Ford
Source-verified model
Ford CFT 23
The constantly variable transmission (CVT) ZF CFT23 of the German manufacturer of auomatic transmissions with the trade name "Ecotronic" has been installed on Ford Focus, C-MAX with engines 1.6 - 1.8 liters since 2003 until 2008. Later more powerful CFT30 was developed for Ford vehicles with a 3-liter engine. This CVT had been installed before 2008 on powerful Taurus as well as on Ford Focus of European assembly. This CVT was also noticed on Mercury Sable. The “push” belt construction is used in СFT23 as in RE0F09A, /JF010E by Nissan instead of “pulling” belt used in 01J CVT (Audi).
Speeds
∞
Type
CVT
Drive
FWD
Max torque
170
ATF capacity (L)
8,9
ATF type
WSS-M2C928-A
Other and alternative codes of this transmission
5M5P
Dura Shift CVT
CFT-23
CFT 23
CFT23
6M5P
4M5P
Durashift CVT
verified naming
OEM designation
source name
Common problems & symptoms
Problems and symptoms reported for this transmission, compiled from repair sources. Not a complete list.
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CFT30 Push Belt Failure
Push belt unable to handle loads in CFT30, similar to Nissan Murano CVT belt failures under high torque.
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Cone Surface Wear Degradation
Pulley cone surfaces degrade over time requiring full seal, filter and oil replacement to prevent damage.
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CVT Belt Slipping Under Load
Push belt slippage under high torque loads, particularly noted in CFT30 applications on powerful engines.
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Rubber Gaskets and Seals Failure
Rubber gaskets and seals deteriorate with intensive operation, recommended full kit replacement proactively.
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Transmission Filter Clogging
CVT filter requires periodic replacement; clogging leads to fluid flow restriction and transmission damage.
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Friction Clutch Pack Wear
Friction clutches F and steel discs shared with ZF 5HP24/30/19 subject to wear under load conditions.
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Fluid Contamination and Degradation
Transmission oil degradation over intensive use cycles, requiring proactive oil change to avoid internal damage.
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About this transmission
Transmission general data
The constantly variable transmission (CVT) ZF CFT23 of the German manufacturer of auomatic transmissions with the trade name "Ecotronic" has been installed on Ford Focus, C-MAX with engines 1.6 - 1.8 liters since 2003 until 2008. Later more powerful CFT30 was developed for Ford vehicles with a 3-liter engine. This CVT had been installed before 2008 on powerful Taurus as well as on Ford Focus of European assembly. This CVT was also noticed on Mercury Sable. The “push” belt construction is used in СFT23 as in RE0F09A, /JF010E by Nissan instead of “pulling” belt used in 01J CVT (Audi).
Technical issues and repair guidelines
But in more powerful CFT30 the belt did not cope with loads (similar to problems of Nissan Murano), therefore the pulling belt was applied here as in the variator 01J.
Original spare parts for repair of these CVT (produced by ZF) are basically neither produced nor sold. It is almost impossible to get even used spare parts for repair of CFT. Therefore the most popular spare parts for repair of CVT CFT23 are filter and repair kit of gaskets and seals. Experienced specialists in repair services recommend to change the whole kit of rubber gaskets and seals as well as filter and oil without waiting for problems with surfaces of cones after 3-4 years of intensive operation. The belt is produced by only one company and similar to other CVTs with pushing belt. Friction clutches F and steel discs used in this transmission are the same as for ZF 5HP24/30/19.
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