OK, it's time to change my trans. fluid, and was wondering if I would be fine just taking the truck to a "quick lube shop" where they just suck out the old and put in the new. I don't want the hassles of the dealerships and dropping it off for the day. Does my trans have a filter? I have heard some don't. Please fill me in, I would appreciate it. My truck: 97 F150 XLT 4x4 OffRoad. 5.4L, Auto Trans, Electronic shift on fly 4X4, 3.55 gears, if it matters.

 

In 1997 the 5.4L engine could be mated with either the 4R70W or the 4R100 automatic transmission. Check the Vehicle Cert. Label on the driver side door jam.

E=4R100
U=4R70W

Yes, you can have a quick lube shop flush the fluid. Personally, I would not trust anyone to perform this maintenance on my truck. It's very inexpensive to replace the fluid and filter yourself and also very easy.

Having a quick lube shop flush this fluid, you'll run the risk of having the wrong fluid and/or filter placed in the transmission. It's also expensive. Ford dealers charge around $129.00 to flush the fluid and around $149.00 to flush the fluid and change the filter. Even if you buy the 14 qts of fluid and the filter at a Ford dealer, the total would come out to around $60.00 for everything. Saves a lot of money and you'll know that everything was done correctly if you perform this maintenance yourself

Also: The type of fluid used is very important. If you have a 4R100 transmission, it requires Mercon transmission fluid. The 4R70W on the other hand would have been filled with Mercon fluid at the factory, but should now be flushed and filled with Mercon V transmission fluid. Ford began using Mercon V fluid in the 4R70W in 1998 to help cure/prevent transmission torque converter shudder.

4R100=Mercon fluid
4R70W=Mercon V fluid

The 4x4 models also have a deeper transmission pan and require a particular filter that has a longer neck. If you use a 4x2 filter in a 4x4 pan, the filter will not extend low enough into the pan to suck up the fluid.

I'd say do this yourself or make sure that whoever replaces the fluid is competent and knows which fluid and filter to use.

 

I just checked, it's the 4R100. Pretty big trans, after looking at it.

 

Al, thanks for your reply. My U code tranny is also due for fluid/filter change as well as the transfer case. What fluid do I put in the transfer case, how much and are there any tricks to draining and changing the transfer case fluid? Also, how much Mercon V should I buy for the tranny?

 

Sure, why not? You can call me Al

I have a 4x2 (no transfer case) so I can't tell you how to change the fluid in there. As for the transmission fluid change: The transmission holds 5 qts and the torque converter around 8 qts. You should have enough if you get 13 qts of Mercon V.

 

I like the T-Tech Transmission Fluid Exchange units.
Some shops do allow customer to bring their own fluid and watch while the job is done.

 

My son worked at one of those quick lube joints, he said that they had a basic pennzoil fluid that they used and added additives to it to make it mecon V or what ever was needed. I don't think that is the way to go, also I wouldn't let my son touch my ride so why would I trust a stranger? Here is a site with info for DIY. http://members.shaw.ca/pferlow/transmission_oil.htm

 

I thought you could use Mercon V in the 4R100, but not Mercon in the 4R70W?

Can you even get Mercon anymore?

 

Mercon/Mercon V TSB

 

sorry I cant make that out :\

 

The TSB states that the 4R100 requires Mercon fluid and using Mercon V may cause damage to the transmission. It also states that 1998 and later 4R70W transmissions require Mercon V fluid.

 

thanks

 

I have a 1998 Lariat, 5.4, 4R100. 150,000 miles. No issues with the motor or transmission. Everything running fine. I want to change the transmission fluid.

I have seen many posts here and other places about using Mercon or Mercon V. Some dating back to 2000.

What is the current best practice for the 4R100? I just got 18 quarts of Mercon V on sale but before I pull the trigger on the job I would like to confirm.

 

You don't have a 4R100, you have a E4OD. The 4R100 replaced the E4OD in 1999, they were both code "E". Mercon V replaced Mercon in all applications many years ago - note that this thread is 17 years old! TSB from 2006 linked below.

Best practice is use what you bought, drop the pan, change the filter, and drain the torque converter. Reuse the existing pan gasket unless it's damaged, it's designed for reuse. In 1998 the converters still had drain plugs, you don't need an exchange machine.

https://www.aa1car.com/library/ford_tsb_06144.pdf

 

Great thanks. That's exactly what I was looking for.