Ford V-10 Correct tranny Fluid for Older Vans

[doublevan2]

Greetings --

Probably an older thread related to this - but for owners of like 2000 - 2005 vans with 4r100/5r100 transmissions - what Ford Mercon fluid are you using ?

I had read that the Mercon 5 stuff was bad or innapropriate for trans - and that Mercon 4 was what should be used. Anybody know the "truth" on this ? AND - if your trans is like into the 50 th miles on up - what are you using ? I believe I'm a bit low and needing to add some - what would you use - I'm far - far from home !

Thanks for replies !

Russ -- "doublevan2"

[TheLetterJ]

Mobil 1 transmission fluid does the job. That's what's in my 4r100 with ~170k miles.

[86Scotty]

Russ, go with the one specified in your owner's manual for your year. Different v10/tranny combos used different fluid for different years. My 2011 specifies Mercon LV only. I used V and it didn't like it so I changed to LV. You are probably fine with either 4 or 5 for your year but check the book.

[doublevan2]

Thanks Eric - but my van manual is "missing in action !" I'll try some "googling" --

[doublevan2]

Do you mean "IV" versus "LV" - a slip of the digital ?

[86Scotty]

No, LV is a newer fluid, synthetic Motorcraft trans fluid recommended for my 2011 V10 (5r110) per the manual.

https://www.amazon.com/Ford-XT-10-QL...a-914632062676

I would not suspect yours calls for LV because it wasn't around when your van was made but it's certainly worth researching. As J said above Mobil1 might be easier to come by on the road and probably covers all trannys, however if I were doing a full flush and fill at home or at a shop I would use the Motorcraft stuff. It isn't any more expensive IMO.

Calling CarringB, where are you CarringB?

[Ramjet]

I have a John Wood trans rebuild in my 1999 V10 and run this per his recommendation:

[ScrapIron]

In 2005 they didnt use a 4R100 in the vans.

Here is a snippit from the ford owners manual for a 2004 with the 4R100...
It indicates that you should be using MERCON.

[carringb]

Mercon-V is the correct specification for the 4r100. To meet the spec, it pretty much needs to be synthetic. No need to pay extra for that label. I just run Napa unless something else is on sale.

The big no-no is running original Dex-Merc, which many shops stock in bulk, so they’ll put it in by default.

Mercon LV is required for the 5r110.

Mobile 1 Synthetic meets Mercon-V but no not LV spec.

Valvoline MaxLife meets both specs. The 4r100 will shift firm initially, but it doesn’t take long for the PCM to adjust and make it feel normal again.

[ScrapIron]

Please note the footnote #1 for the 4R100 in the image i posted which is from the Ford owners manual. It states....

1
Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCON and MERCON V. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCON type
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCON V type fluid.
MERCON and MERCON V type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCON and MERCON V. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCON and MERCON V) in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCON may
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.


I think the confusion is coming from the "4r100/5r100" and the assuming that they are the same transmission and that they use the same ATF fluid, which they are not and do not. To compound the confusion the OP was not specific as to what model year he is asking about. He merely states 2000-2005 model years.

The OP needs to be more specific in which model year his van is and which transmission is in his van since ford stopped using the 4R100 in late 04 to early 05. Asking a multifaceted question with no specific details given about his own vehicle can only result in a multifaceted answer. Its akin to asking what gear oil should i be running in my 1995 to 2005 pickup axle.