I make a point of using specified fluids whenever/wherever possible. If I can't find the Motorcraft version, then I look for something that matches the Ford specification (ie: WSP-M2C197-A for instance).
When the Cdn $ was less of an embarrassment, we used to drive to Bellingham and along the way, we would stop in at O'Reilly's where I'd pick up some Mercon LV for HALF of what the dealer up here charged. The idea was to collect enough of it to do a fluid/filter change in the driveway for less than the local Shops charge.
While looking through one of our WalMarts the other day, I came across some Valvoline MaxLife ATF. I'd seen the stuff before, but never paid much attention to it. On this particular day, I stopped to look it over and according to the label, this stuff is magic!
From their website:
"Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF is suitable for a broad range of transmissions including Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Subaru, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, VW and Audi vehicles. It’s specifically recommended for use in the following applications: GM DEXRON-II, DEXRON-III, DEXRON-VI, and DEX-CVT; Ford MERCON LV; Toyota/Lexus Type T, T-II, T-IV, WS, CVTF FE, and CVTF TC; Honda/Acura ATF-Z1 and Honda CVT; Nissan/Infiniti Matic-D, Matic-J, Matic-K and Matic-S; Hyundai/Kia SP-II, SP-III, SP-IV and SPH-IV; BMW 7045E, ETL 8072B, LA2634 and LT71141; Allison C-4; Mercedes-Benz NAG-1; Volvo 1161521, 1161540, 97340 and 1273.41; Subaru ATF HP, Lineartronic chain CVT and CVT-II, Lineartronic High Torque CVT, and CV-30; and VW/Audi G-052-025-A2 and G-052-162-A1".

Now iirc from my automotive classes in school...Dexron and Mercon were NOT compatible...yet this stuff replaces either/both of them?
This stuff is compatible with Mercon, Mercon V, Mercon LV and Mercon SP...the entire Dexron line...all of the ATF products....
In fact, from what I can see on the label, this stuff can be used in virtually any auto-transmission on the market. How is this even possible?
Anybody here use it instead of the Motorcraft listed fluids?


https://sharena21.springcm.com/Publi...0-ac162d889bd3

 

I am interested in this also. I think the best answer might be to go to:

https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en-c...ission%20Fluid

I think specific targeted questions to Valvoline Tech Support might get the answers we are both looking for.

 

It's like men's 6-in-1 shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, cologne and mouthwash.

I used the Valvoline you quoted in the transmission and transfer case in my 2013 for multiple fluid changes over probably 113K. Never had any issues.

 

The one detail I noted in this article, is that the MaxLife fluid is "suitable for use in 95% of ATF vehicles in operation with US registered light duty applications."
Which could be interpreted to mean that it isn't recommended for Heavy Duty or Super Duty applications...towing, hauling, etc. in which case it would be pretty well useless.

https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en-c...i-vehicle-atf/

 

LV. Don't be cheap.

 

@Qwazert

what did you decide to do?

 

Well, I still have a supply of the LV that I picked up at O'Reilly's...so I used that.
As I said, I prefer to use OEM fluids, but this Valvoline stuff caught my eye. I "may" use it at some point for power steering fluid...otherwise, she gets the Motorcraft fluids.