I have a 2000 5.4L and it just turned 30K. I'm going to have the dealer perform the 30K scheduled maintenance with the exception of engine oil (I'm going to do Mobil 1). I believe it's time to change the transmission fluid. Is the factory fill fluid synthetic? If so, I'm assuming that's what the dealer will replace it with? If not, should I switch to synthetic?

thanks
jim

 

Look at the end of the dip stick,if it says"mercon V" it's full synth

 

Ford does not use a full synthetic in any automatic transmission.

The factory fill MERCON fluid is a conventional fluid. The factory fill MERCON V is a synthetic blend.

In the driver's door jamb is a blue tag. One column will have a TR at the top. Below that is either a U or an E. If it's a U the transmission is a 4R70W. If it is an E it's a 4R100.

the 4R70W requires MERCON V fluid. The 4R100 requires MERCON. Bad things could happen if you use the wrong fluid.

Here is an article I wrote about different fluids.

What is the Correct Transmission Fluid for My Transmission?

Automatic transmissions are very sensitive machines. Some of the smallest clearances machined into any vehicle are in an automatic transmission. Some of the clearances are in the tenths of thousandths of an inch. A fluid that is too thick or too thin can cause operational problems.

An automatic transmission uses friction to transfer torque. The friction material in the clutches and bands react against steel. The coefficient of friction between these surfaces is critical. A fluid change can make a large change in the frictional properties. If the new fluid is "slipperier" than the fluid that the transmission was designed to use the friction material will slip and the transmission
will fail in a short time.

Some fluids are not compatible with materials used in the transmission. Certain fluids can degrade the friction material or seals, leading to a transmission failure.

Ford has specified specific fluids for all of it's transmissions. For the E40D and 4R100 transmission Ford specifies MERCON rated fluids. The owner's manual and service publications warn against using MERCON V or a fluid that has both MERCON and MERCON V ratings.

The new TorqShift five speed automatic transmission uses an all new fluid called MERCON SP. This transmission will not operate properly on MERCON or MERCON V fluid.


Can I use a Synthetic ATF in My Transmission?


Ford does not make any specific recommendation about using synthetic fluids. The only recommendation is to use a fluid with the proper rating.

There are synthetic, synthetic blend, and non-synthetic blend fluids available in both MERCON and MERCON V. As long as you use a fluid with the correct rating your transmission will be happy.

There is a persistent rumor that you should not use synthetic ATF because it is too slippery. That's not true. Any fluid that has a MERCON rating must meet Ford's specification for coefficient of
friction, or "slipperiness." If it is too slippery Ford does not allow the fluid manufacturer to put the MERCON rating on it's product.

I believe that synthetic ATF is worthwhile for transmissions that are worked hard. A synthetic fluid has a stronger film, which lubricates better, it carries heat away better, and it does not break down from high temperatures as readily as conventional fluids.

I use Mobil 1 synthetic ATF in my vehicles that tow.


Was that more information than you wanted?

 

HI!... I've been running REDLINE D4 in my 4R70-W tranny for 4 years. No problems here with the fluid.

 

Hey Neal! I've been using Redline D4 ATF, too. It sure is good stuff, just a little expensive, though. How many miles do you go before a change?

Mark- I could be wrong, but I thought that Mobile 1 ATF isn't compatable with 4R70w trannies. I don't think it is Mercon V compatable.

 

You are correct. Mobil 1 ATF is MERCON, not MERCON V. I do use it in my trucks that tow, but I have a 4R100 that requires MERCON.

 

I have Mobil1 ATF in my 4R70W. My dipstick says to fill w/ Mercon not MerconV so it is compatible in my case.

 

HI!... mf150 : I change my tranny fluid, P.S fluid and rearend oil once a year no matter what. I also change my engine oil every 3000KMS. I know it's expensive but IMO it's the best oil on the market. Here where I am it's $15.00(CAN) a LITER. So I just buy it buy the case, 24 bottles. (2 cases). I run about 20 liters in mine total with the addition of my larger tranny cooler and AUX tranny filter. Also I run a bit more in my tranny because my tranny builder told me that in racing applications the 4R70-W is notorious for sucking the pan dry. He recommends to fill the tranny until the dipstick reaches just past the white plastic where it meets with the steel rod.

 

yup, the price seems about right. we pay $8.79 per qrt. here in California. Redline is great oil, and I have all the confidence in the world when it is floating through my engine and tranny. I've even added Redline's Water Wetter in the radiator and SI-1 Fuel system cleaner in the tank. I guess we can go overboard, but why not. I'll be paying my truck off for the next 3 years! I change my oil with filter every 5,000 mi. and my tranny/ torque convert. every year along with the radiator. I haven't changed the rear-end fluid yet. Would you recommend doing this? I do primarily city driving, towing nothing more than myself.


Anyway, glad to see a fellow redline nut.

 

HI!... Ya I also use the REDLINE fuel injector cleaner and have WATER WETTER in my cooling system. I havn't switched to REDLINE engine oil yet. Too expensive for me since I change it so much. If I were you I would change the rearend oil. Make sure to add the FORD friction modifier if you have a LS (posi). My truck will be paid off in two more truck payments. The the BIG mods begin!!!!!!!!!!