To upkeep your 2012 Ford focus, you must find details such as how much fluid it needs or when to change it, the exact location of the dipstick, and more. So I have come up with this guide including all the information you will need.
For automatic transmissions, you’ll find the dipstick either near the engine bay or below the air intake housing. But if your car has a manual transmission, sorry to say, there’s no dipstick. Your 2012 Focus uses Motorcraft transmission fluid, and this needs to be changed every 3 to 9 years based on the transmission. And, your car’s transmission system can hold about 1.7 to 1.9 quarts of this fluid.
Keep on Reading…
Table of Contents
2012 Ford Focus Transmission Fluid Dipstick Location!
Finding the dipstick on a 2012 Focus car is not hard if you know what type of transmission you have. Based on that, you can easily figure out exactly where is the transmission dipstick on a 2012 Ford Focus car. Let me break it down for you:
In 2012 Focus with Automatic Transmission
If your car has an automatic transmission, you might wonder where to find the dipstick in your 2012 Ford Focus. Well, the 2012 Ford Focus transmission dipstick location is right under the hood.
Now, to check the Focus Ford transmission fluid, you can search for the dipstick on either the left or right side under the hood.
In some cars, it might also be close to where the air goes into the engine, near a part called the air intake filter housing. The dipstick may be in a hidden state under the air intake filter housing so take off this part if needed to reach it.
But, if your 2012 Ford Focus has a 6-speed automatic transmission, there’s a catch—it doesn’t have a dipstick.
To make sure the fluid level is good, one 2012 Focus user suggests going to the Ford service center or dealer in Vehicle History. They’ll help you test and fix the fluid level if needed.
Pro Tip: Look for a yellow loop or ring-like object near the engine bay or below the air intake filter housing which is a little more rectangular than the engine oil dipstick.
In 2012 Focus with Manual Transmission
If your 2012 Ford Focus car comes with a manual transmission, note that it won’t have a dipstick for checking the fluid level.
Instead of that, all cars will have a check (fill) plug sticking in the transmission’s hole. In general, there 2 kinds of plugs in the manual transmission which are drain and fill plugs.
- Via the drain plug (8mm hex), you can remove all the old fluid completely.
- Via the fill plug (8mm hex), you can add new fluid to the transmission tank.
What Transmission Fluid Is Used in a 2012 Ford Focus?
In the owner’s manual, it’s written that the 2012 Ford Focus transmission fluid type is the Motorcraft series. However, it may differ based on the transmission type your car uses. Let me break this down:
| Transmission Type | Fluid Name | Part Name |
| Automatic | Motorcraft Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid | XT-11-QDC |
| Manual | Motorcraft Full Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid | BOT350-M3 / WSS-M2C200-D2 |
In Automatic Transmission
Ford recommends using Motorcraft Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid (XT-11-QDC) to fill the tank. This specific type of fluid is what’s best suited for 2012 Focus cars with an automatic transmission.
In Manual Transmission
For cars with a manual transmission, Ford advises using Motorcraft Full Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid (BOT350-M3 or WSS-M2C200-D2).
This fluid type is the one suggested to add in the tank for the transmission gears to work properly with no rust or friction.
How Much Transmission Fluid Does a 2012 Ford Focus Need?
For a 2012 Ford Focus car, the amount of transmission fluid it needs actually depends on the type of model.
Whether it’s an automatic or manual transmission, the amount of fluid is usually between 1.7 to 1.9 quarts or 1.6 to 1.8 liters.
Based on one folk from the Ford Focus ST, the ST model cars have around 1.8 quarts or 1.7 liters of transmission fluid capacity.
So, if you’re checking or replacing the transmission fluid in your car, these are the amounts to keep in mind based on the type of Focus you have.
When Should the Transmission Fluid Be Changed in a 2012 Ford Focus?
The 2012 Ford Focus transmission fluid change interval can differ based on how you drive regularly or occasionally. Let me break this down so you understand better:
In Normal Driving States
It’s the driving style that you regularly implement on the road. In this case, Ford suggests replacing the fluid every 240,000 km (150,000 miles) or 9 years.
| Transmission Type | Change Interval (In Miles or Km) | Change Interval (In Year) |
| Automatic | 150,000 miles or 240,000 km | 9 years |
| Manual | 150,000 miles or 240,000 km | 9 years |
And, this goes for all 2012 Ford Focus cars that have an automatic or manual transmission. FYI, it’s similar to the 2014 Ford Focus transmission fluid change interval.
In Special Operating States
It’s the driving style that you use on special occasions while traveling. In that case, Ford suggests diverse change interval rules for all cars with manual transmission based on how you drive. Like:
| Driving Style | Change Interval (In Miles or Km) | Change Interval (In Year) |
| Using a trailer, caper, or car-top carrier | 60,000 miles or 90,000 km | Around 4 years |
| Using the car on dusty roads | 50,000 miles or 80,000 km | 3 years |
- If using a trailer, caper, or car-top carrier, change the transmission fluid every 90,000 km (60,000 miles) or approximately 4 years.
- If using the car on dusty roads that are not paved, change the transmission fluid every 80,000 km (50,000 miles) or 3 years.
Checking Transmission Fluid in a 2012 Ford Focus!
You can only check the transmission fluid 2012 Ford Focus car if your car contains a dipstick. Here’s how to do it yourself:
- Firstly, ensure your car is on a level surface, and then open the hood.
- Next, locate the dipstick near the air intake filter housing and open it up.
- Afterward, clean the dipstick endpoint with a rag and insert it into the tube to check the fluid level. Be sure to do it a few times to confirm the right reading.
- Then, tighten the dipstick into the tube and close the tube.
Note: As cars with a manual transmission don’t come with a dipstick, you can’t check the fluid level. in that case, contact the Ford service center to detect the fluid lever.
How to Put Transmission Fluid in a 2012 Ford Focus?
After checking the fluid level on the 2012 Focus car with an automatic transmission, you can add the fluid based on how much it needs.
To add the fluid, you’ll need to take a funnel that matches the size of the tube to fit into it and then drop the fluid slowly.
In between this procedure, you’ll also need to check the fluid level with the dipstick to ensure the tank isn’t overfilling.
Then, fill the fluid slowly for 1 pint and recheck the fluid level. Keep on doing it until the tank fills fully.
Overall Thoughts
You can figure out the 2012 Ford Focus transmission fluid dipstick location, fluid type, capacity, change interval, and more by checking this guide.
In case you are still confused or not sure about the location, it would be better to ask the dealer or expert. Hope this guide helps you know your 2012 Focus better. See Ya!
