I have a 1998 F150 2WD 5.4 auto transmission (don't know Modle - 20 bolt shallow pan). Anyway the trucks been fine, just turned 100K miles and I changed the tran fluid and filter a month ago Mercron V. Don't know if this is a problem to worry about since its always done this but on cold mornings, it seems I have to get up to 15K to 18K rpm's before the truck starts to move. Is this normal?

Thanks

 

15k-18k rpms before it moves is not normal. I'm surprised it doesn't spit the rods out at those speeds! 1500-1800 isn't too bad, but I don't know if I would say it was normal. A lot of late model vehicles have a delayed shift programmed into them, but unless you just drop it in gear and hit the gas you shouldn't be seeing that. Is the fluid full?

 

I think the 5.4l comes with the E4OD, which requires Meron oil not Mercon V. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Is Mercon V good for both the E4OD/4R100 and the 4R70W. I think my engine (5.4) also rev's up to 1500 before it gets going.

Rick

 

Mercon V has replaced Mercon for all Ford applications as of two years ago per Ford.

Unless the tranny is slipping, I wouldn't worry about it.

Steve

 

Thank, I had read a TSB 99-18-5 that talked about a 2-3 delay shift when the transmission is cold. Was thinking someting like this was occurring in 1st also.. I did some more testing and the truck does start moving before 1500 rpm but very slowly. Nothing I can't live with and the truck tows the boat just fine.. so if it aint broke.. Thanks again....

 

As much as I always say "Just put in what they tell you to", I'm going to go out on a limb here and say try some regular Mercon if you have the cash.

It wasn't long ago that Mercon V with an E4OD or a 4R100 was a deadly sin.

Also, the 5.4 has come with the 4R70W, the 4R100, and I think the E4OD all in the F150. We really need to know the tranny to be sure on a fluid recommendation.

Mike

 

I got under the truck and the model No. is PRA-NAB3 which should be a E40D. Also, checked the trans fluid = full. One reason it feels like it takes more RPM's go get rolling may be my tire size LT 285x75 R16. When I changed the trans fluid last month I dropped the pan cleaned it and changed the filter. I did not drain the torque converter. I added 6 quarts of Mercron V. I don't think the fluid type makes any difference, this has been going on sence I bought the trunk in 2005. I'll look around for Mercon, Auto Zone doesn't carry it, maybe Kragan (if I've got a lot a time to kill). Anyway thanks again for your suggestions... Regards Mike

 

My old 94 Aerostar 4.0l AWD required Mercon. When it had 140000 km on it I put Mobil 1 in it. What a difference it made. It was quieter inside and pulled better in OD. It is Mercon compatible. Has anyone used Mobil 1 in their E4OD or 4R100?. I am planning to use it next time I change the oil. I mostly use my truck for towing.

Rick

 

1500 RPM seems a bit high. Try manually shifting the transmission into 1 and see if the truck moves at a lower RPM, if it does then your valve body in the trans is either dirty or it has other issues causing the trans to start in 2.
I have a 97 4x4 w/5.4 and if I start out in 2 the RPM gets to about 1500RPM, if it is in D then it is trying to move just off idle.

 

I'm now concerned about using Mercon V vs. Mercon, found the following with a google search....see below.


This publication contains material that is reproduced and distributed under a license from Ford Motor Company. No further reproduction or distribution of the Ford Motor Company material is allowed without the express written permission of Ford Motor Company.
TSB
06-14-4 • MERCON ATF IS BEING REPLACED BY MERCON V ATF AS A SERVICE FLUID.
MERCON® Automatic Transmission Fluid is being replaced by MERCON® V as a service fluid.
ACTION:
Beginning immediately all automatic transmission / transaxle applications requiring MERCON® can now be serviced using MERCON® V or MERCON® Automatic Transmission Fluid or dual usage fluids labeled MERCON® / MERCON® V. After July 1, 2007, MERCON® Automatic Transmission Fluid will no longer be manufactured, therefore, availability of this fluid will only continue for however long it takes to deplete what remains in inventory.

 

Well, the E4OD was designed to use Mercon. I know about that TSB, but I'm not so sure about the Mercon V for all stuff.

Not long ago, Mercon V in an E4OD/4R100 was not good. The extra friction modifiers in the V weren't good for the others. Now it's OK.

So my question is how can one fluid now be good for both. Or is it just OK for both. Like too much modifier for the E4OD/4R100 and not enough for the 4R70Ws.

IDK. It's not like changing oil specs like the 5w20 vs 5w30.

Mike

 

I tried starting in 1's vs drive and I did not see any difference. Note: The delay is most noticable on cold starts 35 degrees and below. I'm now thinking its designed to delay some on cold starts so I'll live with it... I'm going to research how to drain the torque converter, Chilton doesn't explain it,, I also need to go on a search for Mercon... so far all I've seen is Costal Domestic which says its compatable.. I'll look into the Moble 1 as well.... Thanks..

 

I have a 98 F-150, 4.6, 4-wheel, automatic. Mine has always had a slight 2 second delay on cold mornings. Cold to us is 0 degrees or less. I don't notice much difference until about 20 degrees. It's been doing it since new, just when cold though. It does take a few more rpm's to get it rolling, but that's just the total of all the cold parts trying to move. Mine also has the worst 1-2 shift of any vehicle I have ever owned. Talk about soft! Does the slight rev up thing as it shifts, has always driven me crazy. All the other gears are crisp. I've always thought about geeting like a diablo tuner, just so I could firm up that 1-2 shift. But after 138,000 miles, and I make my living from this truck, I probaly should just leave well enough alone.

Spotty

 

Sounds a lot like mine. I just sold my old 89 Bronco 351, C6 and when I'd put that trunk in drive, I needed to brake to keep from rolling over the dude in front of me at idle.. Quite a switch with the E40D tranny. Thanks for the info...

 

I understand that Mercon V is replacing Mercon but can you actually mix the two. Say you have been running Mercon and you need to top it off. Can you add a quart of Mercon V?