Trans fluid question
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Trans fluid question
I have an 03 f350 7.3L w/5spd auto. I seem to get conflicting info on what type of trans fluid is in this truck. I do some towing and plowing and it's due for a fluid change but one mechanic says it has synthetic from the factory another claims it doesn't. I really don't care what I have to put in it, I just would like to know for sure what should be used. Any advice is appreciated, thanks
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Peoria, IL
First, are you sure you have the 5 speed? I thought the Torqshift only came with the 6.0L?
According to the owners guide the 4 speed automatic takes Mercon transmission fluid, the 5 speed Torqshift automatic takes Mercon SP.
Here is a link to the Motorcraft site where you can look at your manual.
http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdi...&VEHICLE=F-350
According to the owners guide the 4 speed automatic takes Mercon transmission fluid, the 5 speed Torqshift automatic takes Mercon SP.
Here is a link to the Motorcraft site where you can look at your manual.
http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdi...&VEHICLE=F-350
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: New Jersey
If you have the 7.3 then you have the 4 speed auto. Beerstalker is correct, in '03 the Torqshift was unique to the 6.0. Make sure you find out the correct fluid for sure and dont use anything else.
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Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stephensville WI
According to the owner's manual, it was possible to get a 5 speed torqueshift in 2003.
http://www.analogstereo.com/pdf/om/f...anual_2003.pdf
See chart on page page 255.
It also says, on page 256:
Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission fluid requirements are indicated on the end of the dipstick. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine the correct service interval.
So, look at your dipstick.
http://www.analogstereo.com/pdf/om/f...anual_2003.pdf
See chart on page page 255.
It also says, on page 256:
Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission fluid requirements are indicated on the end of the dipstick. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine the correct service interval.
So, look at your dipstick.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,743
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From: Peoria, IL
Elmo where did you get that?
I went right to the 03 owners guide where it states regular Mercon for the 4 speed (which I'm pretty sure he has with the 7.3L), and Mercon SP for the 5 speed Torqshift (which I am 99% sure only comes with the 6.0L).
I went right to the 03 owners guide where it states regular Mercon for the 4 speed (which I'm pretty sure he has with the 7.3L), and Mercon SP for the 5 speed Torqshift (which I am 99% sure only comes with the 6.0L).
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Thanks for all the responses.
This has been a big help.
I checked the dipstick and all it says is to "use mercon" on the handle in fine print so I'd say I was mistaken and it's the 4 speed. Sorry about the mis-information.
I get what seems like 4 distinct shifts and was told it's probably the 5 speed.
I'll double check with a dealer but just to be sure is there any way to tell by the VIN or a difference in the 4/5 speed housings that a quick visual check would show?
Hate to be a pain but with the conflicting opinions from local mechanics (probably because of the 4 to 5 speed difference??) I guess it's best to be sure what trans it has before it's changed. Thanks again
This has been a big help.
I checked the dipstick and all it says is to "use mercon" on the handle in fine print so I'd say I was mistaken and it's the 4 speed. Sorry about the mis-information.
I get what seems like 4 distinct shifts and was told it's probably the 5 speed.
I'll double check with a dealer but just to be sure is there any way to tell by the VIN or a difference in the 4/5 speed housings that a quick visual check would show?
Hate to be a pain but with the conflicting opinions from local mechanics (probably because of the 4 to 5 speed difference??) I guess it's best to be sure what trans it has before it's changed. Thanks again
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 643
Likes: 3
From: North Branford
Originally Posted by Edkajo
Thanks for all the responses.
This has been a big help.
I checked the dipstick and all it says is to "use mercon" on the handle in fine print so I'd say I was mistaken and it's the 4 speed. Sorry about the mis-information.
I get what seems like 4 distinct shifts and was told it's probably the 5 speed.
I'll double check with a dealer but just to be sure is there any way to tell by the VIN or a difference in the 4/5 speed housings that a quick visual check would show?
Hate to be a pain but with the conflicting opinions from local mechanics (probably because of the 4 to 5 speed difference??) I guess it's best to be sure what trans it has before it's changed. Thanks again
This has been a big help.
I checked the dipstick and all it says is to "use mercon" on the handle in fine print so I'd say I was mistaken and it's the 4 speed. Sorry about the mis-information.
I get what seems like 4 distinct shifts and was told it's probably the 5 speed.
I'll double check with a dealer but just to be sure is there any way to tell by the VIN or a difference in the 4/5 speed housings that a quick visual check would show?
Hate to be a pain but with the conflicting opinions from local mechanics (probably because of the 4 to 5 speed difference??) I guess it's best to be sure what trans it has before it's changed. Thanks again
You can use Mercon V or the plain old Mercon in your tranny. You have the 4R100 4 speed auto.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2007
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<TABLE cellSpacing=10 cellPadding=0 width="90%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>TSB 06-14-4
07/24/06
MERCON ATF IS BEING REPLACED BY MERCON V
ATF AS A SERVICE FLUID.
FORD:
1980-1997 Crown Victoria
1981-1997 Mustang, Thunderbird
1981-2003 Escort
1986-1993 Festiva
1986-1997 Taurus
1989-1997 Probe
1994-1997 Aspire
1995-2000 Contour
1980-1996 Bronco
1981-2003 F-150
1981-2004 E-Series, F-Super Duty
1983-1996 Ranger
1986-1996 Aerostar
1991-1997 Explorer
1993-2004 F-53 Motorhome Chassis
1995-1998 Windstar
1997-2004 Expedition
2000-2005 Excursion
2001-2007 Escape
1987-2000 F-B-Series
2000-2007 F-650, F-750
LINCOLN:
1980-1997 Town Car
1981-1997 Continental
1993-1997 Mark VIII
1998-2004 Navigator
2002-2003 Blackwood
MERCURY:
1980-1997 Grand Marquis
1981-1997 Cougar
1986-1997 Sable
1987-1999 Tracer
1995-2000 Mystique
1999-2002 Cougar
1993-2002 Villager
1997 Mountaineer
2005-2007 Mariner
MERKUR:
1985-1989 XR4TI
This article supersedes TSB 01-15-7 to update the vehicle application chart.
ISSUE
MERCON(R) Automatic Transmission Fluid is being replaced by MERCON(R) V as a service
here is the tsb.
this is where i got my information
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
07/24/06
MERCON ATF IS BEING REPLACED BY MERCON V
ATF AS A SERVICE FLUID.
FORD:
1980-1997 Crown Victoria
1981-1997 Mustang, Thunderbird
1981-2003 Escort
1986-1993 Festiva
1986-1997 Taurus
1989-1997 Probe
1994-1997 Aspire
1995-2000 Contour
1980-1996 Bronco
1981-2003 F-150
1981-2004 E-Series, F-Super Duty
1983-1996 Ranger
1986-1996 Aerostar
1991-1997 Explorer
1993-2004 F-53 Motorhome Chassis
1995-1998 Windstar
1997-2004 Expedition
2000-2005 Excursion
2001-2007 Escape
1987-2000 F-B-Series
2000-2007 F-650, F-750
LINCOLN:
1980-1997 Town Car
1981-1997 Continental
1993-1997 Mark VIII
1998-2004 Navigator
2002-2003 Blackwood
MERCURY:
1980-1997 Grand Marquis
1981-1997 Cougar
1986-1997 Sable
1987-1999 Tracer
1995-2000 Mystique
1999-2002 Cougar
1993-2002 Villager
1997 Mountaineer
2005-2007 Mariner
MERKUR:
1985-1989 XR4TI
This article supersedes TSB 01-15-7 to update the vehicle application chart.
ISSUE
MERCON(R) Automatic Transmission Fluid is being replaced by MERCON(R) V as a service
here is the tsb.
this is where i got my information
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 648
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by Edkajo
.....I'll double check with a dealer but just to be sure is there any way to tell by the VIN or a difference in the 4/5 speed housings that a quick visual check would show?
Take Care
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 594
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Originally Posted by redford
According to the owner's manual, it was possible to get a 5 speed torqueshift in 2003.
http://www.analogstereo.com/pdf/om/f350_owners_manual_2003.pdf
See chart on page page 255.
It also says, on page 256:
Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission fluid requirements are indicated on the end of the dipstick. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine the correct service interval.
So, look at your dipstick.
http://www.analogstereo.com/pdf/om/f350_owners_manual_2003.pdf
See chart on page page 255.
It also says, on page 256:
Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission fluid requirements are indicated on the end of the dipstick. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine the correct service interval.
So, look at your dipstick.