97 Transmission Code U (4R70W, I believe)
The pickup didn't come with user manual. According to Haynes, 97 needs Mercon, and 98 and later needs either Mercon or Mercon V depending on tranny.

Here on some threads I read Ford recommends Mercon V on all 4R70W transmissions. On another thread, I read Mercon V must not be used in place of Mercon.

Which one? Thanks.

 

You can download an owners manual at www.motorcraftservice.com in the owners section. It's free and in PDF format.

 

Use Mercon V for the 4R70w.

Adrianspeeder

 

Thank you for the link for manual, and also for Mercon V recommendation. One question I still have after reading several threads on this subject: if I remove the transmission pan, according to a thread here, I am replacing only 1/2. And I will be mixing up Mercon and Mercon V. Is it a big deal? What if I drain converter? Will I replace most? Thanks.

 

It's better to change all of the fluid. Mixing MERCON and MERCON V isn't the best thing to do, either.

This is how I change all of the fluid in mine:

http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/i...nsmission.html

 

Thanks. I just did replace the fluid buy draining Torque Converter and lowering pan.

 

By the way, it has been said that TC draining is a 2 man job, one man turning crankshaft and the other watching TC drain plug. Not necessarily. If you lie flat on the back with head under TC, your hand comes right where crankshaft is. With a short cheater bar, you can turn crankshaft easily. Just wanted to share.

 

Look on the tranny dip stick it will say either Mercon or Mercon V.

 

It will prolly say Mercon, as ford didn't start reccommending mercon v for the 4R70w till after 97.

Adrianspeeder

 

Hey CASEY 1, I am a little confused on the directions in that link you posted. So what do I do after I start my truck and pump out the old fluid until its air? It says to repeat this step until ive added 13 quarts but it makes no sense to me. Do you mind clearing up step 4 to the finish?

 

After you start the engine you'll get a few air bubbles then solid, old fluid. When you get air bubbles again shut the engine off. Now add as much fluid through the dipstick tube as just was pumped out. Now start the engine and do it again.

Once you've pumped out 13 quarts you have changed all the fluid. Now use the last quart and the dipstick to get the level correct with the engine idling in park.

 

Considering the price of fluid and the work involved, I can tell you as a service center owner that just paying someone the $80-$150 (there is a huge range of pricing, check out multiple options) is worth the money 99% of the time. Rest assured that with a T-Tech transmission flush you are getting 98% of the fluid or better. Also, Pennzoil has a new fluid (I don't know if it is on the shelf or retailer only) called Multi-Vehicle ATF. The specs on this fluid include all atf, atf+3, Mercon I II III IIII V and merc/dex fluids. Basically, all ford and chevy applications, most others with the exception of some foreigners. Its great stuff, and I have been using it over 1.5 years with not the first problem, even in my own cars. It takes the guessing out of tranny fluid

 

There are only three fluids with MERCON labels: MERCON, MERCON V, and MERCON SP. There never was a MERCON I, II, III, or IIII (sic).

Be carreful about using multi rated fluids. Ford says that using a fluid that has both MERCON and MERCON V ratings in certain transmissions may cause damage. Read your owner's manual carefully before using this fluid!

 

Exactly, the 4R100 and E4OD are designed to have NO friction modifiers (Mercon), and the 4R70w NEEDS friction modifiers (Mercon V). So there is no way to satisfy those requrements with a dual fluid.

Would the wrong fluid, or a multi rated fluid insantly destroy the tranny?

Prolly not, but my 4R100 in my diesel is worth to much to me to risk.

Adrianspeeder

 

As you can see based on the info following at the bottom of this post, (minus the listed exceptions marked by ) this fluid will work for all DEXRON, DEXRON-II, DEXRON-IIE, DEXRON-III (H), MERCON, MERCON V , Allison C4, and Catepillar TO-2 based systems. So, yes there is Mercon I II and III, contrary to another poster. And yes this will work, better I might add than Merc 5, in your application. Here is the breakdown of this fluid. And a side note, in 2.5 years of use, Pennzoil has never had a claim against this fluid

MULTI-VEHICLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID PRODUCT DESCRIPTION QUAKER STATE

MULTI-VEHICLE ATF is a special blend of high quality synthetic and mineral base stocks with an advanced additive system for automatic and powershift transmissions. It is fully qualified as a DEXRON-III (H), MERCON, MERCON V and Allison C-4 fluid. In addition, QUAKER STATE MULTI-VEHICLE ATF is recommended for Chrysler automatic transmissions and can function as a Caterpillar TO-2 lubricant. QUAKER STATE MULTI-VEHICLE ATF is formulated to provide the protection that meets or exceeds the quality standards in the industry. The specially balanced additive system protects against shudder, eliminates the need to stock ATF supplements and ensures a high-performance smooth driving experience. Carefully balanced friction modifiers allow friction retention for long life performance and maintain the smooth lock-ups required by a wide variety of vehicles. Enhanced oxidation, thermal stability and corrosion resistance helps maintain year-round protection of the transmission components. APPLICATION QUAKER STATE MULTI-VEHICLE ATF is specially formulated to meet the stringent viscosity and frictional requirements of It is not suitable in a few pre-1986 vehicles where Type F fluids are specified, or some recent vehicles equipped with continuous variable transmissions (CVT’s). See the attached table with vehicle listings! QUAKER STATE MULTI-VEHICLE ATF can be used in passenger cars manual transmissions, trucks and buses, off-highway construction/mining equipment, agricultural equipment, mobile hydraulic systems, industrial machinery, and power steering systems where DEXRON, DEXRON-II, DEXRON-IIE, DEXRON-III (H), MERCON or MERCON V type fluids are specified. BENEFITS • Inventory optimization: Use single ATF for most specifications without using ATF supplements • Excellent friction performance to enhance shift quality -- no shudder • A perfect balance of additive technology and in synthetic blend base oil • Excellent oxidation and thermal stability • Excellent cold temperature flow properties • Can be used in most vehicles. See list!

Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid (Not for Type F and not for Continuous Variable Transmission applications(1,2)*) Suitable in ALL models Suitable except … Acura KIA Audi Suitable in all models, except 2003 onwards for Audi TT model AM General (Hummer) Landrover BMW Suitable in most models, check vehicle manual Buick Lincoln Chrysler Suitable in all models, except 2004 for Chrysler Crossfire Cadillac Mazda Infiniti Suitable in all models before 2004, except 2002 Q45 and 2003 Q45/G35/M45Chevrolet Mercury Jaguar Suitable in most models, check vehicle manual Dodge, Mitsubishi Ford Trucks Suitable in all models, except 2004 with 5-speed transmission Daewoo Oldsmobile Lexus Suitable in all models, except 2004 for GX470/LS430/LX470 Eagle Plymouth Mercedes Benz Suitable in all models before 1996 Ford Auto Pontiac Mini Not suitable! Special fluid required Geo Scion Nissan Suitable in all models, except 2003/4 350Z/Murano and 2004 Maxima/Titan GMC Trucks Subaru Porsche Suitable in all models before 2001, for others check vehicle manual Honda Suzuki Saab Suitable in all models before 2003, except 2002 9-5 Hyundai Volkswagen Saturn Suitable in most models, check vehicle manual Isuzu Toyota Suitable in all models, except 2004 Prius/Landcruiser/4-Runner Jeep Volvo Suitable in most models, check vehicle manual *Note: 1) QS M-V ATF can not be used where type F type fluids are recommended, check your manual if your vehicle is one of the following: Datsun/Nissan pre 1971, Lincoln pre 1978, Ford/Mercury pre 1981, Toyota pre 1983, Volvo pre 1985, Mazda pre 1986, Saab pre 1993 2) QS M-V ATF should not be used in Continuous Variable Transmissions (CVTs) 

http://www.pennzoil-quakerstate.com/Tech/Pdsheet/QuakerState/Gear&Transmission/Pdf/MultiVehicleAutomaticTransmissionFluid.pdf#search= 'pennzoil%20multivehicle%20atf'