Mercon V ATF for both trans and power steering

[Stone27]

Sorry if there is a thread on this already, I couldn't find it.

I'm looking to start doing all my fluid changes myself. I never did them before as it seems I would only save a few bucks (actually lose a few the first time buying the necessary equipment/tools) and the I'd rather save the time over the money, so I've always went to Zap Lube. Anyway I need to due the Transmission fluid (maybe I don't but as long I'm not flushing the system it can't be bad....right?) also considering changing the transmission filter. I definately need to change the power steering fluid (mine is Black now) and I'll be doing the rear differential as well (gotta open it up and get a new gasket in there). I know there are threads on all these individually but my question isn't about how to.

What I'd like to know is can I use the mercon V ATF fluid I'm getting for the transmission for the p/s as well? My manual calls for Mercon V ATF for the trans but says Mercon for p/s and somewhere (I believe in the ford manual) it says Mercon and Mercon V are NOT interchangeable. I only ask b/c I've seen some youtube vids that show ppl doing this on these trucks, and if I can then maybe I could save some bucks and get some much needed experience on this kind of stuff. Thanks in advance to anyone with some input on the matter.

I have 2000 XLT 4.0L SOHC 4x4 auto trans (obviously) with 160k on the dash.

 

[swshawaii]

MERCON ATF REPLACED BY MERCON V AS A SERVICE FLUID
http://www.revbase.com/BBBMOTOR/TSb/DownloadPdf?id=136391

http://www.bbbind.com/free_tsb.html

 

[Stone27]

further confused me

That says they stopped producing Mercon after some point in 2007 and that you could service using Mercon V for "some" vehicles, conveniently my specific vehicle is not listed there. So was the thought process for them just screw the other guys? with my luck thats exactly it.

Has anyone actually used Mercon V when Mercon was the requirement for their P/S system and if so did you have to flush out the old fluid and then proceed to put some kind of cleaning fluid through the system before putting the Mercon V or did you just fill as you would have if it were Mercon?

 

[koda2000]

If you want to use a Mercon equivalent, you can purchase DexIII/Mercon ATF. Personally, I think Mercon V would also be ok, but I wouldn't mix it with whatever may be in the P/S system now w/out a complete flush. Other's here believe P/S fluid is also okay to use, but I'd go with the manufacturer's suggested fluid (be it Mercon or Mercon V). It's not that big of a deal for the P/S system.

 

[swshawaii]

If the power steering fluid is black you should flush anyway. Did mine alone without even starting the engine. Use a cheap turkey baster to suck dirty fluid from the reservoir and lift the tires slightly off the ground. Remove the return line on the reservoir and plug with a 3/8" rubber vacuum cap. Find a short hose to fit over the return line and place in a container. Fill the reservoir with the engine off and slowly turn the wheel lock to lock keeping the reservoir full until the fluid runs clean. Reconnect return line. Start the engine turning lock to lock to purge any possible air. Valvoline Mercon V costs $6 to $7 at most auto parts stores, I only needed one quart but my fluid wasn't too dirty. Easy.

 

[SoNic67]

I think that Ford find out that Mercon V doesn't work so well in Steering pumps/racks and Transfer Cases.
Because a while after they announced that Mercon V will replace Mercon, they come out with a re-badged Mercon:
XL-12
I didn't believe, but after arguing here with others and looking trough the MSDS sheets, I saw it has identical properties with the older Mercon.

So... I would use that in Transfer Cases and Power Steering.

 

[Stone27]

Thanks to all for replys/input

Can't say I feel good about doing it myself b/c I don't know what the previous owner put in there last. I think I'll fork over the money to Zap Lube and let them do it, this way at least they would have to back it if something goes wrong due to what they did (also they had records for my car being serviced thier by the previous owner). They might know whats in there already. I'll find out what they put in it for next go round.

 

[masospaghetti]

For the P/S, Mercon V should be fine. (I've used it on all three of my Explorers, one has had it for seven years with no problems.) It's just serving as a light hydraulic oil.

The only exception to this is Honda P/S systems that for reason use seals that aren't compatible with regular P/S fluid. But you should be fine.

 

[drdoom]

I use Dex/merc for P/S and transfer case. Make sure to use MercV in the transmission, not a multi vehicle fluid.

 

[joecrna]

Two thoughts;

Ford sells specific fluid for transfer cases and power steering now that Mercon V has "replaced" Mercon.

Doing some in depth PS research for another project, I have found that all manufactureres recommend against using PS or any ole trans fluid in their PS units and insist on using what was initially recommended. That is, only use Mercon in it. Saw lots of stuff on seals, hoses, pump tolerances etc.

I would stick with as close to the original manufacturers recommendation (Mercon) as I could source. With that other project Im looking for Dexron II. Hasn't been used for years but I have found a little.