Page 1 of 10 2006 Mercury Montego 3.0L Eng Premier Service Manual: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CVT Print Date: DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION > TRANSAXLE DESCRIPTION This transaxle represents the start of a new generation of automatic transmissions. This is a continuously variable transaxle (CVT) that permits the engine to operate at its most efficient running speeds. There are no discrete gear shifts and no interruptions in the power flow during acceleration. Instead, optimum use is always made of the engine's potential to transmit its full torque to the wheels. Since this is a continuously variable transaxle, there is an infinite number of gear ratios, so that the optimum engine operating point can always be found. Like the engine, it is located transversely in the vehicle. The mechanical section of the automatic transaxle contains 2 pressure controlled variator assemblies, a high performance chain and a single planetary gear set. The variator assemblies function as pulleys. One is connected to the engine output through the converter. The other is connected to the driveline through the transaxle differential. The chain passes around the pulleys connecting the transaxle input and output. The axial distance on each pulley where the chain travels can be varied. As the axial distance on one pulley decreases (becomes narrow) the other pulley increases (becomes wider) creating the speed (gear) ratio between them. This ratio varies continuously. The chain length remains constant. The single planetary gear set is used to change the rotation of the pulley assemblies for forward or reverse driving ranges. A combined hydraulic and electronic control system (mechatronic) is used to control the transaxle function. The mechatronic is located inside the transaxle. The CVT uses a torque converter with a lock-up clutch. Fig 1: Identifying Automatic Transmission
Page 2 of 10 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION > TRANSAXLE DESCRIPTION > INTERNAL FLUID FILTER The high pressure transmission fluid filter is located inside of the transaxle housing, just behind the transmission pressure filter case cover. The transmission filter is accessible by removing the transmission pressure filter case cover. The filter should be changed ever time the fluid is changed or whenever the transaxle is overhauled. GENERAL PROCEDURES > TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL CHECK AND SETTING > MATERIALS MATERIALS Item Motorcraft Continuously Variable Chain Type Transmission Fluid XT-7-QCFT Specification WSS-M2C933-A GENERAL PROCEDURES > TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL CHECK AND SETTING > TRANSAXLE NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE FLUID LEVEL CHECK
Page 3 of 10 Fig 1: Identifying Fluid Level Mark CAUTION: MERCON, MERCON V, MERCON SP, Motorcraft Premium Automatic Transmission Fluid and Motorcraft Continuously Variable Chain Type Transmission Fluid are not interchangeable transmission fluids. The use of any fluid other than what is recommend will cause transmission damage. This procedure is only designed to check the transmission fluid level at normal operating temperatures. Do not use this procedure for setting correct fluid level. Continuously variable transmission (CVT) automatic transmission fluid is a unique fluid and has different expansion characteristics compared to other transmission
Page 4 of 10 fluids. Correct fluid level setting must be done in the 43-47 C (109-117 F) range following the fluid level setting procedure. Failure to follow these instructions will cause damage to the transaxle. A transaxle that is overfilled or underfilled will cause internal damage and/or cause fluid to leak from the vent tube. NOTE: This procedure is designed for checking the fluid level on a vehicle that has just come off the road with the transmission fluid in the normal operating range of 88-92 C (190-198 F). 1. Place the vehicle on a level surface. 2. Using the special tool, verify that the transmission fluid temperature is in the normal operating range of 88 C-92 C (190 F-198 F). 3. Once the transmission fluid temperature range is verified, with the engine idling, set the park brake and move the transmission selector level through all gear positions placing it in PARK. 4. Remove the fluid level indicator and wipe it with a clean, lint free rag. Fig 2: Locating Fluid Level Indicator
Page 5 of 10 5. Place the fluid level indicator back into the fluid level indicator tube until it is fully seated, then remove the fluid indicator. 1. With the transmission fluid in the normal operating temperature range of 88-92 C (190-198 F), the minimum acceptable level would be at the bottom of the Crosshatch mark on the fluid level indicator. The maximum acceptable level would be no higher than the top of the Crosshatch, 12 mm (0.47 in) from the top of the upper level setting hole area. 6. Verify the correct fluid level for normal operating temperature range. 7. If fluid needs to be added, turn off the engine and allow the continuously variable transmission (CVT) transmission fluid to cool to the correct level setting range 43-47 C (109-117 F) and follow the transmission fluid level setting procedure for setting correct CVT transmission fluid level. GENERAL PROCEDURES > TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL CHECK AND SETTING > TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL SETTING
Page 6 of 10 Fig 1: Identifying Transmission Fluid Level Mark CAUTION: MERCON, MERCON V, MERCON SP, Motorcraft Premium Automatic Transmission Fluid and Motorcraft Continuously Variable Chain Type Transmission Fluid are not interchangeable transmission fluids. The use of any fluid other than what is recommend will cause transmission damage. CVT automatic transmission fluid is a unique fluid and has different expansion characteristics compared to other transmission fluids. Correct fluid level setting must be done with the CVT transmission fluid in the 43-47 C (109-117 F) temperature range. Setting the fluid level at any other temperature could cause
Page 7 of 10 an overfill condition and cause the fluid to leak from the vent and/or cause internal transaxle damage. NOTE: This procedure is for setting correct fluid level and can also be used to check correct fluid level. 1. Place the vehicle on a level surface. 2. Using the special tool, verify that the transmission fluid temperature is in the fluid level setting range of 43-47 C (109-117 F). 3. Set the parking brake, place the range selector lever in PARK and run the engine at idle for 5 minutes. 4. Once the transmission fluid temperature range is in the 43-47 C (109-117 F) range, place your foot on the brake and move the transmission selector level through all gear positions placing it in PARK. 5. Remove the fluid level indicator and wipe it with a clean, lint free rag. Place the fluid level indicator back into the fluid level indicator tube. Fig 2: Locating Fluid Level Indicator
Page 8 of 10 6. Remove the fluid level indicator and check for correct fluid level. The fluid level should be at the bottom of the top level indicator hole with the CVT automatic transmission fluid temperature in the 43-47 C (109-117 F) range. 7. If fluid needs to be added, add clean CVT automatic transmission fluid in 0.25 L (1/2 pint) increments through the fluid fill plug located on the top of the transaxle near the fluid level indicator. Do not overfill the transaxle and make sure the fluid temperature is in the correct range of 43-47 C (109-117 F), or internal damage to the transaxle will occur. 1. To install, tighten to 35 N.m (26 lb-ft). 2. The wrench light on the dash will illuminate if the fluid level is low during the fluid refill process and the vehicle may experience harsh engagements. Fig 3: Locating Fluid Fill Plug GENERAL PROCEDURES > TRANSMISSION FLUID DRAIN AND REFILL > MATERIALS MATERIALS Item Motorcraft Continuously Variable Chain Type Transmission Fluid XT-7-QCFT Specification WSS-M2C933-A
Page 9 of 10 GENERAL PROCEDURES > TRANSMISSION FLUID DRAIN AND REFILL > DRAINING CAUTION: MERCON, MERCON V, MERCON SP, Motorcraft Premium Automatic Transmission Fluid and Motorcraft Continuously Variable Chain Type Transmission Fluid are not interchangeable transmission fluids. The use of any fluid other than what is recommended for this transmission will cause transmission damage. NOTE: Install a new high-pressure case filter when changing the transmission fluid. For additional information, refer to HIGH PRESSURE FILTER AND CASE COVER. 1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING. 2. Remove the fluid pan drain plug and allow the fluid to drain. Fig 1: Locating Fluid Pan Drain Plug GENERAL PROCEDURES > TRANSMISSION FLUID DRAIN AND REFILL > REFILL
Page 10 of 10 1. Install the fluid pan drain plug. 1. Tighten to 25 N.m (18 lb-ft). Fig 1: Locating Fluid Pan Drain Plug NOTE: Install a new high-pressure case filter when changing the transmission fluid. For additional information, refer to HIGH PRESSURE FILTER AND CASE COVER. 2. Fill the transaxle with approximately 4.7 L (5 quarts) of clean CVT automatic transmission fluid. Use the transmission fluid level setting procedure to fill the transaxle. For additional information, refer to TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL CHECK AND SETTING.