What type of transmission fluid does a 2012 Ford Fusion SE take?
The short answer: it uses Mercon LV automatic transmission fluid. Most 2012 Fusion SE models with automatic transmissions require Ford’s Mercon LV, but always verify with your VIN and the owner's manual since there can be variations by engine/transmission option.
Understanding the fluid specification for your Fusion SE
Ford’s automatic transmissions from that era, including the common 6F35-based units found in the 2012 Fusion SE, are designed to operate with Mercon LV. Using the wrong fluid can affect shifting and may cause damage, so avoid older Dexron varieties or Mercon V unless Ford explicitly lists them for your exact transmission variant.
Which transmission fluids are appropriate
To help you choose correctly, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Use Mercon LV (Ford’s low-viscosity automatic transmission fluid) for the 2012 Fusion SE’s automatic transmission.
- Avoid Dexron VI, Mercon V, or other ATFs unless Ford specifically lists them for your exact transmission variant.
- When purchasing, look for the Mercon LV designation on the bottle, or the equivalent OEM specification used in your region (some labels reference Ford WSS-M2C946-A or similar specs).
Concluding: Adhering to Mercon LV and the official Ford specifications helps ensure proper shifting and longevity of the transmission.
DIY fluid check and change steps
- Park on a level surface, run the engine to operating temperature, and keep the transmission in Park to check fluid behavior and level.
- Locate the transmission dipstick, assess fluid color and level; healthy ATF should be a reddish, translucent color and within the marked range.
- For a drain-and-fill, drain the transmission pan (if accessible), reseal the pan, and refill through the dipstick tube using Mercon LV to the recommended level.
- For a full transmission fluid change, note that the 6F-series transmissions typically require several quarts (often around 9–10 quarts total for a complete drain/refill). Replace the filter if your service manual specifies it.
- Dispose of used ATF properly and reset any dipstick readings according to the manual or service bulletin.
Concluding: Following proper procedure and using the correct fluid helps maintain shift quality and transmission life during maintenance.
Summary: For a 2012 Ford Fusion SE, the recommended automatic transmission fluid is Mercon LV. Always confirm with your specific VIN and the owner's manual or a Ford dealership if there is any doubt, as transmission variants can differ by engine and trim. Using the correct ATF is essential for reliable shifting and long-term transmission health.
What transmission is in a 2012 Ford Fusion SE?
The base engine is a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder, which comes standard on S, SE and SEL models. The four-cylinder produces 175 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, while a six-speed automatic is optional.
What transmission fluid does Ford recommend?
The correct Ford transmission fluid type depends on your vehicle and its transmission, but the most common types are the Mercon family (Mercon LV, ULV, V) and Type F, which is for older vehicles. Always check your owner's manual or the vehicle's dipstick to ensure you use the correct specification, as using the wrong fluid can cause serious damage.
Common Ford transmission fluid types
- Mercon LV (Low Viscosity): This is the fluid for many modern Ford automatic transmissions, including select F-150s and Explorers, as noted by Walmart and Valvoline.
- Mercon V: Recommended for older Ford automatic transmissions and can be found in models like the 2006-2009 F-150 and 2006-2008 Escape, according to Walmart.
- Mercon ULV (Ultra Low Viscosity): Used in specific newer transmissions, such as the AW F21 6-speed transmission.
- Type F: A specialty fluid for older Ford automatic transmissions from the 1970s and earlier, or some power steering systems built before the late 1990s, as noted by Amazon and Valvoline.
- Type CJ: A specialty fluid for specific transmissions like the Ford C-6.
Important considerations
- Always check your owner's manual: This is the most reliable source for the correct fluid type.
- Look for licensing: For Mercon fluids, make sure they have a license number issued by Ford, which ensures quality. Avoid products that only say "similar to".
- Use genuine Motorcraft fluids: Using fluids recommended by Ford is the safest option, especially with newer, more complex transmissions.
What type of transmission fluid goes in a 2012 Ford Focus?
The 2012 Ford Focus uses Motorcraft XT-11-QDC dual clutch transmission fluid for its dual-clutch transmission, while a traditional automatic transmission requires Mercon LV automatic transmission fluid. It is crucial to use the correct fluid type, as the dual-clutch system is different and requires a specialized fluid, and using the wrong one can cause damage.
Dual-clutch transmission (Powershift)
- Fluid Type: Motorcraft XT-11-QDC Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid
- Capacity: Approximately 1.8 quarts
- Important Note: Do not use standard automatic transmission fluid (ATF) in this transmission.
Traditional automatic transmission
- Fluid Type: Mercon LV Automatic Transmission Fluid
- Capacity: Approximately 6.5 quarts
- Important Note: Always check your owner's manual to confirm the correct fluid type for your specific vehicle, as some climates may recommend a different specification, like Mercon V, according to JustAnswer.
General recommendations
- Always check your owner's manual: to confirm the exact fluid type and capacity for your vehicle.
- Using the incorrect fluid can lead to leaks, shifting problems, and long-term transmission damage.
- Using additives is not recommended as it can negatively affect the fluid's properties.
What kind of transmission fluid does a 2012 Ford Fusion take?
The correct transmission fluid for a 2012 Ford Fusion is Motorcraft MERCON LV Automatic Transmission Fluid, which is a full synthetic fluid. You can also use high-quality, compatible aftermarket fluids that specify MERCON LV or Dexron VI specifications. Using the wrong fluid, such as ATF Type F, can lead to transmission problems.
This video demonstrates how to change the transmission fluid on a 2012 Ford Fusion: 59sNWI PerformanceYouTube · Sep 30, 2021
Key specifications
- Fluid Type: Full synthetic automatic transmission fluid.
- Correct Fluid: Motorcraft MERCON LV Automatic Transmission Fluid.
- Alternatives: You can use aftermarket fluids that are compatible with MERCON LV or Dexron VI specifications.
- Avoid: Do not use Ford ATF Type F or other fluids that are not compatible, as this can cause shifting issues.
- Capacity: The 6-speed transmission (6F35) has a total fill capacity of approximately 9 quarts.
