ESP-M2C138-CJ Fluid Alternative

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Mar 19, 2007 | 09:52 PM

vesuvius5402

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From: Fort Worth, Texas

ESP-M2C138-CJ Fluid Alternative

Hello Everyone,

My transmission dipstick says to use ESP-M2C138-CJ fluid. I do not see any ATF in stores that references this number. I hear conflicting opinions about what is safe to use.

I have some HAVOLINE ATF that says it is safe for DEXRON II, IIE and III and I have some VALVOLINE MAX LIFE that says it is good for DEXRON III and MERCON.

Can I use one of these? If not what can I use?

Thanks for your help

Mar 19, 2007 | 10:14 PM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

Is this for the 1981? Does it have a c6? I put Dexron II in mine, though now I think they call it Dexron/Mercon III.

Try this link.

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d800a4cbd.jsp

Last edited by Franklin2; Mar 19, 2007 at 10:17 PM.

Mar 19, 2007 | 10:19 PM

vesuvius5402

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From: Fort Worth, Texas

Yes it is for my 1981 F-150 with a C6.

Mar 25, 2007 | 03:33 AM

KULTULZ

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From: W (BY GOD) V

CJ was supersceeded by DEXRON III/MERCON.

Dec 2, 2012 | 04:46 PM

Joseph Gendron

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ESP-M2C138-CJ

To be clear, to my knowledge this particular specification is an outdated Mercon (Ford) specification, any universal transmission fluid that is suitable for mercon should do fine, though picking a good one should make the transmission last a lot longer, especially if you use a synthetic. The only Mercon transmission fluid that I specifically know is not compatible is "Mercon SP" because it is the wrong viscosity, I also might stay away from "Mercon LV" as I do not know if it is backward compatible. Most any universal transmission fluid that is suitable for "Mercon V" should be compatible as well though because of the higher levels of friction modifiers you might notice smoother shifting between gears. My personal preference is usually for synthetic fluids like "Redline's D4ATF" but the valvoline max-life is compatible & more than adequate.