I have a 2002 Ford Excursion 6.8 liter engine. I am trying to figure out do I use power steering fluid or automatic transmission fluid in the reservoir. When I went to O'Reilly's they told me automatic transmission fluid however on the cap it says power steering fluid and when I talk to other people they said they use power steering fluid and not ATF.

 

Since you have already asked several people and gotten different answers I'd think my answer would just add to your confusion so I'll suggest you use what is in your owners manual.

Here is a link in case yours is missing
http://www.fleet.ford.com/partsandse...owner-manuals/

 

Mercon V ATF.

Your manual will say Dextron III / Mercon, and you can still find ATF labeled as such, but it's no longer licensed by Ford.

So, since that's the case, why am I telling you to use Merc V? Because it's the same fluid your 4R100 transmission uses since Ford had Mercon V reformulated, discontinued licensing and using Dex III/Merc, and only recommends Mercon V now for your transmission.

Since you would use Merc V for the trans, might as well buy the same stuff for the power steering.

I have yet to own a Ford vehicle that uses power steering fluid.

Stewart

 

Manual just list it as Mercon ATF
( truth is any ATF or hydraulic fluid works in the PS pump )

But as we all know ford updated the old stuff and it's now called Mercon V
Ford Announces New Replacement Specs for Mercon ATF - aftermarketNews

 

Went to my Ford dealer to get some Transfer case fluid for my 2000 Excursion.

They punched it up on computer and a Ford product called XL-12 was recommended. Not Mercon

Just want to note that mercon V is not recommended everywhere. It should be fine for power steering though.

I highly recommend a new power steering resivor with a flush as the original one has a filter in the bottom that gets grimy.

 

He told you the truth. XL-12 has been the recommended transfer case fluid for 5 or 6 years now, IIRC.

Stewart

 

Stewart