mercon or mercon v?

[rickcdewitt]

does anyone know what my 94 a4ld takes? i have conflicting crap chilton manuals. one is for 91-92,the other is 91-2002 and they both say different.

 

[jimbo74]

jsut run the best, mercon v

mercon v supercedes any otehr mercon requirement

 

[dogfriend]

Ford didn't require Mercon V in the Explorer until they introduced the 5R55E in 1997. So you can use regular Mercon in an A4LD. You could also use Mercon V, but Ford says that it is not backwards compatible (i.e. doesn't interchange with earlier models).

You could also use an ATF that meets both Mercon and Mercon V spec (therefore covering both) such as the newer Mobil 1 Syn ATF or AMSOil Syn ATF.

 

[CDW6212R]

Mercon is now obsolete, it is illegal for anyone to manufacture it. Thus by Ford's recommendation, all vehicles that call for Mercon, they all now should have Mercon V used in them.

FYI, upgrading to real synthetic fluids can save more in fuel costs than the extra cost of the synthetic fluids. Save money and buy Amsoil fluids for the engine, trans, TC, and differentials. Good luck,

 

[dogfriend]

Mercon is now obsolete, it is illegal for anyone to manufacture it. Thus by Ford's recommendation, all vehicles that call for Mercon, they all now should have Mercon V used in them.

Really? Do you have a link to this?

I have an older TSB that says not to use Mercon V in applications where Mercon was originally specified

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=602357&postcount=5

 

[glfredrick]

What you are saying about Ford's recommendation for the different Mercon formulations is correct -- except -- that Ford decided to change their minds.

Time will tell how much damage will occur from making the switch.

I'd run Amsoil synthetic and forget Ford's requirements all together.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/tsb/fulltext/show_article.php?tsb=06-14-4

http://www.imakenews.com/lng/e_article000564317.cfm?x=b11,0,w

http://penrite.com.au/files/GS6E5HYM8G/55_DEXRON_III_HandMERCONV.pdf

http://www.smartsynthetics.com/faqs/questions_about_transmission_applications.htm

http://www.f150online.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-9018.html

 

[dogfriend]

What you are saying about Ford's recommendation for the different Mercon formulations is correct -- except -- that Ford decided to change their minds.

Time will tell how much damage will occur from making the switch.

Thanks. Learn something new everyday.

I guess you guys (who originally were supposed to use Mercon) are now the guinea pigs!

I think its strange that they gave a warning that it wasn't backward compatible and now it is. I wonder why they didn't just upgrade everyone in the beginning? I thought that it was probably because Mercon V had different slip characteristics than regular Mercon, which I recall reading on BITOG (Bob is the oil guy).

 

[CDW6212R]

Thanks for the links glfredrick, and I agree with you, the best answer is to order some real synthetic fluids. I'm planning to for my vehicles when next they need it. Regards,

 

[dogfriend]

FWIW, I use all syn fluids in my Explorer, AMSOil in the trans, transfer case and differentials, Mobil 1 in the engine.

 

[rickcdewitt]

You could also use an ATF that meets both Mercon and Mercon V spec (therefore covering both) .

thats what i'm doing but i thought i'de narrow it down some.damn thing is leaking somewhere,figured i'de check the modulator since i don't see fluid on the ground

 

[glfredrick]

thats what i'm doing but i thought i'de narrow it down some.damn thing is leaking somewhere,figured i'de check the modulator since i don't see fluid on the ground

Easy check...

Pull the vacuum line at the modulator. If it is wet/full of oil, your modulator is bad.

Have fun getting it out. Best to go in from above. Easiest if you drop the transmission crossmember and let the unit sag, then jack it back into position when you are finished.

 

[ghoster]

which oil would i have to use for the tranny of my 04 4WD? I want to go w/ synthetic (amsoil) but i really have no idea which one it needs

 

[CDW6212R]

Mercon V started in the late 90's for all Fords.

 

[BrooklynBay]

This link is # 14 in my list of useful threads: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1348273&postcount=10

 

[dogfriend]

This link is # 14 in my list of useful threads: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1348273&postcount=10

Hi Brooklyn,

If you want to update your list, Toyota now has Type WS (World Standard) ATF which is specified for the Tundra pickups and for the 04+ Prius. The older 01-03 Prius uses Type T.

 

[briwayjones]

which oil would i have to use for the tranny of my 04 4WD? I want to go w/ synthetic (amsoil) but i really have no idea which one it needs

Amsoil meets both Mercon and Mercon V specs.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Thanks for the updated information Dogfriend. I added the information to my list as a link to your post under # 14.

 

[dogfriend]

T

I guess you guys (who originally were supposed to use Mercon) are now the guinea pigs!

Doh! Now I am one of the guinea pigs too.

My GF bought a 1999 Rexhall motorhome built on a Ford F-53 chassis. Which means that now I am the motorhome mechanic.

It has a 4R100 trans which was originally (supposedly) filled with Mercon. And it has the warning on the dipstick and in the owners manual to use Mercon only.

It has 19k and the recommended ATF change interval is 21k, so it is due.

I'm leaning toward Mobil 1 ATF for this thing because its a couple of dollars a quart cheaper than AMSOil and this beast takes about 17 or 18 quarts of ATF. At least it has a drain plug and I believe it has a torque converter drain plug as well.

It has a good sized cooler mounted up front and I won't be towing anything with it right away, but eventually we may want to tow the Explorer behind it.

 

[CDW6212R]

That is a strong trans, the one for big trucks, towing.

BTW, the Mercon only warning means nothing less than Mercon. Mercon V is better for all of the old Mercon applications, and recommended by Ford when Mercon went away last year.

 

[dogfriend]

That is a strong trans, the one for big trucks, towing.

BTW, the Mercon only warning means nothing less than Mercon. Mercon V is better for all of the old Mercon applications, and recommended by Ford when Mercon went away last year.

Yep, its a pretty heavy duty unit, they also put it behind the diesels. My GF's motorhome is a V10.

Still, if Ford hadn't printed all of those owners manuals and service manuals that caution against Mercon V in a trans originally designed for Mercon, I wouldn't give it a second thought. But it seems really weird that for years they were warning people about it, then one day they decided it was ok after all. Is it because those vehicles are now out of warranty?