I have an '01 with the auto and would like to change the fluid for the second time. Last time I used Havoline Mercon V and it seems to me that it didn't wear as well (the fluid has a darker color, a little browner compared to the pink color when new) as the factory fluid (stayed clean, clear and red for 30K). Does anyone have some opinions on what type / brand of fluid to use? Dino, semi-synthetic, or synthetic?

Mark K -Could you tell me what the factory uses for fluid?

Thanks in advance!

 

I think Mercon V is a synthetic blend and you're stuck with it that way. You can only upgrade to full synthetic. Alot of users seem to think that Amsoil ATF (universal for all makes/models) is the way to go, but hard to get? At $92.40 a case it's kinda pricey, but I think preventing a rebuild as long as poss. is worth the $$$.

You can go to http://www.amsoil.com to get it or find a local dealer on the site.

 

HI!... REDLINE D4 synthetic fluid. Been running it now for almost 4 years now. No problems here.

 

I'm using AAMCO Mercon V synthetic blend. I get it at Autozone for $2.99. Probably also available at Aamco transmissions.

I could see a definite color change when I did my first change from the factory dark red to the new lighter colored red of the new AAMCO brand.

 

Neal has a good point about Redline. I personally like Amsoil sythetic ATF.

 

Exxon super flo here

 

Thanks for the responses guys!

As this is my commuter vehicle, a V-6, and I try to be very easy on it, I don't think I'll need full synthetic. Plus my budget says "No synthetic". So here's my thoughts. The factory fill seems look and smell the best under identical driving conditions compared to the Havoline that I used. So is it worth going to a dealer to pick up the fluid, or will it cost me just as much as good synthetic?

Dare I ask the cost per quart of the Redline?

 

I second what Neal said above. I use Red Line D4 ATF, too.
Tranny shifts smoother and gets up quicker that the non-synthetic factory ***** (not that mercon V is bad...I'm just spoiled!).


Red Line oil is almost twice the price of Mobil 1 (per qrt). The stuff doesn't break down half as fast as other lubes, though. If your hard on your engine and tranny...GO FOR IT! If not...Mercon V will be fine!

 

The factory fluid is a synthetic MERCON V. I don't know who makes it.

 

HI!... I was told that the factory MERCON V is not a true synthetic fluid. It's a synthetic blend.

 

Yup on the REDLINE train too..Great stuff..no problems to report..

 

Neal,

You're right! That is a mistype on my part.

The factory MERCON V fluid is a synthetic blend.

 

I'm confused when reading the posts. I plan on changing my trans fluid but I don't want to buy Amsoil or Redline at those high prices. Are they truely compatable with Mercon V? My truck is still under warrenty and the last thing I want is trouble. I will be towing a long distance this summer and want top performance. Is there anything else reasonable in synthetics for the 4R70W trans?

 

Quaker State 4x4 and Valvoline Durablend are both blends. I expect they will be more than adequate. I bought the QS 4x4 (I have a 2wd, hope it's ok) at Wally world for about $1.30 last summer. So far no problems.

 

Valvoline DuraBlend ATF!