I think there is only one atf that meets the current F150 requirements. Its a LV fluid.

04-08 it was Mercon V, but that changed 09+.

 

I used Synthetic Fuel Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid Product Code: ATLQT-EA
http://www.amsoil.com/catalog.aspx?code=ATLQT-EA
Here is the rest of the fluids list for the 2009:
http://www.amsoil.com/mygarage/PRNoM...x?unitid=16417

 

My ecoboost is running about 190-195 on the hwy going about 68mph going through hills.

 

Thanks again F4 - so which of the diff lubes did you choose? There are 4 or 5 listed which is what confuses me

All TEMPS......80W-90
SAE 80W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube (AGLQT)
SEVERE GEAR 75W-90 Synthetic EP Lubricant (SVGQT)
75W-90 Synthetic Long Life Gear Lube (FGRQT)
SEVERE GEAR 75W-110 Synthetic EP Lubricant (SVTQT)

 

I believe that the severe gear line has the best protection.

Rear diff
Severe Gear 75W-140

Front diff
Severe Gear 75W-90

 

This is where I prefer RP. It has the friction modifier in it. No hassle.

 

I've already had one dealer flush completed at 65k miles, the fluid looked and tested pristine, which answered my questions about running 150k. I intend to run my truck 300k+, and will only do one more transmission flush on it at 200k.

Coming from the hydraulic world, we USED to say 180°F was max recommended temp for the fluid returning to the reservoir. Used to as in 20 years ago. Today's compact construction equipment can easily see 215-230°F in peak operating conditions. Difference is that the components are designed for operating at those temperatures.

I'm 99% confident my transmission is operating at it's design temp on the highway at 75-80mph. My first 72k miles have been trouble free aside from the normal software reflash.

IowaAndy

 

I've seen my guage read upwards of 220, three times I've had smoke/steam issuing from the hood. I just chalked it up to being new and not "broken in" , though I haven't seen anything like it happen since (2011 FX4) less than 3000 miles. My 09 ram sport would exude a very distinct smell everytime I parked it after making a drive, this lasted about 8000 miles. Were these oddities, or something else?

 

Wow those seem really high... My 04 hits 141 on the highway... on occasion in the hot summer heat 150. Mine does have the tow package

 

F4 and Iowandy - thanks a lot!

 

We ('09 - '11) owner's can always pull the fill plug on the sealed trans and check the color and consistency of the trans fluid. I would flush trans and diff every 50K miles if towing on a regular basis.

 

Just to add more info regarding the 6R80 -- in the workshop manual (I bought a subscription), Ford describes how to check the transmission fluid - they also describe the normal operating temperatures:

"The transmission fluid level is correctly checked when the transmission is at normal operating temperature, 89ºC-102ºC (193ºF-215ºF), and the vehicle is on a level surface."

Also saw that the "normal schedule" does not require a fluid change ever; but their "severe duty" indicates a fluid change at 150k miles. Hard to believe.

-----

EDIT to add:

Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor

The TFT sensor is a temperature dependent resistor that is in contact with transmission fluid in the transmission sump area.

The PCM monitors the voltage across the TFT sensor, which changes as transmission fluid temperature varies.

The PCM uses the TFT sensor signal as an input for its strategy for shifting and TCC operation. The PCM also uses the TFT sensor signal for transmission fault detection and diagnostics.

 

My 2011 F150 with the 5.0 just towed a 23' trailer (approx 4, 500 lbs) up a nice grade in 100°+ heat going to Yosemite. The temp gage hovered around 214° - 219° up the climb, then once at the top quickly cooled just below 200°. The Engine temp was normal, never over heated. I kept the trans in 3/2nd most of the time, with very little shifting and took my time. My truck has 10k miles so far and oversized 18" tires.

 

My 2012 EB 4x4 with tow package and 3.31 gears pretty much constantly runs at 190 to 195. Went camping(Everett, to Yakima, to Packwood, WA) two weeks ago, the ambient temp was 98-105 degrees, truck was fairly loaded with camping gear, and people. The trip included traveling over two steep mountain passes(Snoqualmie, and White). Trans temp never read above 195. The actual needle gauge read right in the middle the whole time, so not really concerned.

Gawd I love this truck

 

Just got back today it ran about the same up the mountain. I just hate watching rpm's go high when it drops to 2nd gear in the pull, but it's a pulling sob.