Just thought I'd mention that the gearbox in my new (04.11) 110 was a bit "hacky" from the start (getting into second gear was quite unpleasant).

The German dealers just said "zat iz qvite normal"!

So, in desperation, I replaced the transmission oil myself with "genuine" Ford service oil (bought over the internet) and... guess what... it is MUCH better! Second is now fine and I swear the car is quieter on the Autobahn. The stuff that came out smelled odd and was NOT the same as what I put in (seemed thinner too).

Do they ship Landys dry? If so, I wonder what the hell they filled it with when it was imported to Aachen. Think I might just go straight to a Transit dealer in future - perhaps they would know their clutch from their camshaft...

Any observations?

Cheers,
Matt

My 2009 110 Utility Wagon is quite hard to get into 2nd gear sometimes, especially when cold. My dealer also said that it was "normal".
I might give it a go, changing the oil. What oil, specifically, did you use? Can you post a link to the internet supplier?

Hi.

It's "FordService Oil" designated WSD-M2C200-C - its viscosity is 75W-90 BO. Here's an old UK eBay listing - 320682512332 - try the seller, perhaps?
Most importantly, don't use the crappy stuff my dealer put in!!!

The refill volume is 2.2 litres (0.2 litres stays in the gearbox) and you would do well to use a hand pump (I have a squeezy siphon one) to get the oil in. I drove around 10 minutes to warm the oil up and then let it stand 10 minutes before draining. Remove the filler plug first - it's tricky!
Biggest tip is to buy an 8mm hex (Allen) key and saw an inch off the long end to use as a socket-insert. I believe there are also custom 8mm socket keys (Halfords? I live in Munich...) available. It took me a while to find the filler plug and it's bloody awkward to get to - but doable if you have a small, enough ratchet with a long enough handle -a torque wrench is best - 35Nm when tightening. See attachments.

I have to admit I also added Ceramic Power Liquid Gearbox with the oil as I have found it worked really well with my 5 year old Audi and my wife's 35 (!) year old Beetle - only in the gearbox, mind you. Many people on forums have said "I'm a chemist and it can't work" but have never tried it. Contrarily, I "also" have a degree in molecular chemistry/biochemistry and I don't pretend to understand these things In any case, my, and many other peoples (mostly Italian mind you) experience is that it does work. It's expensive but luckily I earn enough to take these chances. I wouldn't "recommend" it though or I will probably get laughed off the forum...

If there's any other info that might help, I will do my best

Cheers,
Matt :5bhurray:

Thanks for that - great reply!