Quick tranny question

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Sep 27, 2005 | 11:46 PM

preppypyro

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From: North Central Rural Sask.

Quick tranny question

Does anyone know, will dextron 3 work in an automatic tranny from a 97 ford? I heard they use mercon and me and a guy at work were talking about it but cant seem to figure if there was any actual difference.

Sep 28, 2005 | 09:39 AM

MrBSS

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In my experience, the Dexron and (non-V) Mercon are generally spec'd together on the same bottle, but that does not mean they are identical. In other words, I would not use Dexron (only) spec'd fluid in a transmission requiring Mercon. Especially for top-up, the difference is probably insignificant. But why would you want to risk it?

Sep 28, 2005 | 12:07 PM

lancekilgore

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The dip stick should say wheather you use mercon or DexIII. there is a addative that is sold that will change DEx III to Mecon V. I would use the mercon V if that is what is called for though.

Lance

Sep 28, 2005 | 05:12 PM

CanadaGuy

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You can use V where you're supposed to use III, but not vice-versa.

Sep 28, 2005 | 05:15 PM

steve(ill)

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MRB is right. Dextron III and standard Mercon are similar, but not identical spec. It is possible to make an oil that passes both specs. That bottle will say both on the face. If it does not, dont used Dextron III in the FORD. The newer trucks use DEXTRON V. THe version V is not the same as standard Mercon or Dextron III. You must use on y MERCON V in the newer transmissions.

Sep 28, 2005 | 05:16 PM

steve(ill)

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I ment the newer FORD uses MERCON V and dont interchange with Dextron. There is no such thing as Dextron V.

Sep 28, 2005 | 07:03 PM

lancekilgore

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A I sadi earlier there is a addative that many tranny shops use that changes Dex III to Mercon V. When I acidentally put dex III in mine the local tranny shop told me to add this and they sold it to me for 10.00. Low and behold Napa sells it for about 4.00. although I still reccomend using the right fluid in the tranny.

Lance