2000 f150 4x4
I posted this on the wrong thead at first, but here's my problem. I fixed a tranny leak yesterday and originally added too much fluid when I was done. So I decided to drain the fluid from the pan and refill to the right level. The guy a pep boys told me I needed Castrol dex/merc. So I ended up adding about 6 quarts of dex/merc only to realize after that the dipstick says mercon v. How bad is this? Can a wait a week or so to do a flush?

 

I think the manual says do not mix mercon and mercon V.

 

It can wait, but you should do a complete exchange with the right fluid.

 

So I spoke to a guy at Pep boys and they are gonna give me enough fluid to do a complete change. My question is how do I get all the bad fluid out? I have a drain plug in my torque converter. I live in an apt community so I'd like to be a clean as possible so I don't **** off the neighbors. I'm not opposed to getting some sort of fluid extractor. Just want to be clean and quick.

 

Do what I do. I put a plastic tarp under my vehicles when I change oil or trans fluid to keep the concrete driveway clean.

 

So if i drain the torque converter and drop the pan will that get all the fluid out? Yesterday the drain plug in the torque converter just happened to be in the right spot. Does it matter which way I turn the crank to get it in the right spot?

 

Do a "pump and dump" exchange.

Open up the return line between the cooler and the tranny.

Connect a clear hose to the cooler line and direct into a 5 gallon bucket.

Start engine, run at idle and watch the clear hose for air bubbles, then shut off engine.

Dump in fresh fluid in the amount pumped out plus a quart or so.

Repeat pump-out, run the transmission through the gears while pumping.

Repeat dump and pump one more time, if you want to.

Refill to original level, restore the cooling line.

 

Drain the torque converter with the plug and drop the pan. That gets all but about 1 quart out, it holds at least 12 quarts.

 

Thanks for all the advice. I drove the truck around 40 miles before I realized I had the wrong fluid. Just hoping there's no permanent damage.

 

There shouldn't be.

 

I went out and checked the owners manual for my 2002 with 4R70. The transmission fluid capacity is 13.9 qts. (I thought I remembered my 2000 holding 12 qts. Evidently, my memory is faulty.) It also states that mixing Mercon and Mercon V can cause trans damage. So, I suggest draining and refilling asap.

It also states that fluid that is made to be used in either transmissions that require Mercon or Mercon V can cause damage if used in transmission that requre Mercon but is okay in transmissions that require Mercon V.

 

The manual was correct at the time it was published. That incompatibility was later resolved (around 05 or 06) with either a reformulation or new testing protocol and should not be an issue any longer (unless you have very early Mercon V still on your shelf).

Any transmission that was made for Mercon may use either Mercon or Mercon V (now recommended as of 2006). Any transmission that was originally designed for Mercon V should NOT use Mercon. Simple enough?

 

The most likely consequence is that it's going to shudder at some point. The fluids mix.

But, if they are giving you the fluid then drain the pan and converter and fill er up. Don't worry about getting every last drop.

D