Quick Question, i was checking fluids in my truck the other day and noticed the power steering fluid was low. I decided I would run over to the auto parts store and pick up some ATF. I find the ATF for ford vehicles but read on the back that if the vhicle requires Mercon ATF im not supposed to use the stuff in store. so here is the question would it be ok to use the auto parts stuff or should i go to ford and pick up a quart of the Mercon ATF?
Thanks.

 

I am not sure I understand the question. The bottle said it was Mercon ATF but to not use it if the vehicle requires Mercon? Or just not for the power steering? Was it a "store brand"? Any normal Mercon fluid that is good for the tranny should be good for the power steering. At least the Valvolines and such of the world.

 

Mercon is not the Ford brand, but rather is the "type" of fluid which is manufactured to "mercon" specifications, and many different manufacturers make Mercon fluids. If you purchased a Mercon ATF, then it is OK to use it in the power steering pump on your (our) trucks, and there is no need to purchase a Motorcraft brand of Mercon ATF.

Now, I will also say this... just like motor oils, some brands of Mercon ATF will be better than others. Some manufacturers will use a better additives package or a better base oil which not only meets the Mercon specification, but in some cases far exceeds the minimum specifications required to be a Mercon ATF.

 

It was the auto zone store brand

 

so what im getting is even if it says do not use on vehicle requiring mercon atf i can still use it and it wont damage the steering pump

 

To properly answer that, we need to know EXACTLY what fluid you were looking at in the store. "ATF for ford vehicles" is very non-specific.

Stewart

 

It almost sounds like you purchased a "Type F" fluid, which is NOT compatible in your Mercon-specified tranny and I would not use it in the power steering pump either. Just take it back and get a Valvoline or Mobil 1 ATF fluid which states it is a synthetic "Mercon V" type ATF, and then you can use it in both your tranny and your power steering pump with no concerns.

 

Use a name brand Mercon V and do an entire Power Steering flush. Good for many thousands of miles so no need to go cheap with the ATF.

Power Steering Flush at WWW.SUPERDUTYPSD.COM

 

This is my preference for both AT and PS. Part Number: NOL 75200

 

I use the NAPA Mercon 5 now?

 

Reading between the lines of my post, eh Pete?

Stewart

 

Mercon V is what you want for the transmission and the power steering fluid.

 

Vavoline synthetic Mercon V compatable in my trans and PS, good stuff. Defintly do the PS flush Robin above suggested, real easy and gratifiying seeing the old burn't fluid getting replaced with new, makes me feel good anyways. You'll also notice better braking because we have the hydroboost system.

 

Well... just trying to make the "inferred" a little more obvious for the OP.

 

Ah, I wasn't really inferring, I just wanted the OP to ID the fluid to confirm my suspicion. I didn't wanna assume.

Stewart