What type of fluid to use ?

[Abom]

Ok, I've done searchs but am still unsure, so here it goes.

I have a '96 Ex, 4.0L, auto transmission. I understand that the tranny is a 4R55E (a.k.a. A4LDE). I'm changing out the tranny filter, and obviously refilling what comes out of the pan.

So my question is, what type of ATF am I buying ? My Ex never came with an owners manual, so I downloaded one, which says I should be filling up with Mercon. Ok, well, which one ? From what I can tell, it's either Mercon III or Mercon V ? And I'm assuming since my Ex is older, it's going to be Mercon III ?

Can someone please clarify ? Any help is greatly appreciated !

 

[BillJ]

Check out post #10 in the following thread:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146841

Excerpts:

Mercon — Ford fluid introduced in 1987, very similar to Dexron II. OK for all earlier Fords, except those that require Type F.
Mercon V — Ford’s newest type, introduced in 1997 for Ranger, Explorer V6 and Aerostar, and 1998 & up Windstar, Taurus/Sable and Continental. Must not be used in 1997 or earlier Fords.

Interesting article:

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

Mercon looks to be the original lube for your tranny, I would recomend adding some Lubegard along with it.

http://www.lubegard.com/automotive/trans_atf.html

 

[BrooklynBay]

Mercon III is the correct fluid. Mercon V is semi synthetic. You could also use full synthetic.

 

[Abom]

Perfect, thanks !