Fluid change for 1997 4x4 4.6

clvlndta3 · #1 03-12-2004, 02:15 PM

I have a 1997 Ford F-150 4X4 XLT SC that I am wanting to change the transmission fluid in. What type of fluid does this take? I have the 4r70 transmission according to the door plate.
Thanks!

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casey_1 · #2 03-12-2004, 04:31 PM

It takes MERCON V.

clvlndta3 · #3 03-12-2004, 05:18 PM

That's what I thought. How much is Mercon V per quart? I haven't seen it in the stores. Who carries it? We have an Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, and Wal-Mart. I know I haven't seen it in Wal-Mart and I don't think I saw it in AutoZone, but I wasn't really looking either.

powerstroke73 · #4 03-12-2004, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by casey_1
It takes MERCON V.

Bull****, went through all this in another thread. The 97 and 98 4R70Ws can use either Mercon V or straight Mercon. The newer ones need to use Mercon V, but the earliers don't require it. I would say to use what is listed on the dipstick. Mine has run Mercon from the factory and I have yet to develop any torque converter shudder. Yeah I know you're gonna come out and say that its gonna cause shudder casey_1, we've all heard it already

In the other thread where everyone shot holes in that there were about 3 of us that spoke up with 97/98s that had run Mercon with no problems. I would reccommend using straight Mercon if your dipstick lists that instead of Mercon V. Its about $1 less per quart and a flush will take 12-14 quarts. I've had about 2 flushes done on my 4R70W since I've had it. I had it rebuilt once but that was from another unrelated issue. Aside from that problem I haven't had any issues with shifting or shuddering or anything.

Here is the link to the other thread where this has been discussed already. Transmission Fluid Capacity Question...

casey_1 · #5 03-13-2004, 09:16 AM

I stand corrected. Ford has a TSB out, number 01-15-7, that shows what transmissions use what fluid. My copy of that TSB shows that the 1997 4R70W should use MERCON . 1998 and later use MERCON V.

rkjerue · #6 03-15-2004, 09:35 PM

Look in the tranny dip-stick, it will say "Mercon" or "Mercon V".

casey_1 · #7 03-16-2004, 10:19 AM

I corrected my post above. 1997 4R70W is the last year that uses MERCON. 1998 and newer use MERCON V.

Roadie · #8 03-20-2004, 04:17 AM

I have a 95 Mark VIII Lincoln which has a 4R70W. The Mark VIIIs were made from 93 to 98. On the Mark VIII web site, a transmission guru who used to be a transmission engineer with Ford recommended that all Mark VIIIs use MerconV. I am using it in my 95 after I developed the shudder. However, the shudder came after the thermostat stuck closed and the engine overheated a little. My personal opinion is that the Mercon would do fine if it doesn't get too hot. Mark VIII transmissions tend to run hot enough that the shudder is prevalent in the south. The stock replacement thermostat from the dealer has changed from a 195 to a 188 due to this condition.

Teal97 · #9 03-20-2004, 01:21 PM

[quote]Originally posted by powerstroke73
[b]Bull****, went through all this in another thread. The 97 and 98 4R70Ws can use either Mercon V or straight Mercon. The newer ones need to use Mercon V, but the earliers don't require it. I would say to use what is listed on the dipstick. Mine has run Mercon from the factory and I have yet to develop any torque converter shudder. Yeah I know you're gonna come out and say that its gonna cause shudder casey_1, we've all heard it already

In the other thread where everyone shot holes in that there were about 3 of us that spoke up with 97/98s that had run Mercon with no problems. I would reccommend using straight Mercon if your dipstick lists that instead of Mercon V. Its about $1 less per quart and a flush will take 12-14 quarts. I've had about 2 flushes done on my 4R70W since I've had it.

I agree with powerstroke73 100%
Use mercon and you will be fine