I am wanting to change my Transmission fluid, but it sucks not having a garage and the heat in Houston makes me rather pay a grease monkey to do it. So, I went to Cottman Transmission and got a quote for $39 to change my transmission fluid with Dextron ATF. I heard from friends that Ford needs Mercon ATF. Will it change alot? I know that this winter I will probably change it again(myself) when I have a garage availible, and I would probably use a synthetic ATF. I just need to know if this will be a decent solution.

 

3-3/4 qts MERCON not (Mercon V), or use any fluid that meets Mercon spec.
Synthetic is fine.

 

I decided im doing it myself, and using Royal Purple Max ATF, 3.75 quarts. Ill let you al know how it goes. Thanks Jackal for the advice on Royal Purple and thanks Bluegrass also for telling me about not using Mercon V in my manual trans. this messege board rocks.

 

I changed the fluid now. I put just about 3.75 quarts. I am waiting to go for a drive. Ultimate test:Houston traffic at 5 o'clock. I have to go get my dad from work since he lent his car to my sister.

 

Actually, I don't really think the M5OD is going to care about the difference between Mercon/MerconV/Dextron/DextronIII. Heck some guys use GM Syncromesh.

Adrianspeeder

 

I am using GM syncromesh fluid in mine. Shifts a lot better than all the ATFs out there, even the synthetics.

JMC

 

i used dexron 11 for the first time at 50000 k and its just as good so far, but the price difference here is amazing ford was ginving mercon v for $4.50 per litter while dexron was only $2.00. i was told that dexron is what europe uses while mercon is american so almost all fords in europe use dexron.

 

I used Mobil 1 synthetic ATF in mine and noticed a difference in shifting. I gained 2 mpg on a recent trip upstate. In all fairness though, I changed the thermostat to a 180*, and have an new A/C compressor so I am not sure where the mileage gain came from.

Frank D

 

The atf in these 5 spds doesn't last very long or do a very good job lubricating them. After tearing one up myself I rebuilt it and used gm syncromesh and haven't had any problems since. The atf seemed to break down very quickly and the syncromesh does not.
The syncromesh is worth the couple extra bucks.
Alan

 

dirtydog what is it exactly called? is it just synchromesh atf, is it only available at gm. would like to get the details so i can try to look for it here in the philippines. thanks

 

Here is what a bottle of it looks like in Canada.

JMC