Quick Question - Tranny Fluid
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,453
Likes: 0
From: Central,Texas
You guys want to know something funny other than my first Trans Service i had done at ford @ 14,000 miles after that i have been using "Carquest" brand trany fluid ever sence. I am at 131,000 miles now and zero probs with my 4R70W Trans thats every 14,000 miles service filter and fluid.
With my auto meter trans temp gauge driving all over the place city driving with the AC on in the texas summer the temp has not gone over 150.
With my auto meter trans temp gauge driving all over the place city driving with the AC on in the texas summer the temp has not gone over 150.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
You guys want to know something funny other than my first Trans Service i had done at ford @ 14,000 miles after that i have been using "Carquest" brand trany fluid ever sence. I am at 131,000 miles now and zero probs with my 4R70W Trans thats every 14,000 miles service filter and fluid.
With my auto meter trans temp gauge driving all over the place city driving with the AC on in the texas summer the temp has not gone over 150.
With my auto meter trans temp gauge driving all over the place city driving with the AC on in the texas summer the temp has not gone over 150.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 8
From: Cook Forest and Irwin PA
Honestly Bill, do you ever READ the TSBs you post? It clearly says, Mv, M, or dual ONLY because M will no longer be licensed (made) after 07.
This has *ZERO* to do with the compatibility of the fluid. Mv was not reformulated. If it was the API would have required it to be M6 or MVI.
As I said before, the internet itself, including THIS site, is rife with the warnings of doing exactly what you are advocating doing.
This has *ZERO* to do with the compatibility of the fluid. Mv was not reformulated. If it was the API would have required it to be M6 or MVI.
As I said before, the internet itself, including THIS site, is rife with the warnings of doing exactly what you are advocating doing.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 8
From: Cook Forest and Irwin PA
a friend of mine had a 78 F250 with a C6, it took Type F. I think that tech bulletin is saying if you can't find Type F for older trannies or Mercon, you should use Mercon V. Motorcraft does not sell mercon anymore but the aftermarket does. just my interpretation of that document....
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 8
From: Cook Forest and Irwin PA
true
false. they are not licensing anyone to make "Motorcraft Mercon." Ford does not now, nor ever has, manufactured a fluid.
However, the specifications HAD to be released, for free, for any other OEM to make it, or else Ford would have had to have GIVEN AWAY FOR FREE ALL OIL USED FOR EACH CAR, Over its lifetime. Care of the Magnuson-Moss Act. In particular the tie-in sales portion.
No one has EVER used the name Mercon except QS, Pennzoil, Ashland &c who made red motorcraft bottles for Ford, under license, which as been previously discussed, was discontinued. (and truth be known, I can find no evidence that I have ever purchased a single drop of 'motorcraft' transmission fluid, yet I have filled a lot of trannys with 'mercon')
Other makers (easily verifiable by, um, I dunno, walking to walmart?) indicate quite well that their tranny fluid is Dex or Mercon compatible. The number 1 automatove fluids retailer in the USA is...drumroll please.....walmart.
and they are not licensing anybody to use it or make it anymore.
However, the specifications HAD to be released, for free, for any other OEM to make it, or else Ford would have had to have GIVEN AWAY FOR FREE ALL OIL USED FOR EACH CAR, Over its lifetime. Care of the Magnuson-Moss Act. In particular the tie-in sales portion.
Some after market companies are trying to come up with a smaller product and a name for it as they no longer can use the name Mercon..
Other makers (easily verifiable by, um, I dunno, walking to walmart?) indicate quite well that their tranny fluid is Dex or Mercon compatible. The number 1 automatove fluids retailer in the USA is...drumroll please.....walmart.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 23,666
Likes: 301
From: Easton,Ks
Let me explain it to you.
After the year 2007 only use a container of fluid that says Mercon V or fluid that says Mercon V AND Mercon on the same container. No where does it say to use anything that just says Mercon on it or any other Red fluid.
Note in this context dual and and mean the same thing.
Also V and 5 are the same thing.
By the way I had a shudder problem with my 1995 4R70W transmission when I bough the truck. I flush it and refilled it with Mercon V 50,000 miles ago and the shudder problem when away and have had no problems with it to this day. It has been now two years.
Also the subject of this Thread about Mercon V and your red fluid has been gone over in very detail in the FTE Forum Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle and Transfer Case, you can do a search there to find out all about it.
I do not care to go over this any more. If you want to make your points I suggest that you go to that Forum and discuss it with those guys. A lot of the information that I post is from that Forum and my personal experiences of working on Trucks and Cars for about 50 years now. I do think that all the engineers at Ford do know something about this subject and they would not put out these TSBs just for the fun of it.
Here is a link to their Forum:
Clutch,Transmission, Differential, Axle and Transfer Case - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
The main point I want to make is when someone asks a question on the FTE Forum I want to give him or her the information they ask for as put out by the Manufacture of their Truck.
The OP asked what the Manufacture of his Truck recommends for his Truck and that is the information I gave him.
This discussion did not need to take place, as it just will confuse a lot of the readers of this Thread.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 26,898
Likes: 3
From: southern md
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 8
From: Cook Forest and Irwin PA
Beginning immediately all automatic transmission / transaxle requiring MERCON can now be serviced using MERCON V OR MERCON Automatic transmission fluid OR dual usage fluids labelled MERCON / MECRON V.
After July 1 2007, MERCON Automatic Transmission Fluid will no longer be manufactured
After July 1 2007, MERCON Automatic Transmission Fluid will no longer be manufactured
The wording, as provided, does not indicate that MERCON cannot be used. Which you said it did. I said it didnt. (and Im wrong?)
This would also imply that replacement fluids labelled MERCON compatible may also be used.
FORTUNATELY, you provided a link to the clutches/tranny portion of FTE or else we would have never found it. Contained within that link are perhaps HUNDREDs of tales of E4OD trannys behaving poorly due to wrong fluid usage. But since you also imply, the remedies in those posts are now wrong, by accident I discovered another post on a competing website dealing with Broncos (rumored to be a Ford product) which covered the subject as thus:
Only the NEW "reformulated" Mercon V is supposed to be used in the E4OD/4R100. Unfortunately there is no way to tell the new from the old other than the bar codes, and I have yet to see what Ford did to "reformulate" it for compatibility. It was rumored that people saw Ford taking back all the old Mercon V from stores and spot checking the bar codes to make sure only the new stuff was sold when that TSB came out.
The M5OD-R2 and BW1356 ain't gonna care, but I'd be worried about E4OD/4R100 owners.
Mercon V was originally made 4 years after the intro of the 4R70w because plain ole Mercon which doesn't have friction modifiers. The 4R70w needs friction modifiers, but the E4OD/4R100 is designed not to have friction modifiers in the fluid and there are many reported cases of the E4OD/4R100 dieing after the old Mercon V was mistakenly put in.
In conclusion, who the hell knows with Ford. I'd just like one hour to talk with a powertrain engineer there.
The M5OD-R2 and BW1356 ain't gonna care, but I'd be worried about E4OD/4R100 owners.
Mercon V was originally made 4 years after the intro of the 4R70w because plain ole Mercon which doesn't have friction modifiers. The 4R70w needs friction modifiers, but the E4OD/4R100 is designed not to have friction modifiers in the fluid and there are many reported cases of the E4OD/4R100 dieing after the old Mercon V was mistakenly put in.
In conclusion, who the hell knows with Ford. I'd just like one hour to talk with a powertrain engineer there.
So imagine that, another board rife of posts about E4ODs failing due to MERCON V due to some magical mystery friction modifiers. (which I note with no amount of satisfaction are required for the one modern auto tranny you do claim to own)
A few posts later the same poster was asked this question:
oooo, good read. I'm I saw this cause I just bought a case of Dexron III / Mercon and I gotta ask how that'll do. I got it to change the fluid but the stuff that's in there is still bright red and clear, but that's what the dipstick shows. I wonder what's lurking down there in the pan?
So how's the Dexron III / Mercon gonna do me? Should I return it?
So how's the Dexron III / Mercon gonna do me? Should I return it?
Nope, thats the exact stuff ya need
whooda thunkit.
not to be a smart butt, but methinks you would be served well by coming up with a new definition for the term 'totally wrong'.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
Quick Q? So much for a Quick asnwer!
You guys have got me scared to put fluid in my truck now! I will soon be replacing the fluid in my 5 speed manual i guess its an m50d? And adding fluid to the new power steering unit i bought. No what exactly do i need to be using in my tranny? Manual 5 spd? MY transfer case? MY power steering unit? The rear and front gear housing?
Why is everything seem complicated or why do people complicate them!
You guys have got me scared to put fluid in my truck now! I will soon be replacing the fluid in my 5 speed manual i guess its an m50d? And adding fluid to the new power steering unit i bought. No what exactly do i need to be using in my tranny? Manual 5 spd? MY transfer case? MY power steering unit? The rear and front gear housing?
Why is everything seem complicated or why do people complicate them!
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 8
From: Cook Forest and Irwin PA
And of course, not to get in the last word, but I like asking experts their opinion.
How about, hmmm these guys?
From the FAQ:
In english, that is usually known as 'nuff said (or alternatively, they are unable to read english as well)
How about, hmmm these guys?
Detailed Description
The Legendary Factory Tech 4R100 MonsterBox
Introduction, The Legend
For the person looking for the absolute state of the art transmission for their SVT F-150, Lightning, Harley Davidson F-150 or Powerstroke Diesel 4R100 equipped vehicle, look no further. The Factory Tech Monster Box is it. Hand built to order by ASE Certified Technicians and built as strong as any 4R100 can be, the Monster Box will take an astounding amount of flywheel torque. Since it's introduction, the Factory Tech Monster Box has been the first and last name in true custom built to order 4R100 Transmission Performance. Now built and backed by Jasper Engines and Transmissions to the pre-existing Factory Tech standard in quality and unbeaten customer service. No Monster Box has ever failed from exceeding design specifications for input torque or horsepower. We can't even break one on a test stand using a grueling "test to failure" routine. This test was done at 1800 ft/lbs of flywheel torque! OEM transmissions fail in less than 30 minutes on this test, while the Monster Box was run for 8 hours without failure.
The Legendary Factory Tech 4R100 MonsterBox
Introduction, The Legend
For the person looking for the absolute state of the art transmission for their SVT F-150, Lightning, Harley Davidson F-150 or Powerstroke Diesel 4R100 equipped vehicle, look no further. The Factory Tech Monster Box is it. Hand built to order by ASE Certified Technicians and built as strong as any 4R100 can be, the Monster Box will take an astounding amount of flywheel torque. Since it's introduction, the Factory Tech Monster Box has been the first and last name in true custom built to order 4R100 Transmission Performance. Now built and backed by Jasper Engines and Transmissions to the pre-existing Factory Tech standard in quality and unbeaten customer service. No Monster Box has ever failed from exceeding design specifications for input torque or horsepower. We can't even break one on a test stand using a grueling "test to failure" routine. This test was done at 1800 ft/lbs of flywheel torque! OEM transmissions fail in less than 30 minutes on this test, while the Monster Box was run for 8 hours without failure.
From the FAQ:
How many quarts of Fluid do I need, and other fluid questions.
Your owners manual gives you the capacity of your transmission including the converter, cooler lines and cooler-radiator. In general, if you install the deep plugged pan you need 7-8 quarts to fill it back up, if you plan on changing all the fluid, we recommend you have the system flushed and filled at your local dealer or oil change shop to get the oil from the wormtrail and clutch packs. Always use MERCON fluid. It is very important not to use MERCON V. Also, most fluid that is MERCON compatible is labeled MERCON/DEXTRON III; this is fine, as long as it is MERCON. Some aftermarket fluids are dual usage and are not compatible with the 4R100 or E4OD. Do not use any dual usage fluids or those that claim to be compliant with both MERCON and MERCON V.
Your owners manual gives you the capacity of your transmission including the converter, cooler lines and cooler-radiator. In general, if you install the deep plugged pan you need 7-8 quarts to fill it back up, if you plan on changing all the fluid, we recommend you have the system flushed and filled at your local dealer or oil change shop to get the oil from the wormtrail and clutch packs. Always use MERCON fluid. It is very important not to use MERCON V. Also, most fluid that is MERCON compatible is labeled MERCON/DEXTRON III; this is fine, as long as it is MERCON. Some aftermarket fluids are dual usage and are not compatible with the 4R100 or E4OD. Do not use any dual usage fluids or those that claim to be compliant with both MERCON and MERCON V.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 8
From: Cook Forest and Irwin PA
regardless of initial fill, mercon (you do not list year etc, M5Ods and other 4spds once came with 5w30 once the 140w gear oil craze ended)
1356? Mercon
Powersteering fluid. Saginaw units I have no problem using Dex3/Mercon. Others - dont seem to last so long. (I would never dream of using ATF in any of my tractor hydro units, there are differences between ATO, ATF and straight hydraulic fluid)
75w90 + modifier if limited slip
question of the year no doubt.
MY transfer case?
MY power steering unit?
The rear and front gear housing?
Why is everything seem complicated or why do people complicate them!
