Trans fluid for 2004 Taurus?

[04SE]

I had my transmission flushed with a T-Tec at 50,000 and the shop replaced the filter and used Valvoline Max-Life Dex/Merc. The guy said they used it since it covered most vehicles that came in their shop and had a nice additive package since it was the Max-Life.

My car currently has 68,8XX and I am looking at doing it again at either 70,000 or 75,000.

I will have the filter replaced again as well.

Should I just stick with the Max-Life? Motorcraft fluid? Something else?

I won't be spending big bucks on this so top of the line synthetics are out of the question.

I will also be adding some Auto-Rx around 1,000 miles before I have it flushed for an added cleaning.

Valvoline Merc V Full Synthetic?

 

[ConfederateTyrant]

Since you don't want to put any high amount of money into the fluid, just get a Mercon V fluid.

 

[Tempest]

If the Maxlife is working for you stick with it. If you want to go on the cheap, Supertech Merc V is always an option.

 

[04SE]

I am thinking around $4-5 per quart.

 

[Donald]

I think having them replace the filter again is way overkill. But I would consider adding a Magnefine filter.

 

[JTK]

I used Maxlife red bottle in my 2001 Windstar's AX4N without issue. It used to say right on the bottle something to the effect; 'Can be used where Ford Mercon-V is spec'd'. I don't think it says that anymore.

Joel

 

[ConfederateTyrant]

Maxlife DexronIII/Mercon does state on the back that it can be used in Ford Mercon V applications.

Wal-Mart has Super Tech Mercon V for $3 a quart, and strangely, it states that it replaces just about every major ATF spec, including Dexron VI and Mercon LV (yes, I am not lying).

 

[bdcardinal]

Originally Posted By: ConfederateTyrant
Maxlife DexronIII/Mercon does state on the back that it can be used in Ford Mercon V applications.

Wal-Mart has Super Tech Mercon V for $3 a quart, and strangely, it states that it replaces just about every major ATF spec, including Dexron VI and Mercon LV (yes, I am not lying).

i woudl really like to see their basis for stating that, as per ford the 2 fluids are incompatable.

 

[Brett Miller]

If Maxlife is working, I'd stick with it. Their transmission fluid works well.

 

[Big Jim]

Originally Posted By: bdcardinal
Originally Posted By: ConfederateTyrant
Maxlife DexronIII/Mercon does state on the back that it can be used in Ford Mercon V applications.

Wal-Mart has Super Tech Mercon V for $3 a quart, and strangely, it states that it replaces just about every major ATF spec, including Dexron VI and Mercon LV (yes, I am not lying).

i woudl really like to see their basis for stating that, as per ford the 2 fluids are incompatable.


Ford has since published that Mercon V is the Ford approved replacement fluid for Mercon. Ford no longer licenses Mercon. This has been discussed many times.

 

[Dick in Falls Church]

The car holds 13 qts of ATF for a total fill. They probably used a few more quarts than that.
How much is the labor vs the fluid. Will they let you bring your own fluid?

For about $9 a quart, including a Preferred Customer account and tax and shipping, you can get AMSOIL. Better quality, better specs, and will last at least twice as long as most of the others mentioned. Sometimes a few bucks up front will pay off.
Of course, if you get rearended, you lose!

 

[bdcardinal]

i was refering to Mercon LV, i work in a ford parts dept, so i know all about Mercon V being compatable with Merc/Dex3. its the LV which has me wondering.

 

[bmwtechguy]

The supertech Merc V bottles list the Merc LV spec as one of the fluids that it can be used for. Does LV stand for low viscosity?

I have to agree with ****, sometimes all that changing fluid and filters, etc. comes out to being more expensive than just using a high quality fluid from the get-go. I like to think I am saving our oil resources a bit, too. If a unit has been neglected and the fluid is really trashed, well then yes a short run of less expensive SuperTech is in order. But then I go back with an inline filter and aux cooler with a top quality synthetic fluid and end up saving money and work down the road.

I have used and like Maxlife, Mobil 1, Redline, Schaeffers, and Amsoil ATF's. I am using more of the Amsoil these days since it is easiest to get and keep in stock. Also, it is recommended for more apps than the others so it is great for about anything that comes through the door. People don't seem to usually mind paying more for a top quality product. The people who want something less expensive get SuperTech or Maxlife, etc.

 

[04SE]

I bought the car with 37K and had what I am positive was the factory fill changed @ 50K and had the filter replaced as well. I was looking at having it done @ 75K. The car currently has 68,8XX. I plan on driving the car well over 100K as I like to get my $$$ worth.

I will probably just stick with the Max-Life fluid since it was round $3 a quart at Wolly-World.

As for the question about previous price, they did use 15 quarts to fully flush it and it was around $150 for filter, fluid, flush/fill and labor. This was @ a shop w/ $55 per hour labor and it happened to be a Ford dealer. A small hometown operation with a great service department.