2001 Ford Escape 3.0 V6 Transmission fluid Which 1

[crazyoildude]

i don't tend to use fluids that will work on more than 1 spec. this one size fits all bothers me. The reason i posted this here is that some say only use dex 3 others say its mercon 5
my brother which until about a year and a 1/2 ago owned a trans shop says to use a dex 3 but his partner says a mercon 5 so who knows...

Im leaning toward the max life dex merc because i always had good luck with that but i think i remember reading something about max life atf on the pqia that said it had issues does anyone know anything about that?

 

[spasm3]

Originally Posted By: spasm3
When i had an 01 escape, i drained the trans every other oil change. I used whatever was on sale. The CD4e has no user replaceable filter so changing often removes clutch material in the fluid. Like Addyguy said, plug on the bottom, drain and refill takes only 5 minutes if that while changing oil. I started having trans issues with the valve body i think it was at 175k miles. Traded then.


I meant to say i used the non synthetic approved transfuid , but sometimes supertech/coastal etc . as i changed it every 10-15k.

 

[aa1986]

Originally Posted By: crazyoildude
Im leaning toward the max life dex merc because i always had good luck with that but i think i remember reading something about max life atf on the pqia that said it had issues does anyone know anything about that?


Valvoline claimed it met Mercon V.

PQIA said it's virgin viscosity was below the minimum for Mercon V.

Valvoline countered by saying that Mercon V shears below the minimum viscosity anyway at which point it is in the range of the shear stable MaxLife ATF.

 

[aa1986]

Btw, here's something that will make your choice easier:

Go to AZ and see if the still have Valvoline Mercon V for $1 a quart.

 

[crainholio]

I flush mine via the trans cooler line at ~40K mile intervals, pumping out pretty much all of whatever's in there 2 quarts at a time. Takes just over 13 quarts before I see clean new fluid pumping out.

I'd used Castrol Dex/Merc at the first 2 flushes without issues, then at ~92K miles I upgraded to Valvoline MaxLife as it was on sale.

Valvoline MaxLife (Mercon V compatible) was fine at first, upshifts seemed crisper and less slushy, but at around 30K miles of use downshifts under acceleration (passing traffic) developed a noticeable shudder/jolt.

I flushed back to Castrol Dex/Merc and after a few work commutes the downshift behavior was back to normal.

The trans is in a 2005 Mercury Mariner 3.0L with 126K miles on it presently.

 

[crainholio]

Also, this transmission is very tough on transmission fluid. Comes out nasty orange/brown even at ~40K mile change intervals.

 

[crazyoildude]

we are not sure what fluid is in there or how many miles are on it

 

[Yota]

I have a 2005 mariner 4cyl with 115k on the CD4E. I have done drain and fills with Mercon v and use the local Advanced Auto brand. Works fine and the local dealer uses Motorcraft Mercon V for this application.

 

[icepickjazz]

Originally Posted By: aa1986
Originally Posted By: crazyoildude
Im leaning toward the max life dex merc because i always had good luck with that but i think i remember reading something about max life atf on the pqia that said it had issues does anyone know anything about that?


Valvoline claimed it met Mercon V.

PQIA said it's virgin viscosity was below the minimum for Mercon V.

Valvoline countered by saying that Mercon V shears below the minimum viscosity anyway at which point it is in the range of the shear stable MaxLife ATF.
That's correct except the PQIA initially issued an Advisory on MAXLIFE ATF based on the fact the product implied compliance with the Mercon specification but did not meet the Mercon viscosity requirement. The PQIA didn't mention Mercon V. For more details see the following PQIA links:
More on MaxLife ATF
PQIA Updates its Evaluation of Valvoline MAXLIFE ATF
Valvoline MaxLife ATF Response
http://www.pqiamerica.com/ATFdecember2012/valvolinemaxATF.htm

 

[1990LTD]

Mercon V is what's spec'd for my 07 Escape with the 4 speed auto CD4E.

It's what Alldata tells me, it's what is in my owners manual and what the Ford dealership told me to use when I called.

I've only done one fluid change on it so far since I've gotten it (another 10k and I'll do another drain/fill) but Mercon V has worked just fine. I stupidly used a multi-vehicle Merc V compatible fluid, I'll go with dealer Mercon V next time.

 

[crazyoildude]

that year is different i was talking about an 01

 

[MuzzleFlash40]

Picked up a case of Havoline Mercon V on amazon a few months ago to use when I do a fluid and filter change on both cars this summer.. Otherwise I have used nothing but Castrol mercon v and has been great.

 

[Old Mustang Guy]

My 01 Escape V6 has 209k. It has been serviced with Maxlife every 30k. So far it still shifts like new. I think regular service is the key.

 

[Bluestream]

Originally Posted By: Old Mustang Guy
My 01 Escape V6 has 209k. It has been serviced with Maxlife every 30k. So far it still shifts like new. I think regular service is the key.