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That's what I thought.
Judging by the number of failed transfer cases we have experienced in the last 15 years, I think we are fine with ATF. The AWD units in 1/2 tons and SUV's might be a different story.
I'm on to something her (possibly a divorce..... It's 1 a.m., I've been looking for days!!).
Reading for the last six hours I finally found headway at Bob is the oil guy, and the National Highway Safety Administrations Website, and The Administration for Highway Safety.
Who said they don't make MERCON anymore....
The ford specification for the Transfer Case Fluid (XL-12) is ESP-M2C166-H, when you look at the MSDS. The Specification in the database it's "Automatic Transmission Fluid, Dexron®, Dexron® II/IIE Trade Name Mercon, Specification #ESP-M2C166-H". Wow!
#M5040901 (Mercon V Liscense Number) which lists in addition to: "class III friction modifiers, acid reducers, and water-resistant additives bla bla bla corrosive bases. Of these, when you look them up, there is a **** load of bad things including "caustic with some aluminums and some other metals listed", guess what our transfer cases are made of?
The NHTSA has complaints in 2007 through 2014 for Automotive Transaxle, Differential, and Transfer Case failures causing accidents and injury to occupants, damage to property, and catastrophic failures. Of course, the Make Model and Persons names are redacted.
The National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) lists 23 Fires as a result of "Mechanical Failures" in 2007 for Ford F-150, 250, 350, and 550's (that's as recent as there data is).
In 2009 Ford applied for permission to use ESP-M2C166-H (Formerly MERCON) as "Ford Transfer Case Fluid" and was approved.
Amzoil has a note on there site when seeking fluids for Transfer Case stating Ford now uses only "XL-12 Transfer Case Fluid" and not to use MERCON V (but of course their Automat Transmission Fluid is approved as it has special additives).
Lastly, I found a Blackstone Laboratory Report posted on another forum from someone who submitted it because they were afraid damage had occurred to his 2005 F-250 Transfer case. The original was MERCON V which showed elevated Acid. The follow up using "XL-12" showed normal. In the remarks it states "it doesn't appear that the MERCON V caused any damage, all levels were normal.
Could this be it? Did Ford dicontinue an pervios product and replace it with one that didn't work as thought? And, then bring theri previous product back with a different name?
I've heard about transfer cases going like that due to a bad double cardan joint. The joint stops flexing and the next weakest point breaks. I would like to understand how improper fluid would cause that particular type of failure.
The transfer case seems like it should be simpler and more robust than an auto transmission. If the fluid is in fact damaging to the the transfer case then I would be really paranoid about putting it in my transmission too. I would guess that the metals used in the auto transmission have similar properties and lubrication needs to those in the transfer case. The auto's clutches may have additional requirements. Generally speaking it would seem that the transfer case should be able to accept a wider range of fluids than the auto transmission.
Also, I suspect that many power steering systems may have been serviced with this fluid. What is the Ford recommendation there?
I had to stop by the Ford dealer today for something else, so I asked about the correct fluid to use in the transfer case. The folks behind the parts counter knew to use the XL-12 transfer case fluid, it would take about 2 quarts, and it costs $8 per quart. I was glad to hear they were aware of the situation.
I was thinking more the power of video and pictures. And squeaky, relentless wheels like Tom who follow up with Ford directly. Naturally, he didn't mean to draw attention to the tech, only to the issue, which was vividly revealed via video.
I hate to see techs get censored from posting video and images (much more believable than words) that ultimately help consumers make better maintenance decisions, as well as better purchasing decisions.
One more tid-bit. I picked up a couple of quarts of T-case fluid at the local (small) NAPA store yesterday and also looked at some Mercon V. I could not find the "not for use in transfer cases" warning on the bottle that was shown on another thread on this subject. Also the counter guy (young) stated that some fluids on Fords were supposedly "permanent" and did not need to be changed. Sounds a little suspect to me
01-25-2015, 04:05 PM
