ford 500 have a CVT transmission?

The Five Hundred used a 203 hp 3.0L Duratec V6 engine, originally developed with Porsche, its head using the Cosworth casting method. Transmissions included a 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission for front drive models or a ZF CVT for AWD models, the latter a first for a US domestic automaker.

How to know if transmission is CVT or not?

You can tell if you have a CVT transmission by looking for a PRNDL gear shift indicator without numbers, or by noticing that during acceleration the engine RPM stays constant rather than fluctuating with gear changes. Another reliable method is to check your owner's manual or the vehicle's specification sheet for the exact transmission type.
By checking the gear shift indicator

Look for PRNDL: Most traditional automatics will show a numbered sequence like PRND21. A CVT will typically only have PRNDL and won't have specific gear options like 2 or 1.

By driving the vehicle

Listen for RPMs: During acceleration, a regular automatic will have distinct sounds as it shifts gears. A CVT will maintain a more constant engine RPM, causing the vehicle to accelerate smoothly without a "shifting" sound or a drop in RPMs.
Feel for "jello": Some people describe the feeling of a CVT as smooth and seamless, while a regular automatic may have a slight jolt or hesitation with each gear change.
Test on the highway: When driving at a constant speed and the road inclines, a CVT will allow the engine RPM to increase to maintain speed. On a level road at a constant speed, a regular automatic's RPM will stay constant, whereas a CVT's RPM might slightly increase or decrease to compensate for small changes in road gradient.

By checking vehicle information

Consult the owner's manual: The most direct way to confirm the transmission type is to look in your car's owner's manual. It will explicitly state the make and model of the transmission.
Look up specifications: You can find this information on the manufacturer's website or a sales sheet for your car's specific model and year.
Check the door jamb placard: A sticker or placard on the driver's side door jamb may list details like the transmission type, engine specs, and manufacturing information.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.