Ford Fiesta CTX Automatic Gearbox
In 1987, Ford introduced it's new CTX transmission, an automatic gearbox featuring continously variable drive, giving a range of ratios that roughly matched that of a 5-speed 'box. This option was perfectly suited to Fords 1117cc engine, and was offered as an option on later MkII 1117cc engines, initally on L and Ghia models only. The Festival II special edition, released in 1988 added to this 'exclusive' list by having the Auto as an option. We believe that this is the only factory special edition to have the automatic gearbox choice.
Nowadays models with the CTX gearbox are not very common, although advanced at the time, the transmission isnt very refined by modern standards, and the cars are not as desirable as a result. Many of the cars have now been converted to manual (including our very own L Auto model) using spares from the more plentiful manual models.
We currently have 81 automatic cars listed on the Fiesta register, although the number is likely to be quite a bit higher as transmission is not often recorded by those submitting cars. Please see the bottom of this page for known vehicles.
Maintenance
The CTX gearbox has a capacity of 3.5 litres, and the manufacturer specified oil is Ford Automatic Transmission Fluid or transmission fluid meeting Ford Specification ESM-M2C 166-H. Idling speed should be 850 rev.min (+ or - 50). The automatic transmission inhibitor switched circuit uses relay position 11, located on the rear of the fusebox.
CTX Selector Lever Positions
| Position | Function |
|---|---|
| P | Park |
| R | Reverse |
| N | Neutral |
| D | Drive - continuously variable |
| L | Low - engine braking |
Note: the gearbox features a starter inhibitor switch, and can only be started in the R, D or L positions.
Automatic gearbox selector positions explained
R Reverse
This selector lever position is only to be selected when the vehicle is stationary. Nevertheless, the transmission has a reverse inhibitor valave. If reverse is unintentionally selected whilst driving forwards, this valve prevents the reverse clutch being engaged above a vehicle speed of 10km/h.
N Neutral
In this selector lever position, the engine can be started and allowed to idle. No power is transmitted.
D Drive - continuously variable
This selector lever position is selected for normal driving. The transmission ratio changes automatically without steps to meet requirements. Whilst driving, the selector lever can be shifted between D and L.
L Low - engine braking
This selector position is used for descents, long inclines and widning mountain roads. On descents, the braking effect of the engine takes effect.
Top speed can be reached with the selector either in the D or in the L position.
Kick-down If from steady speed the accelerator pedal is fully pressed down, a kick-down occurs, i.e., the optimum transmission ratio for acceleration at the given vehicle speed is obtained.
Note:
Before the selector lever is shifted to position R, D or L when the vehicle is stationary, operate the hand brake or foot brake. Put the selector lever in the N position when the vehicle is towed. Towing speed must not exceed 50km.h and the towing distance must not be more than 50km.
Mk2 Fiesta CTX Fuel Consumption Figures
Please Note: All fuel economy figures are in MPG (Miles per gallon).
| Engine/Gearbox | Fuel | Constant 56mph | Constant 75mph | Simulated Urban |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 litre (OHV)Automatic | Unleaded | 58.9 | 40.9 | 39.2 |
CTX Gearbox Technical Details
CTX Transmission Schematic View
- CTX Transmission
- Shift Lever
- Selector lever cable
- Selector lever
- Throttle valve cable
- Lever
- Accelerator pedal cable
- Accelerator pedal
- Carburetor cable
- Carburetor
CTX Handbooks, Brochures and Technical Documents
Ford Fiesta
Your Operating Guide
(Automatic Transmission)
CTX Transmission
Technicians Product Training 12/1988
Ford CTX Gearbox
Special Tool Application German 03/1989
Fiesta Automatic
Salespersons Brochure 12/1987
CTX Transmission
Fiesta Mk2 CTX Automatic Brochure UK 1987
Understanding CTX
Continously-variable Transmission
Known UK Fiesta Automatic Vehicles
We currently have 81 Mk2 Ford Fiesta Automatic transmission cars on the database. If yours isn't listed then please add it by filling out the form on the register page.
| Registration | Model | Year | Engine Size | Transmission | Fuel Type | Colour | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35V0 **9 | Unknown | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Unknown | No | ||
| 88-W X-1* *7 | L | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Chestnut | Unknown | No |
| D222 **P | L | 1987 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Burgundy Red | Unknown | No |
| D737 **C | L | 1987 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Rosso Red | Scrapped | No |
| D790 **R | Ghia | 1987 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Green | Unknown | No |
| E129 **T | Festival | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Azure Blue | Unknown | No |
| E150 **X | Ghia | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Red | On the Road | No |
| E203 **V | L | 1987 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Burgundy Red | Unknown | No |
| E205 **K | Ghia | Unknown | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Burgundy Red | Unknown | No |
| E270 **H | L | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Red | Unknown | No |
| E276 **J | L | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Willow Green | Unknown | No |
| E316 **T | Ghia | 1987 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Red | On the Road | No |
| E366 **A | L | 1987 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Rosso Red | Unknown | No |
| E403 **K | L | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Ivory White | Unknown | No |
| E444 **C | Festival | 1987 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Burgundy Red | Unknown | No |
| E446 **F | Ghia | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Off the Road | No | |
| E454 **J | Ghia | 1987 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Black | On the Road | No |
| E455 **X | Ghia | 1978 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Gold | On the Road | No |
| E478 **N | L | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Unknown | No | |
| E503 **O | Ghia | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Diamond White | Off the Road | No |
| E515 **R | L | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Burgundy Red | Unknown | No |
| E551 **L | Ghia | 1987 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Unknown | No | |
| E564 **X | L | 1987 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Rosso Red | On the Road | No |
| E577 **D | Ghia | 1987 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Strato Silver | Unknown | No |
| E578 **G | L | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Strato Silver | Unknown | No |
| E586 **K | L | 1987 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Unknown | No | |
| E614 **A | L | 1987 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Strato Silver | Unknown | No |
| E614 **T | Ghia | 1987 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Silica Gold | Unknown | No |
| E628 **E | Ghia | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Rosso Red | On the Road | No |
| E730 **H | Ghia | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Crystal Blue | Unknown | No |
| E732 **J | L | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Unknown | No | |
| E73* *N | Ghia | 1987 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Gold | Unknown | No |
| E75* *N | L | 1987 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Crystal Blue | Unknown | No |
| E767 **U | Ghia | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Willow Green | Unknown | No |
| E776 **B | L | 1987 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Galaxy Blue | On the Road | No |
| E806 **V | Ghia | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Willow Green | Unknown | No |
| E850 **R | Ghia | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Unknown | No | |
| E855 **J | Ghia | 1987 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Off the Road | No | |
| E880 **E | L | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Maroon | Off the Road | No |
| E925 **L | Ghia | 1987 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Black | Unknown | No |
| E938 **P | L | 1986 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Off the Road | No | |
| E941 **O | L | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | On the Road | No | |
| E973 **X | L | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Rosso Red | On the Road | No |
| E98* *C | Ghia | 1987 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Willow Green | On the Road | No |
| F133 **E | L | 1989 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Diamond White | Unknown | No |
| F188 **X | L | 1989 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Diamond White | On the Road | No |
| F197 **R | L | Unknown | 1.1 | Auto | Red | Unknown | No | |
| F199 **S | L | Unknown | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Unknown | No | |
| F217 **A | Festival II | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Strato Silver | Unknown | No |
| F261 **H | L | 1989 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Galaxy Blue | Off the Road | No |
| F281 **C | Festival II | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Unknown | No | |
| F304 **P | L | 1989 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Blue | Unknown | No |
| F339 **U | L | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Off the Road | No | |
| F37* *T | L | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Maritime Blue | Unknown | No |
| F387 **P | L | 1989 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Radiant Red | Unknown | No |
| F410 **J | L | 1989 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Radiant Red | On the Road | No |
| F411 **F | L | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Red | Unknown | No |
| F513 **U | L | 1989 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Maritime Blue | On the Road | No |
| F513 **Y | L | Unknown | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Unknown | No | |
| F52* *H | L | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Chestnut | Unknown | No |
| F545 **W | L | 1989 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Black | On the Road | No |
| F555 **T | Ghia | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Black | On the Road | No |
| F573 **M | L | 1989 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Radiant Red | Unknown | No |
| F581 **E | L | 1988 | 1.0 | Auto | Petrol | Radiant Red | On the Road | No |
| F643 **P | L | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Unknown | No | |
| F696 **W | Festival II | 1989 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Rosso Red | On the Road | No |
| F69* *S | L | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Gold | Unknown | No |
| F701 **X | L | 1989 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Off the Road | No | |
| F808 **C | L | 1989 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Diamond White | Off the Road | No |
| F812 **Y | Ghia | 1989 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Silica Gold | Unknown | No |
| F819 **J | Ghia | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Regency Red | Unknown | No |
| F833 **D | L | 1989 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Radiant Red | Unknown | No |
| F847 **X | Ghia | Unknown | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Diamond White | Unknown | No |
| F890 **N | Festival II | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Black | Off the Road | No |
| F898 **J | L | 1989 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Maritime Blue | Unknown | No |
| F961 **O | L | 1989 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Radiant Red | Unknown | No |
| F974 **P | Festival II | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Diamond White | Unknown | No |
| F978 **B | L | 1989 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Unknown | No | |
| F999 **J | L | 1989 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Maritime Blue | On the Road | No |
| ST-5 9**L | CL | 1988 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Mercury Grey | Unknown | No |
| XD-0 7**Z | CL | 1989 | 1.1 | Auto | Petrol | Strato Silver | Unknown | No |
*Disclaimer: Please note that the information contained in our Retro Fiesta Register is reliant on submissions by owners and enthusiasts, whilst we make every effort to ensure it's accuracy, we cannot be sure that it is 100% correct. If you can improve on the information listed please contact us via email at info@projectbobcat.com