ATF recommendations
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: DC
ATF recommendations
Getting ready to change the trans fluid on my '97 F-150 4.6 4x4. Owners manual says to use Mercon multi-purpose fluid. I thought it would say Mercon III, or Mercon V etc... I've looked around at fluid and have seen Dexron III/Mercon. What should I be looking for? What brand? Thanks
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Cajun Country
Joe, what transmission do you have; E4OD or 4R70W? I have the 4R70W and it calls for Mercon. I use AAMCO synthetic blend MerconV from Autozone @ $2.99 a quart. It helps keep the shudder away and helps it shift alot better. If you have the E4OD you need to stay with Mercon.
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
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Make sure you find out what you need exactly. You migth want to contact your dealer to make sure. I made the stupid mistake of using Mobil ATF. Mobil's label was unclear and made it sound like it would work in my 99 F150. After experiencing shifting problems I contacted Mobil and they said it doesn't meet my trucks specs. It cost me $150 to get my system flushed. Bottom line ..... make sure you get the right stuff the first time.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: DC
I have a 4R70W. I thought Mercon V was a no no for these transmissions or is it just the E4OD that you can't use it in? I agree about the labeling on ATF. If I could find a bottle that only said Mercon on it, this would be easier.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Hawaii
My manual says MERCON for the 4R100 and MERCON V for the 4R70W. It also says to refer to your dipstick for the type of fluid.
I read this after I added a little MERCON to my transmission that calls for MERCON V. I wonder if it is going to be ok or weather I should get it flushed??
I read this after I added a little MERCON to my transmission that calls for MERCON V. I wonder if it is going to be ok or weather I should get it flushed??
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: BC, Canada
I dont have the specs for a 97 transmission here but I know that the newer 4R70Ws call for MerconV and the 4R100 still calls for plain old Mercon.
I think that it's hard to go wrong with MerconV in any of them but it does cost more.
I think that it's hard to go wrong with MerconV in any of them but it does cost more.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: DC
I don't mind spending the extra $$$ for Mercon V, especially considering that the trans fluid gets changed pretty infrequently. I really don't want to induce my own problems though. Chipster, any reason for not recommending Mercon V in a '97?
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,417
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From: Durham, NC
Joe, check out this ATF application chart TSB. DO NOT use Mercon 5 in Mercon applications!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.v8sho.com/SHO/TSB01157ATFUsageChart.htm
http://www.v8sho.com/SHO/TSB01157ATFUsageChart.htm
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: BC, Canada
I heard that some transmission shops use MerconV in everything without problems. I guess everyone has their own ideas.
Bob, I was looking for that chart but couldn't find it. Thanks for posting the link to it
Bob, I was looking for that chart but couldn't find it. Thanks for posting the link to it
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Cajun Country
Bob, I cant get the link to work on my computer. Why not use MerconV in a Mercon 4R70W trans? Ive been using MerconV in my 97 4R70W for 30k miles and have had only good things to say about it? Is my trans going to suddenly blow up or something? 
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2001
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It depends on the fluid's chemistry. Some fluids sold in the aftermarket qualify for Mercon V and Mercon designations. They are sold in different containers with only one designation. So, you may have a fluid that works in your tranny that qualifies as Mercon, even though you purchased Mercon V. I just like to stick with the OEM stated components. I doubt you will have problems in your tranny.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,417
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From: Durham, NC
Originally posted by BlueOvalFitter
Bob, I cant get the link to work on my computer. Why not use MerconV in a Mercon 4R70W trans? Ive been using MerconV in my 97 4R70W for 30k miles and have had only good things to say about it? Is my trans going to suddenly blow up or something?
Bob, I cant get the link to work on my computer. Why not use MerconV in a Mercon 4R70W trans? Ive been using MerconV in my 97 4R70W for 30k miles and have had only good things to say about it? Is my trans going to suddenly blow up or something?
Just know in the TSB (try copying and pasting the URL) is very
firm on not using Mercon 5 in Mercon applications!! I checked the
chart, and it looks like they went to Mercon 5 in 1998, in the 4R70W tranny......