RACQ Inspection - won't do compression test or transmission oil check

WagonWheel · 08-11-2016, 02:19 PM

Vehicle is a 2010 Ford Mondeo LX MC wagon (2.3 Duratec engine) - under 100,000 kms.

Need some advice. RACQ inspection said 'a relative compression test on this vehicle cannot be electronically represented due to the engine electronic management design ... '

Is a compression test to check cylinders, valves, piston rings etc., basically to test the health of the engine?

Is it true that you can't do a compression test on these cars? Are there any alternate tests?

RACQ also said the transmission oil was 'not checked due to manufacturers design'.

So how do you the check the transmission oil? Or is it sealed unit or something?

Changing from drive to reverse and back is nice and smooth - no real delay or big clunks.

DZFord · 08-11-2016, 05:13 PM

Yes, a compression test measures the health of each cylinder, as you suggested.

It can be done electronically (via a relative compression test), or with a mechanical gauge - a compression tester.

A relative compression test uses a lab scope (ie. oscilloscope) and an amp clamp to get a (pretty good) estimate of the compression values for each cylinder. The amp clamp goes around the battery cable that leads to the starter motor, and uses the current draw of the starter motor to give the estimated compression value for each cylinder.

All you need to do is disable the fuel system, or similar, so that the engine does not actually start when performing the test.

Even if you can't do a relative compression test, you could always do a mechanical compression test as a backup.

And sorry but I am unsure about the transmission question - I am unsure about the various transmissions on these cars.

WagonWheel · 08-11-2016, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DZFord

Yes, a compression test measures the health of each cylinder, as you suggested.

It can be done electronically (via a relative compression test), or with a mechanical gauge - a compression tester.

Hey, thanks, I thought they could do that sort of test, but wasn't sure. I'll find out if I can get one done.

rondeo · 08-11-2016, 05:51 PM

If it's a Powershift dual clutch transmission check the 60000km service was done at a Ford dealer. If so and drives with seamless changes not much to be learned from the fluid without a complete drain and inspection of the oil and filter. I don't know about the other transmission, Durashift is it?

In any case a TCM diagnostic scan might be a good idea.

The fluid level in the Powershift can be checked but it must be raised and level and requires topping up as part of the level check, which has to be done at a certain temperature and by following a set procedure. In other words, the owner will not be able to check the transmission fluid level unless a DIY enthusiast.

WagonWheel · 08-11-2016, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rondeo

If it's a Powershift dual clutch transmission check the 60000km service was done at a Ford dealer. If so and drives with seamless changes not much to be learned without a complete drain and inspection of the oil and filter. I don't know about the other transmission, Durashift is it?

Yep, it's a Durashift 2.3L, 6-speed automatic powertrain. It drives nicely and has plenty of power for me. Smooth gear changes. I don't know much about transmissions really and rely on RACQ to let me know of any problems. They didn't mention any transmission problems other than saying they couldn't check the oil.

Not sure what a TCM scan is, but the diagnostic scan under the heading of 'Engine' has a tick.

Mondaveo · 09-11-2016, 12:18 AM

Some modern automatic gearboxes are marketed as "sealed for life" and requiring no maintenance (where "life" typically means 10 years). Dry-clutch Powershift is actually one of those, said to have a 10yr/150,000mi lifespan before you need to change the lubricant.

Do you have the service booklet? If so check the servicing schedule for how often the transmission fluid needs changing. If it's a really long interval then RACQ probably didn't want to break the "lifetime" seal. Even if it's a shorter regular interval (like every two years or four years) they may have chosen not to check it if they didn't have the right stuff on hand to put back in. Or maybe by "manufacturer's design" they mean you have to perform a full fluid change service, which you haven't authorised just for a check.

NZ XR6 · 09-11-2016, 08:24 AM

The 2.3 has a 6-speed Aisin automatic, not a Powershift. The box doesn't have a dipstick and the oil level plug is difficult to get to without removing the air filter housing.

Unlike the Powershift, this box is reliable, so should be fine if it drives well. The ATF should be changed at 100,000 km.

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WagonWheel · 09-11-2016, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mondaveo

Some modern automatic gearboxes are marketed as "sealed for life" and requiring no maintenance (where "life" typically means 10 years). Dry-clutch Powershift is actually one of those, said to have a 10yr/150,000mi lifespan before you need to change the lubricant.

Do you have the service booklet? If so check the servicing schedule for how often the transmission fluid needs changing. If it's a really long interval then RACQ probably didn't want to break the "lifetime" seal. Even if it's a shorter regular interval (like every two years or four years) they may have chosen not to check it if they didn't have the right stuff on hand to put back in. Or maybe by "manufacturer's design" they mean you have to perform a full fluid change service, which you haven't authorised just for a check.

That makes sense. Thanks, I appreciate your help.

WagonWheel · 09-11-2016, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NZ XR6

The 2.3 has a 6-speed Aisin automatic, not a Powershift. The box doesn't have a dipstick and the oil level plug is difficult to get to without removing the air filter housing.

Unlike the Powershift, this box is reliable, so should be fine if it drives well. The ATF should be changed at 100,000 km.

Sent from somewhere using Tapatalk

Thanks for that. I appreciate your help. It's all making sense now.

NZ XR6 · 09-11-2016, 11:16 AM

There's a few interesting things about the 2.3 engine. It's basically the same as the 2.3 in the original Mazda 6, but made by Ford. It has a cam chain, so no belt to change. The valve clearances are set for life when the engine is made.

The drivetrain is a bit sluggish at low revs in the higher gears. But if you put the auto in Sport mode, and "give it some jandal" (Kiwi saying), it gets the job done.

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rondeo · 09-11-2016, 12:35 PM

My Powershift transmissions have been faultless for 150000 km each. The main failure seems to me FoMoCo, who or whatever that may be.

Fairer to say perhaps, Powershift is more likely to have expensive problems, based on the experience of some on this forum. But the complete picture is not available. So if you are a proud owner of a 2.3 l duratec with an Aisin transmission and live in Flatland, you can rest and be happy without exceeding 2000 rpm. Insert smile here, not the rolling one.

WagonWheel · 10-11-2016, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NZ XR6

There's a few interesting things about the 2.3 engine. It's basically the same as the 2.3 in the original Mazda 6, but made by Ford. It has a cam chain, so no belt to change. The valve clearances are set for life when the engine is made.

The drivetrain is a bit sluggish at low revs in the higher gears. But if you put the auto in Sport mode, and "give it some jandal" (Kiwi saying), it gets the job done.

Sent from somewhere using Tapatalk

Yeah, I believe it's the same motor in the Ford Escape (starting in 2008) as well, but the Ford Escape has a different transmission. It doesn't have quite as much power as the Mondeo apparently. I think the Escape is a bit heavier.