1st gen auto tranny fluid

[sonik]

I've searched, but I'm seeing conflicting information. I'm looking for the correct fluid for my '94. Ford just says Mercon Auto Trans Fluid, and the Haynes manual says Mercon V, but from what I've read Ford started recommending "V" around '97. I picked up some "Dexron III/Mercon" from Napa which replaces "Mercon, M2C166H (type H), and M2C138CJ (type CJ)" and isn't recommended for Ford M2C33-F (type F). Should I hunt down some Mercon V or just go with this stuff?

 

[Alec]

Merc III is fine, though Merc V would work very well.

 

[kdogg212001]

ok while we are on the subject how hard is it to replace the trans. filter and fluid?? i dont think my 94 has ever been changed!!! and do you think it would be worth the trouble to change gear fluild?

 

[Glacier991]

Do a search.... you can drop the pan and replace the filter but you only will be replacing 1/4 to 1/3 of the fluid.... or you could do a that and do a flush... which is somewhat controversial on older trannies which have never been changed regularly. The ideal would be to add a drain plug, and change the fluid you CAN get out weekly for a month <g>. Read up on here on flushes and decide.

 

[sonik]

You can't mix two types of fluid, right? I have no idea what in there now, I'm assuming it's III. It looks like I'll need to do a full flush if I put V in.

 

[TheJMan]

ok while we are on the subject how hard is it to replace the trans. filter and fluid?? i dont think my 94 has ever been changed!!! and do you think it would be worth the trouble to change gear fluild?

Replacing the trans fluid and filter is actually quite easy (but messy), and only takes about 40 minutes. Just go to your nearest NAPA or Checker or whatever is easiest for you, pick up a trans filter and gasket kit and 4 quarts of Mercon ATF (I prefer Chevron) which is all you need. Just loosen the bolts, bring the pan down slowly after all the bolts are removed, and dump the fluid into an oil change container. Using a 10mm socket, remove the bolt that hold the trans filter into the transmission, and pull the filter off. When putting the new filter on, remember to put on the o-rings or you won't even be able to move (I learned that the hard way). After filling the trans with 3.5 quarts, you should be set. I noticed a dramatic improvement in shifting after doing this service on my Explorer.

I think when you refer to gear fluid you are talking about the differentials. Just take the over off the rear diff. It's the easiest way to get rid of the old fluid. Put on a new gasket and refill with new fluid. (I used 75W-90 Mobil 1 with a LSD additive)

Hope this helps.

 

[cjbarron5]

actually if you loosen all the bolts then start in one corner and work back to an opposite corner you will make very little mess ie work in a v formation back to the corner that you pick

 

[Jason94sport]

I just changed the tranny fluid/filter this weekend. Very easy to do. I used Mobil Mercon III fluid for Ford cars/trucks. The fluid in there was very brown. Didn't smell burnt, but didn't look too great. Took about an hour for me. Most of which was getting the old gasket off the pan. Noticed a small difference in shifting. Nothing too great.