Transmission Fluid Synopsis

42923 Views 23 Replies 15 Participants Last post by Neeqness, 24 d ago

mkeperson

Discussion Starter · Jul 4, 2014

As many of you are aware, the FiST owner’s manual specifies Motorcraft XT-11-QDC transmission fluid meeting Ford Specification WSS-M2C200-D2. The merits of using other fluids have been debated in at least 4 threads on this forum, Focus forums, Mustang forums etc.

Given the unknown service history of our B6 transmission, I planned on using the specified fluid. Easier said than done. The online Motorcraft Master Manual Transmission chart doesn’t even show spec WSS-M2C200-D2 fluid! Various online vendors have offered XT-11-QDC with varying list specifications (WSD-**, WSR-**, etc). After spending more time than I care to admit, I spoke to the lubricant expert at Ford HQ in Detroit.

Much of the confusion has resulted from Ford moving to “One World” and changing some of their designations. Another issue is that this is a very low volume item so that it sometimes takes quite a while for new labels to make their way through the system. The bottom line is:

Motorcraft XT-11-QDC labeled as meeting spec WSD-M2C200-D2 is identical to the XT-11-QDC meeting spec WSS-M2C200-D2. These are believed to be the only Ford products that meet the spec for our cars.

Two non-Ford products explicitly state that they meet the WSS-M2C200-D2 spec. These are Volvo Manual Transmission Fluid (#31280771) and Castrol Syntrans FE 75W. In the US, your choices are limited to Ford & Volvo. Castrol US has no plans to import Syntrans.

Motorcraft fluid is available in quart containers. The Volvo fluid is available in 1 and 4 liter containers. I hope this helps.

mkeperson

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Neeqness

· #21 · Feb 29, 2016 (Edited)

I sort of agree with you about the trust thing. I've been looking into this and found that it isn't entirely true about the typo. Focus ST forum and another forum based strictly in oils have some old posts about it too. Apparently the earlier (and maybe even the current) focus st and mustang use the same fluids. There are other manufacturers with this fluid or something similar and, to be fair, ford isn't the only one trying to push lighter viscosity oils for fuel economy.

WSS is 75W80 and WSD is 75W90. Ford switched to WSS lighter viscosity for better economy and also for better shifts in colder climates.

I live in a fairly warm climate though and I personally don't trust the gear/clutch noise that I've been getting lately so I'm seriously considering another change with maybe castrol syntrax (which is also rated at gl-4 and available on Amazon) or the RP synchromax also available.

The noise is fairly quiet and if I have any background music or sounds going on while driving I don't hear it...but when the radio is off, the noise is fairly undeniable. In my experience, noise is wear even if it is relatively minor. I would rather have longevity over slight improvements in mileage. Reliability is somewhat above my performance requirements.

That said, the castrol alternative looks very promising and seems to do so without really sacrificing much performance so we'll see...

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meGrimlock

· #22 · 2 mo ago

I just wanted to add some US market fluids i've been able to find in no particular order:

Product Name	Manufacturer Claim
Motul Multi DCTF	"OEM Performances" WSS-M2C200-D2, XT-11-QDC
Red Line MT-LV 70W/75W GL-4	"Suitable replacement for" WSS-M2C200-D2, XT-11-QDC
LIQUI MOLY Top Tec MTF 5100 SAE 75W	"Recommends this product" WSS-M2C 200-D2
BG Syncro Shift® II	"Compatible and suitable" XT-11-QDC (Spec. WSS-M2C200-D2)
AMSOIL 100% Synthetic DCT Fluid	"Application" WSS-M2C200-D2, XT-11-QDC
Royal Purple® Synchromax	"Recommendation" XT-11-QDC

There are many I am leaving out, as most of the other US market options have limited distribution. I could theoretically pick up any of the ones above at a local store if need be. Keep in mind unlike GM/Dexos, Ford does not certify or license 3rd party fluid brands. You're taking the mfg word for it.

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Neeqness

· #23 · 24 d ago

I've posted years ago in another topic that I decided to go with Motul Gear 300 since it lubricated as expected. I have been using it since 2016 when my vehicle was still less than a year old...currently have over 160k miles using the fluid and haven't had any problems with my transmission at all. I do stay up on my transmission fluid changes. I did try the Motul Multi DCTF and I believe the Castrol prior to trying out the Gear 300 and they were slight improvements over stock but not as good as expected. In my previous posts in the other topic, I mentioned the reasons why I decided to go with Gear 300 even though it did not meet this spec at the time. I would repeat it here but it was quite long.

The cons to Multi Gear 300 were that because it was a thicker fluid, some people in colder climates felt that the thickness inhibited the feel of gear changes during the colder months. I live in a warmer region that doesn't get to freezing temps in the winter so I didn't have this issue. I have driven my car in other colder climates during freezing temperatures though and it didn't bother me. It may be a personal preference thing...in either case I am very happy with this fluid.

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Neeqness

· #24 · 24 d ago

I just realized that I may have posted it in another forum because this is the forum that seems to have died. There is another one that is still somewhat active and has posts that are pretty recent that I posted my results in.

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