atf help

[john112deere]

Need to change the ATF in my (automatic) Escort. 1998 model year.

Owners manual specs Mercon. No number after it.

Car's got about 80k, probably the factory fill in the transmission.

I've been told that Mercon V replaces Mercon; that Mercon VI is synthetic, compatible, and superior...and that I should just buy "Mercon" off the shelf at the parts store and stick with that. Thoughts?

Also...I don't want to pay for a flush on the thing, and don't want to do it myself. Thinking maybe I can just drain the pan twice- should get about 3/4 of the current fluid out, right? (Assuming draining the pan is about half the total capacity.) Is this a good idea? And if so, should I put a new filter in on the first or second drain/fill?

Thanks!

 

[89frankenford]

good question Ian. if i were to go your route i would replace the filter both times so you know its completely clean. as far as i know you can use Mercon V BUT im not 100% on that either.

 

[emtzach]

first ? is the fluid burnt to the point u can smell it. if so you really need to get as much replaced as possible, you may want to bite the bullet and get it flushed at jiffy lube. i used to work for them and its amazing how much better the trans shifts with all the fluid replaced. just add up the price of the filter and fluid factor in the pain in the azz of doin it your self and see if the 100$ it would cost may be worth it. if the fluid looks ok and your just pm'ing it then draining and replacing should be fine. and yes merc V is the right app

 

[john112deere]

Fluid is brown (not black). Doesn't smell burned and doesn't feel gritty.

 

[emtzach]

ok yeah i was just checking like i said most places are dyin for buisness so theyll throw out discounts just to get u in the door call around i wouldnt be surprised if you could get it flushed for under a hundred and be done with it in a half hour

 

[TexasRho83]

How much you payin' for the filter kit? Probably pretty cheap. Swapping the filter out twice should do her and not hit you too badly in the pocketbook...most expensive part will probably be the fluid you run through. Those quick lube joints will hook up the fancy machine and charge you $100 but they rarely drop the pan and if they do, they'll charge you extra for sure.

Here's an interesting link on your Mercon fluid

 

[john112deere]

Napa website lists the filter/o-ring/pan gasket kit at around $20. Trans capacity is pretty low (4.1 qts, per manual) so fluid shouldn't run too much, either.

Biggest pain will probably getting the stupid pan off. There's a crossmember in the way, and I'm told (and it looks like) I either have to remove it or jack the engine up a little to get the pan off.

 

[Bricks]

A flush would be the best way to go. That way you get all of the old stuff out.

No sense in contaminating the new fluid with old, IMO. We don't do it on our motors, and I think it's best not to do it on a trans.

 

[Skandocious]

I would be wary of using Merc V, Ian. Ford recommends the same for my E4OD and there were a few guys on the other site who changed the fluid in their healthy tranny's to merc V and had to rebuild them 5k miles later. My understanding is that merc V is about the same as III except that it has more friction modifiers. The extra FM's can give the torque converter excess slip then it's all downhill from there.

Also be wary of a flush if it has never been done on that trans before. High mileage flushes can break gunk loose in the transmission and clog up the passages inside. Some of the gunk buildup that is there right now is not harming anything so there's no use endangering yourself by dislodging it. I've been told that flushes should be only be performed if they're done on regular intervals since the vehicle was new.

 

[john112deere]

Like I don't hate slushboxes enough just to drive, now they're ten times the headache to maintain, too- at least if you include deciding HOW to maintain them.

 

[TexasRho83]

Chris brings up a good point on the flush.

If I remember correctly, every now and then we'd get a customer in who wanted a tranny flush on their escorts and we used a little bottle jack to clear the x-member.

 

[Beachbumcook]

Mercon V replaced Mercon - no more Mercon on anybody's shelf.

Only use a single-spec'd fluid and not a multi-spec'd fluid.

Go to Ford dealer or auto-parts store and read the bottles carefully. Look for Mercon V ONLY spec's.

The multi-spec'd fluids are an average of all the specs and not 100% of any of them (no fluid can be 3 different spec's and compatible in a signle fluid)..... it's just marketing.

I use Castrol Mercon V fluid from Advance Auto myself... so read the bottles and use what Ford states to use.

Since you still have the factory fill in your car, I would drop the pan, clean it, replace the filter and refill. Drive for 1,000 - 2,000 miles and repeat.

A flush would be good, but after 80,000 miles, you will have build up and since the fluid os brown... there is a chance that a flush will dislodge sludge that is OK for now... but will loosen up with a flush. A drain and refill will slowly disolve deposits and the second drain and re-fill will remove most of them.

I would try and get on a every 30,000 miles schedule for taking care of your transmission. Fluid is cheaper than a new tranny.

 

[Skandocious]

Mercon V replaced Mercon - no more Mercon on anybody's shelf.

What do you mean...? I just bought a bunch of Merc/Dex the other day... It's available on ALL the shelves at the stores I visit.

 

[Bob Ayers]

You can use Mercon V in Mercon applications, but you you can't use Mercon in Mercon V applications.......Matter of fact Ford no longer markets Mercon, only Mercon V.

 

[Bob Ayers]

What do you mean...? I just bought a bunch of Merc/Dex the other day... It's available on ALL the shelves at the stores I visit.

Merc/Dex multi-purpose ATFs is totally different than Mercon or Mercon V.

 

[Skandocious]

This is what I bought at Wal-Mart the other day:
http://www.valvoline.com/products/c...sion-products/automatic-transmission-fluid/33

Says for use in Dextron III and Mercon applications.

 

[Beachbumcook]

What do you mean...? I just bought a bunch of Merc/Dex the other day... It's available on ALL the shelves at the stores I visit.

Mercon (single spec) is no longer licensed Ford or made. Only Mercon V is licensed and made. Ford sent out a TSB that Mercon V is backwards compatible for older Mercon transmissions and transfer cases.

I absolutely hate "multi-spec" rated fluids... they are just an average of 4 or 5 different specs and are not 100% of any single one spec... that is what I want!!!

Marketing.... pure and simple... that is why companies sell "multi-rated" ATF fluids... they can make one fluid that fits many applications and brands.

I only buy and use single-spec fluids for optimum performance and protection. GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda... and so on all have their own specs and there must be a reason for them.... no where do any of these companies state to use a mutli-rated fluid.... and I know for a fact that different fluids have different add-packs, friction modifiers and viscosity ratings.

Multi-spec fluids = not worth the money when single-spec fluids are available.

 

[Raptor22]

I have an old bottle of Mercon, Mercon V, Dextron III, I have soo much old crap...

 

[Bob Ayers]

Mercon (single spec) is no longer licensed Ford or made. Only Mercon V is licensed and made. Ford sent out a TSB that Mercon V is backwards compatible for older Mercon transmissions and transfer cases.

I absolutely hate "multi-spec" rated fluids... they are just an average of 4 or 5 different specs and are not 100% of any single one spec... that is what I want!!!

Marketing.... pure and simple... that is why companies sell "multi-rated" ATF fluids... they can make one fluid that fits many applications and brands.

I only buy and use single-spec fluids for optimum performance and protection. GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda... and so on all have their own specs and there must be a reason for them.... no where do any of these companies state to use a mutli-rated fluid.... and I know for a fact that different fluids have different add-packs, friction modifiers and viscosity ratings.

Multi-spec fluids = not worth the money when single-spec fluids are available.

Ford has issued a TSB NOT to use mutli-purpose (Merc/Dex) ATFs!!!

I'm sure Vince or Dave can quote the number on it!!

 

[Beachbumcook]

Here is why Ford had Mercon V replace Mercon:
A new automatic transmission fluid (MERCON® V) was introduced in 1997 for use in vehicles equipped with a 4R44E or 5R55E transmission. MERCON® V is Ford's fix for torque converter shudder that usually starts around 60K miles. In the 1998 model year, MERCON® V fluid is now used in the 4R70W transmission and AX4S and AX4N transaxles. MERCON® V is not interchangeable at this time with the current MERCON® service fluids.
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The TSB that Ford put out is: 06-14-04

This article supersedes TSB 01-15-7 to update the vehicle application chart. ISSUE:

MERCON® Automatic Transmission Fluid is being replaced by MERCON® V as a service fluid.
ACTION:

Beginning immediately all automatic transmission / transaxle applications requiring MERCON® can now be serviced using MERCON® V or MERCON® Automatic Transmission Fluid or dual usage fluids labeled MERCON® / MERCON® V. After July 1, 2007, MERCON® Automatic Transmission Fluid will no longer be manufactured, therefore, availability of this fluid will only continue for however long it takes to deplete what remains in inventory.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Service automatic transmissions requiring MERCON® with MERCON® V or MERCON® Automatic Transmission Fluid or dual usage fluids labeled MERCON® / MERCON® V For proper fluid application on current and past model vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions / transaxles refer to the fluid usage chart. (Figure 1) below...

FORD:
1980-1997 Crown Victoria
1981-1997 Mustang, Thunderbird
1981-2003 Escort
1986-1993 Festiva
1986-1997 Taurus
1989-1997 Probe
1994-1997 Aspire
1995-2000 Contour
1980-1996 Bronco
1981-2003 F-150
1981-2004 E-Series, F-Super Duty
1983-1996 Ranger
1986-1996 Aerostar
1991-1997 Explorer
1993-2004 F-53 Motorhome Chassis
1995-1998 Windstar
1997-2004 Expedition
2000-2005 Excursion
2001-2007 Escape
1987-2000 F- & B-Series
2000-2007 F-650, F-750

LINCOLN:
1980-1997 Town Car
1981-1997 Continental
1993-1997 Mark VIII
1998-2004 Navigator
2002-2003 Blackwood MERCURY:
1980-1997 Grand Marquis
1981-1997 Cougar
1986-1997 Sable
1987-1999 Tracer
1995-2000 Mystique
1999-2002 Cougar
1993-2002 Villager
1997 Mountaineer
2005-2007 Mariner

MERKUR:
1985-1989 XR4TI

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TRANSMISSION FLUIDS (ALL BRANDS OVERVIEW):
Over the years, there have been a confusing array of different ATF types and specifications. Make sure the replacement fluid meets or exceeds all OEM requirements. Using the wrong type of fluid may cause [COLOR=#0000ff !important][COLOR=#0000ff !important]transmission [COLOR=#0000ff !important]problems[/color][/color][/color] and damage.
Type F -- Introduced by Ford in 1967 for their automatics. Also used by Toyota.
Type CJ -- Special fluid for Ford C6 transmissions. Similar to Dexron II. Must not be used in automatics that require Type F. Can be replaced with Mercon or Mercon V.
Type H -- Another limited Ford spec that differs from both Dexron and Type F. Can be replaced with Mercon or Mercon V.
Mercon -- Ford fluid introduced in 1987, very similar to Dexron II. Okay for all earlier Fords except those that require Type F. As of July 1, 2007, the production and licensing of Mercon ATF by Ford ends. Ford says applications that require Mercon ATF can now be serviced with Mercon V. See Ford TSB 06144 for more information.
Mercon V -- Replaces Mercon. Introduced in 1997 for Ranger, Explorer V6 and Aerostar, and 1998 & up Windstar, Taurus/Sable and Continental. This is the current ATF for most late model Ford products. See Ford TSB 06144 for more information.
Mercon SP -- Latest friction-modified ATF for Ford TorqShift Transmissions only. Do NOT use in transmissions that require Mercon or Mercon V. See Ford TSB 06144 for more information.
Dexron -- General Motors original ATF for automatics.
Dexron II -- Improved GM formula with better viscosity control and additional oxidation inhibitors. Can be used in place of Dexron.
Dexron IIE -- GM fluid for electronic transmissions.
Dexron III -- Replaces Dexron IIE and adds improved oxidation and corrosion control in GM electronic automatics.
Dexron III (H) -- Improved version of Dexron III released in 2003.
Dexron III/Saturn -- A special fluid spec for Saturns.
Dexron-VI -- Introduced in 2006 for GM Hydra-Matic 6L80 6-speed rear-wheel-drive transmissions. Dexron VI now replaces Dexron III and II, and can be used in GM or import transmissions that formerly specified Dexron III or II.
Chrysler 7176 -- For Chrysler FWD transaxles.
Chrysler 7176D (ATF+2) -- Adds improved cold temperature flow and oxidation resistance. Introduced 1997.
Chrysler 7176E (ATF+3) -- Adds improved shear stability and uses a higher quality base oil. Required for four-speed automatics (do NOT use Dexron or Mercon as a substitute).
Chrysler ATF+4 (ATE) -- Introduced in 1998, ATF+4 is synthetic and replaces the previous ATF+3 fluid. Used primarily for 2000 and 2001 vehicles, it can also be used in earlier Chrysler transmissions (except 1999 and older minivans with 41TE/AE transmission). ATF+3 should continue to be used for 1999 and earlier minivans because of the potential for torque converter shudder during break in.
NOTE:Chrysler ATF+4 Must always be used in vehicles that were originally filled with ATF+4. The red dye used in ATF+4 is not permanent. As the fluid ages it may become darker or appear brown in color. ATF+4 also has a unique odor that may change with age. Therefore, do not relay on the color and odor of ATF+4 to determine if the fluid needs to be changed. Follow the OEM recommended service interval.
Chrysler ATF+5 for 2002 and newer models.
IMPORT APPLICATIONS:
BMW LT7114l or LA2634 -- Special formula for BMW transmissions.
Genuine [COLOR=#0000ff !important][COLOR=#0000ff !important]Honda[/color][/color] ZL ATF -- Special ATF for Honda automatics (except CVT applications).
Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II & SP-Ill -- Special formula ATFs for Mitsubishi transmissions.
Nissan J-Matic -- Special formula for Nissan transmissions.
Toyota Type T, T-III & T-IV -- Special formula ATFs for Toyota and Lexus transmissions.