2005 Ford Freestyle – CFT30 transmission
This procedure was developed based on AllData professional database. This is a fluid only change draining 5qt of 10 qt capacity and refill. A 60K change includes a case filter replacement not covered here. The concept is to drain and replace the same amount of fluid that came out, assuming no leaks. Cross check is done by monitoring fluid level on dip stick.
Materials:
5 qt of Motorcraft XT-7-QCFT (it’s specific to only the CFT30, no substitutes)
Tools:
3/8” socket extension ~13-14”
Suitable breaker bar(s)
T-40 Torx tip socket
Funnel with plastic tip extension
Procedure:
1) Begin with a cold engine.
2) Remove air filter housing connected to air intake and move aside.
3) Use 3/8” extension(s) with breaker bar to remove filler plug located on the top center of CVT. Mine was painted blue. Initially I tried a 3/8” breaker bar but then went to ½” bar 17” in length. Spec is 26‘lbs. The 3/8” breaker bar may work with a pipe extender.
4) Remove the filler plug and put the funnel with extender (as needed) into the fill hole.
5) With Parking brake on, start the engine while holding odometer reset button. This puts the display into Engineering Mode. Toggle reset button (~19 times) until Coolant Temperature C shows on display.
6) Check level via dip stick located near filler hole while engine is running. Shift through all gears and leave in Park when checking level.
7) The level should be between the two holes on the dip stick (this will not be true if the CVT is up to full temp of 88-92C). Monitor fluid level while engine warms. It will rise somewhat with temperature.
8) The spec says it should be no higher than the upper hole and no lower than the bottom hole at CVT fluid temp of 43-47C. This is 10-20F above body temperature so the CVT should be ‘slightly’ warm to touch. My coolant temp was about 80C when starting from 70F ambient, idle time ~5-10minutes.
9) Shut off engine and remove drain plug from pan under driver side. Torx T-40 with 3/8” breaker bar did the job nicely. Spec is 18’lbs.
10) Drain into a clean pan that holds more than 5 qts. After fluid inspection fill into suitable containers to verify amount. Mine was exactly 5 qts. I used a stainless mixing bowl and inspected the bottom of the pan for any metal.
11) Replace pan plug. Torque accordingly.
12) Refill CVT from the top. If the fluid removed was more/less than the 5 qts make adjustment accordingly.. If you need more, take used fluid from the clean pan.
13) Replace filler plug. It snaps onto 3/8” extension for easier replacement. Torque accordingly.
14) Restart engine and monitor coolant/transmission temperature again while checking dip stick level. Shift through all gears, leave in park. This time the CVT temperature will be higher due to residual heat from first pass. Verify fluid level to be the same as first observed.
15) Reinstall air filter housing. Test drive and done.
Notes:
Verify this applies to your application and check for any TSB's issued.
C = Centigrade, F = Fahrenheit. Don’t confuse these. I used F for ambient and body temperature.
AllData says the CVT fluid is ”bluish-green when new and will darken to darker green…not brown or black. Odor will not indicate heat damage or concerns.” “Do not overfill.”
Observations:
My used fluid was a light-medium brown, not dark green as AllData indicates. There was no odor other than slight hint of oil. New fluid was blue/green. There was no metal in the drain pan. The CVT fluid is synthetic and comes from Germany per bottles.
See for background:
My Ford Freestyle View topic - Partial procedure for CVT maintanence
CVT fluid change procedure -30K miles 
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