Cold shifting issues have been a bother for manual transmission-equipped Mustang owners for a while now. According to a recent Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) issued by Ford, vehicles built with the MT82 6-speed manual transmission may be affected.

A previous TSB was issued for a similar problem on 2011 Mustangs built on or before 4/25/10, however the solution was different, requiring replacement of the clutch pedal bracket.

The current TSB recommends replacement of the factory-filled synthetic transmission fluid with Motorcraft Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid. This is an SAE 75W-90 gear oil manufactured with synthetic base oils and performance additives, which can provide improved gear shifting at all ambient temperatures, and meets Ford’s fill-for-life requirements including thermal, oxidative and shear stability.

The use of transmission fluid additives or supplemental friction modifiers is not recommended by the company, as longer term issues with the transmission’s synchronizers are possible.

You may be able to make an appointment with your selling or servicing dealer to have the job done while you wait. There is little reason for it to take more that 30 minutes or so.

Here is the content of the Ford Technical Service Bulletin:

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Ford Technical Service Bulletin

TSB 11-3-18, 2011-2012 Ford Mustang:
Issue:

Some 2011-2012 Mustang vehicles equipped with a MT82 6-speed manual transmission may exhibit increased shift efforts in cold ambient temperatures. This is usually most noticeable in 1st and 2nd gears but may also be noticed in 3rd through 6th gears. The increased shift effort may be the result of the increased viscosity of the transmission fluid in cold weather.

Action:

Follow the Service Procedure to correct the condition.

Service Procedure:

Replace the Motorcraft Full Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid with 2.6L (2.7 qt) of Motorcraft Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid. Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 308-03A for the transmission fluid draining and filling procedure. This fluid is suitable for use in all ambient temperatures and seasons, and the Scheduled Maintenance guidelines in the Owner Guide can continue to be followed. The use of friction modifiers or other fluid additives is not recommended since although they may provide some immediate improvement in cold shift effort, they are likely to result in long term degradation of the synchronizers.

Warranty Status:

Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited

Source: Ford Motor Company