Does my 2001 F150 automatic transmission come from the factory with a high quality synthetic oil or should I look to change it to one. How about the differential oil?

 

Not positive on the factory tranny oil (mine had Mercon V in it - which is no gurantee it is full synthetic). There are many Mercon V synthetic 'blends' on the market.

However, the rear differential *IS* full synthetic and is 'supposed' to be good for life (unless it is submerged in water, etc - check your owners manual for more info on this).

 

No Ford automatic comes with a full synthetic from the factory.

If you have the 4R70W you have MERCON V, which is a synthetic blend. If you have the 4R100 transmission you have MERCON, which does not have any synthetic.

Inside the driver's door is a blue tag. Look under TRANS. If there is a "U" there, you have the 4R70W. If there is an "E" you have the 4R100.

If you do change, use the correct fluid! The wrong fluid can cause a premature transmission failure. 4R70W requires MERCON V and 4R100 requires MERCON. There are full synthetics available for both.

Mark

 

Any recommendations for the full synthetic. How many miles would you recommend before changing.

 

I only have experience with Mobil 1 synthetic ATF. It has a MERCON, but not MERCON V rating. I would use this in a 4R100, but not a 4R70W that requires MERCON V. I don't have any experience with MERCON V synthetics.

As for mileage between changes I change the fluid on the severe service schedule that is shown in the owner's manuals. That is usually 30,000 miles. If you do a lot of towing or heavy hauling I'd change it even more often.

Mark

 

Although I have not yet switched over to a full synthetic in my tranny, I think I will be going with AMSOIL when I do. I've heard many good things about their ATF and other lubricants. I currently have AMSOIL in my rear differential. I replaced the fluid and filter (screen) once already (10,000 miles), but went with a Mercon V blend.

There is no real time period/mileage to wait before switching over. Full synthetic in your tranny is only a good thing!!


www.amsoil.com

http://intershop.amsoil.com/cgi-bin/Amsoil.storefront

 

I have sked this question to several people (including people at the parts counter at the dealerships).

What EXACTLY is the difference between the Mercon and M-V variations of ATF? No one has been able to say anything other than "If it calls for one, then use that one."

I have seen some information (Owner's manual, maybe) that one is interchangeable but not the other way around; like trannys with Mercon can use Mercon-V, but not the other way around. Or maybe I have that backwards (running out the back of my brain.)

Thanks,
David

 

In most cases I think they are not interchangable. At least you can' use Mecon V in place of Mercon.

However, a good synthetic like Amsoil, is universal! I'm, running it now. My Expy is now getting 6 MPG more than it did, it's faster, I can smoke the tires shifting and I keep drinks strapped to the tranny to keep them cool the tranny stays so cold!

Ok, I'm being a smart a$$. I AM running Amsoil but I haven't noticed any difference, but I didn't expect to.

I'm sooo glad it's Friday!