4R100 trans fluid question

[INSPECTORBOB]

I took my new-to-me 2000 Itasca Suncruiser with 14,500 miles on it to a Ford Fleet service center to have the alignment adjusted. While there, they suggested a trans flush, which I agreed to. I know it was a little early, but not knowing the service history from the previous owner, it was convenient to just get it done at the same time.

The original Ford spec was for Mercon. Ford later said it was ok to use Mercon V, as Mercon was discontinued. I checked the receipt when I got home and found that the dealer used Mercon SP (XT6QSP), which is supposed to be a synthetic. I called the dealer to verify if it was the right fluid as I thought that they needed to use Mercon V, but he assured me that SP was correct.

However, after further checking online, I am beginning to think that they made a mistake. I looked up the Automatic Transmission Fluid Chart in the Motorcraft catalog, it it shows Mercon V as the correct fluid. I even called Ford technical support, and the guy I talked to didn't know the difference between Mercon V and SP. In fact, he had never heard of SP. He said I had to ask the dealer. Well, duh!! That's why I was calling corporate!!

Can anyone verify if SP is ok to use in this tranny?? Thanks!

[Luv2go]

The 4R100 takes Mercon V. Here is an article that mentions, in part, that Mercon V was developed for the "new high-torque transmissions", and that it was developed in 2005. I found another page selling SP here they says "do not use transmissions requiring MERCON® V".

I would ask your dealer to show you the TSB or other written doc that says that SP is OK for use in your transmission, or are they willing to give you something in writing that they will stand by their choice in fluid.

Good luck!
Stewart

[LVJ58]

Went to that site and it appears the SP is used in the newer Torqshift 5 speed transmissions.

[garym114]

I would ask your dealer to show you the TSB or other written doc that says that SP is OK for use in your transmission. I don't think he can come up with one.
No written guarantees. If it is wrong, change it. That won't help much when you are 3000 miles away.

[INSPECTORBOB]

I took the rig back and had them re-flush. Then I bought a bottle of Mercon V to compare, just to make sure they put in the right stuff this time.
Thanks for the feedback.

[loulong]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luv2go The 4R100 takes Mercon V. Mercon V was developed for the "new high-torque transmissions", and that it was developed in 2005. Stewart

I have a 1998 Ford Explorer with the 5R55E transmission that calls for Mercon® V. How did they know back in '98 that they were going to develop that stuff in 2005?

[Luv2go]

Quote:

Originally Posted by loulong I have a 1998 Ford Explorer with the 5R55E transmission that calls for Mercon® V. How did they know back in '98 that they were going to develop that stuff in 2005?

Sorry, I should have said "Mercon SP" was developed in 2005. The article I referenced does mention the right type.

Stewart

[96 Wideglide]

Strange .

On the back page of my chassis owners manual it states my 4R100 trans takes Mercon, and that Mercon an Mercon V, are NOT interchangable !

Says ' DO NOT MIX Mercon and Mercon V.'

[INSPECTORBOB]

Ford discontinued Mercon a few years ago. They have a TSB that says that you need to use Mercon 5 as a replacement. Go figure!!