While doing research on the classic MT-82 issues, I found quite a few threads referring to the XL-18 additive by Ford. It's a friction modifier you add to your transmission. Rumor has it that in 2013, the MT-82's were getting this additive from the factory on the line, but I don't know how true this is.
The problems I ran into were two fold. First, it's hard to find online. When you do find it, the shipping costs are usually pretty high (considering the bottle and box it comes in weigh around 13 -15 ounces, I found the high prices crazy). Also, often times, this item is on backorder and out of stock with many online vendors.
Second, most dealers you ask don't know about it. Even if the parts counter knows what you're talking about, trying to get into from the service dept about it is like pulling teeth. They always seemed so cautious about telling me about it and even though the additive is meant for the Mt-82, they will tell you it may void your warranty and that they don't want to be responsible to adding it in.
In any case, I digress...
The bottle comes in a box with the part number XL-18 on it, and specifically states that it is a friction modifier for the MT-82 transmission. The label and packaging says "... recommended by Ford for use in the Mt-82 transmission." With this said, I doubt anyone will ever have a warranty concern about using it. Plus there is no way for a dealer to know you've added it unless they do a chemical test on the fluid.
I finally found that my local dealership (Tuttle Click Ford in Irvine, CA) was able to special order it in and they got it in within a few hours from their local warehouse (or perhaps neighboring or sister dealer).
I finally got around to adding it into my transmission and let me tell you first hand that it's 100% worth it.
Adding the fluid is easy, the kit comes with the small bottle of the fluid, as well as a feeder hose so you don't need to buy or use a fluid pump if you do not want to. There is just enough room between the transmission and trans tunnel to get tip the bottle and gravity feed the fluid to the trans.
I've driven now approx 26 miles with the fluid in and the shifting is getting smoother and a bit less notchy. This is by no means a cure-all for the rough shifting many of us experience but it sure does help. Often times, the trans "kicks" the "bites" as you're going from gear to gear. This was my biggest gripe about this trans. Using the XL-18 you can still feel these kicks, but they're smoother and softer and you can glide the shifter into gear easier.
The price for the bottle / kit is around $24 - $26 on average after tax.
I have not changed the fluid in my trans as I only have 9000 miles on the car.
So again, not a total fix, but damn it sure does help!
The problems I ran into were two fold. First, it's hard to find online. When you do find it, the shipping costs are usually pretty high (considering the bottle and box it comes in weigh around 13 -15 ounces, I found the high prices crazy). Also, often times, this item is on backorder and out of stock with many online vendors.
Second, most dealers you ask don't know about it. Even if the parts counter knows what you're talking about, trying to get into from the service dept about it is like pulling teeth. They always seemed so cautious about telling me about it and even though the additive is meant for the Mt-82, they will tell you it may void your warranty and that they don't want to be responsible to adding it in.
In any case, I digress...
The bottle comes in a box with the part number XL-18 on it, and specifically states that it is a friction modifier for the MT-82 transmission. The label and packaging says "... recommended by Ford for use in the Mt-82 transmission." With this said, I doubt anyone will ever have a warranty concern about using it. Plus there is no way for a dealer to know you've added it unless they do a chemical test on the fluid.
I finally found that my local dealership (Tuttle Click Ford in Irvine, CA) was able to special order it in and they got it in within a few hours from their local warehouse (or perhaps neighboring or sister dealer).
I finally got around to adding it into my transmission and let me tell you first hand that it's 100% worth it.
Adding the fluid is easy, the kit comes with the small bottle of the fluid, as well as a feeder hose so you don't need to buy or use a fluid pump if you do not want to. There is just enough room between the transmission and trans tunnel to get tip the bottle and gravity feed the fluid to the trans.
I've driven now approx 26 miles with the fluid in and the shifting is getting smoother and a bit less notchy. This is by no means a cure-all for the rough shifting many of us experience but it sure does help. Often times, the trans "kicks" the "bites" as you're going from gear to gear. This was my biggest gripe about this trans. Using the XL-18 you can still feel these kicks, but they're smoother and softer and you can glide the shifter into gear easier.
The price for the bottle / kit is around $24 - $26 on average after tax.
I have not changed the fluid in my trans as I only have 9000 miles on the car.
So again, not a total fix, but damn it sure does help!