The power steering fluid in my '04 F150 is a little low. I stopped by the dealer today to get fluid and they gave me Type F fluid. I mentioned to the part guy that the manual says to use Mercon fluid. He said it doesn't matter and they use that Type F fluid for everything. Does anyone know if it does matter? Will the Type F work just as well as the Mercon or should I take it back?

Jon

 

Check on the bottom side of your engine compartment for a leak. I just discovered red oil all over the bottom of my engine. Now i gotta take it in again!!!

 

I thought mixing Mercon & non-mercon fluids was a no-no... can't recall where I saw that or if it applied to all merc fluids or just certain ones..

 

You want Mercon-V for power steering. That’s what the Owner’s Guide says on pg. 276
Don’t mix Mercon with Mercon-V either

 

Sure you didn't read the wrong line, mine says Mercon ATF for power steering and transfer case, Mercon V for the transmission.

 

yep read it wrong

Looks like I got my power steering toped off with the wrong stuff

 

along with mixing different oil weights i would say you have a hienz 57 truck

 

I had to get my entire steering rack replaced because power steering fluid was leaking out of one of the lines. I think that there is a recall for it too. I may be wrong though. Point of the story is next time you have it at the dealer get them to check the power steering lines for leaks and have them fix it if it does and put the recommened fluid in it.