PTU on a 2010?

[Cameron58]

I changed the front and rear diff fluid last night (fun, had to pump it out and back in on the front), and I saw a video about the Power Transfer Units on AWD fords crapping out because on some models they're surrounded by the transmission and catalytic converter and it cooks the "lifetime" fluid. So that fluid should be changed roughly every 30k miles.

My question: Does the 2010 explorer with the 4.0L engine, even HAVE Power Transfer Unit? It does have AWD but also 4x4 (one of the reasons I wanted an explorer from this gen as the later ones don't have actual 4x4). My service manual and googling doesn't yield any indication of a PTU existing on this vehicle.

Thanks!

 

[94Eddie]

The pre 2011 Explorers and Mountaineers have a transfer case. It is not the same as the vehicles with transverse mounted engines that are in the 5th gen Explorers. The transfer case in your vehicle does not get subjected to the same amount of engine and exhaust heat. Still, I recommend to change the fluid in them at least every 40k-50k miles along with the transmission fluid. It is easy to drain and refill.

 

[Cameron58]

The pre 2011 Explorers and Mountaineers have a transfer case. It is not the same as the vehicles with transverse mounted engines that are in the 5th gen Explorers. The transfer case in your vehicle does not get subjected to the same amount of engine and exhaust heat. Still, I recommend to change the fluid in them at least every 40k-50k miles along with the transmission fluid. It is easy to drain and refill.

Reseurrecting this old question of mine. What fluid does this transfer unit take? 4.0L v6 engine, 5R55W transmission I believe. (unsure what the transfer case model number is).

Service manual says "mercon". Owners manual says "XL-12". Oreillys says Mercon LV, advanced auto parts says to use multi-vehicle ATF fluid rated for dexron III/mercon. I've seen mixed recommendations on this forum.

 

[94Eddie]

I suggest calling a Ford dealer parts department and ask them what fluid to use. Or just drive to one and buy it there. IIRC, the transfer case only takes one quart of fluid. Also, you can check the Owner's Manual but I think they might have spec'ed a different fluid from the original.

 

[mountaineer2004]

fill the transfer case with the mercon equivalent, it takes about 1.5 quarts

 

[94Eddie]

fill the transfer case with the mercon equivalent, it takes about 1.5 quarts

Good catch. 4WD vehicles take 1.5 quarts and AWD takes 1.3 quarts.