Mercon SP Tranny Fluid
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Parrish, FL
Mercon SP Tranny Fluid
It's time to service my tranny. I found a great deal on filters at Filter1, but I can't find the fluid anywhere but the Ford dealer & they want $4.62 a quart!
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham, AL
It's called GOTCHA! Swallow hard and go ahead and pay the FMC dealer's price because that's the only place to my knowledge (and I've checked it out fairly well) that you can buy the SP and any other fluid will ruin your transmission or at the least void your warranty, if discovered. Sorry, there's no shortcut on this one.
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Broken Arrow, OK.
Look up at the tech articles at the top of the page, then go to transmission and read up. I did what was indicated and changed mine this summer. It was easy and let the wife feel like she was helping by starting the truck and turning it off. I used Mobil synthetic and the truck runs and shifts like a champ and I won't have to do it again for quite a while!
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,483
Likes: 2
From: Central Texas
In Central Texas I found Mercon SP at a local parts house that is owned by Arnold Oil company, a local distributor.
The 30k maintenance only calls for a drain and fill and external tranny filter change. The flush is extra and not necessary. I did the drain and fill. It took 8.25 quarts. I know a local trans shop that won't do the flush.
The 30k maintenance only calls for a drain and fill and external tranny filter change. The flush is extra and not necessary. I did the drain and fill. It took 8.25 quarts. I know a local trans shop that won't do the flush.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 10
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I know Valvoline has Mercon V SP in synthetic blend.I don't know the price but I hope this helps.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,483
Likes: 2
From: Central Texas
Originally Posted by Casey
MERCON V is different from MERCON SP. You can't use MERCON V in a TorqShift without causing problems.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCON and MERCON V. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCON type
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCON V type fluid.
MERCON, MERCON V and MERCON SP are not
interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCON, MERCON V and
MERCON SP. Use of dual usage fluids in an automatic
transmission application requiring MERCON SP may cause
transmission damage. Use of a transmission fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
MERCON and MERCON V. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCON type
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCON V type fluid.
MERCON, MERCON V and MERCON SP are not
interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCON, MERCON V and
MERCON SP. Use of dual usage fluids in an automatic
transmission application requiring MERCON SP may cause
transmission damage. Use of a transmission fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,210
Likes: 2
There are two ways to get the oil out of the torque converter. One is the flush method, and the other is to take the torque converter out of the transmission and drain it.
I use the flush method. Pulling the trans each time I need to change the oil is too much work!
I use the flush method. Pulling the trans each time I need to change the oil is too much work!
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,483
Likes: 2
From: Central Texas
tn mac,
You are right, the new fluid mixes with the old. Drain and fill is a recommended procedure. Both drain and fill and flush are shown in the service manual. There is no recommendation or cautions on mixing the trans fluid or concerns on not draining the torque converter.
I looked at the fluid on the dipstick prior to changing. It was still red and clear. I spoke to the manager of a transmission shop that I know and trust. His shop doesn't do flushes. He said on a new trans, he would be okay with doing a flush, but it isn't necessary. Just don't go any longer than the recommended maintenance period.
As for comparing the trans drain and fill with changing oil without changing the filter, you don't have the internal combustion process going on in your tranny. I got your idea, just not the same.
You are right, the new fluid mixes with the old. Drain and fill is a recommended procedure. Both drain and fill and flush are shown in the service manual. There is no recommendation or cautions on mixing the trans fluid or concerns on not draining the torque converter.
I looked at the fluid on the dipstick prior to changing. It was still red and clear. I spoke to the manager of a transmission shop that I know and trust. His shop doesn't do flushes. He said on a new trans, he would be okay with doing a flush, but it isn't necessary. Just don't go any longer than the recommended maintenance period.
As for comparing the trans drain and fill with changing oil without changing the filter, you don't have the internal combustion process going on in your tranny. I got your idea, just not the same.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Transfer Case?
So what about changing fluid on the transfer case? I don't beleive it shares the fluid with the trans like some vehicles. What is the schedule for this? What type of fluid does it use?