I was finally getting around to doing a PDI (pre delivery inspection) on my new truck today and noticed that they are now calling for Mercon V fluid in the tranny.

just thought I'd mention it.

it is a little low, glad I did top it with Mercon III

later,
chris

edit: glad I didn't top it with Mercon III that is

 

and its still a 4R100 tranny?

Whats the differene then, greg should know.



P.S. I hope you mean didn't, right?

 

Same thing I was thinking.

--Joe

 

oops, yes of course, typo.

I meant glad I DID NOT top it off with regular mercon III

and yes, it's still a 4R100

later,
chris

 

hmm im curious myself, what is the difference? isnt it all just hydraulic fluid?

 

Mercon V is synthetic or "semi" synthetic. other than that, I have no idea.

BTW, so far I have added TWO QUARTS of tranny fluid and it still hasn't shown up on the dipstick yet. NICE GOING FORD!

 

Yep, starting in '97 Ford starting using Dexron/Mercon V in some vehicles and will eventually move to the semi-synthetic completely. I guess their tranny inventory is about at that point.
L Speed

 

Final count, the damn tranny was 3.5 quarts LOW!!!

it took 3 quarts just to get it on the stick, and another 1/2 to get it up to the HOT FULL range.

SWEET!

Oh well, hopefully I didn't hurt it driving it for the past few days.

The funny thing is that it NEVER slipped or didn't engage properly or otherwise exhibit any tranny symptoms

at least the washer fluid was full

later,
chris

 

Nothing surprises me anymore with Ford after 5 years of defective heads and front ends that clunk and shift when you turn the wheel.

 

Check to make sure you have the correct dipstick, Chris !!! <grin>

 

LOL,

At first I thought you meant that maybe I was checking the power steering fluid or something! But then after I thought about it, it would almost make sense if it was the wrong dipstick! Labeled for wrong fluid and reading incorrect level. THAT would be my luck!

but I kinda don't think thats the problem.



later,
chris

P.S. I have clean nails for a mechanic huh...

 

Time for a newby question. When Mercon V is called for, I am assumimg regular Mercon is not advised???

How many L owners are useing a straight synthetic fluid and what is best as a replacement for Mercon V???


Thanks,

Rocks

 

My first answer to this was going to be that I think the clutch material may be different to work with the Mercon V fluid.

maybe somebody with more up to date transmission knowledge will answer this, but here is something that keeps running around in the back of my brain:

I remember a time when Ford had us draining Mercon III out of crown vics (AODE/4R70W) and replacing it with Mercon V to fix an OD or torque converter shudder?

Supposedly the two fluids are not compatible although I've never seen that written on either of the containers. I'd like to know some more info on this topic myself.

later,
chris

 

http://www.nloc.info/forum/showthrea...threadid=33298

 

Sounds kinda funny that the tranny shifted okay being three and a half quarts low. I would check my svy owners manual and see what it says. Sounds like you could have the wrong dipstick!!!!!!!!