Hi,
Sorry it's me again...
I got confused on what fluid I should add itno my tranny.
I have '97 F-150 3 doors, 4.6L engine assembled in Windsor (VIN code 6)
On the driver door I have letter "U" meaning that I have 4R70W transmission. OK. With O/D...
My deepstick reads MERCON, not MERCON V
My user manual reads MERCON not MERCON V
But on the list I found that if I have 4R70W I should use MERCON V fluid. And I found some docs confirming this, at least for trannys made in 2001 and 2002.
I went to a shop that can do complete flush and their software says that for my tranny I need MERCON... not MERCON V.
I am lost...
How on earth you can explain this??? 4R70W needs MERCON?
I have two possible explanations:
1. Even though I have "U" I don't have $R70W installd but 4EOD or whatever.
2. Depending on year you might need different fluid.
I don't want to break the tranny by using wrong fluid!!!
What do you think?
Another thing. Still want to know if I can use Mobil-1 full synthetic and don't worry about MERCON at all... or Valvoline DureLube?
Alex.

 

The '97 F150's with the 4R70W tranny came with good old MERCON in them from the factory. Sometime late in the 98's production (going from memory here, could be wrong), Ford began using MERCON V in the 4R70W trannys in the F150. Trucks that were factory filled with this fluid had dipsticks that clearly stated MERCON V was required. That explains why the folks with 01's and 02's require MERCON V. We have a '99 in the family, and it also requires MERCON V. The dipstick in the '97 and the owners manual for the '97 will tell you to use MERCON. Later models will state MERCON V.

Now, that brings up the question - are the two compatible? Kind of. In the trannys that came factory filled with MERCON V, they are not. MERCON V would be required in those cases. If the tranny came factory filled with MERCON, then you CAN use MERCON V or MERCON. (Important - this only applies to the 4R70W - I know there are other issues with the other tranny). The short story is you can use either in your '97 F150. If you do go to MERCON V, then it is best to stick with it down the road.

If you still are unsure, then use a fluid that meets both - I currently run Valvoline Durablend ATF that meets both MERCON and MERCON V ratings. I can't speak for the Mobil one product, but I know the Valvoline Durablend product meets both.

Hope that helps...

 

gopher,
THANKS!
I will go with Valvoline also.
Alex.

 

Mobil 1 and Amsoil are both universal ATF meeting both Mercon and Mercon V as well as others.

 

 

If in doubt, use what the dipstick says.

 

Mobil 1 is not. It only has the MERCON rating.

Mark

 

Does anybody know why there is a need for Merc V in the newer 4R70W trans?