What power steering fluid for 2005 Ford

[old farmer]

My power steering pump in my 05 Explorer 4.6L V8 is starting to howl it's displeasure on a cold start at near zero temperature.
It doesn't do it when warm.
I thought I would change the fluid but the owners manual says to use Mercon ATF, but Ford now sells Mercon V as power steering fluid. It also warns not to mix the two kinds.
So, which one should I use?
And, which way to change it, siphon pump the reservoir and replace with new a few times, or let the pump pump it out and replace as it goes?

 

[RiceCake]

I'm sure others with direct experience will comment but Mercon V is Mercon V; Chrysler does the same thing rebranding ATF+4 as a power steering fluid, but the two are identical.

I'd siphon it a few times, its easier then fiddling to remove the lines, just takes more time.

 

[randomhero439]

I believe you use Mercon transmission fluid.

Yeah siphon it out, go drive around, give it a good lock-to-lock a few times. Then repeat until the specified amount of fluid has been replaced.

 

[Danh]

Use Mercon V as it replaces Mercon. The two are compatible, my bottle of Mercon V says: "Use in transmissions and power steering systems previously serviced with Mercon". I've used it in my Mercon-spec'd 2005 power steering and transmission and all's well.

 

[4D-56]

I'd put some Amsoil ATF in there, method as detailed above.

 

[GSCJR]

Use Mercon V.

 

[OVERKILL]

Mobil 1 ATF or AMSOIL ATF.

 

[artificialist]

Mercon V is a suitable replacement for Mercon.

Using full synthetic ATF is always an improvement.

 

[Sunnyinhollister]

I would run a quart of Mercon V through it before switching to synthetic

 

[RF Overlord]

In the "olden" days, there was a difference between plain Mercon and Mercon V that made them incompatible in some instances. When Ford stopped licensing plain Mercon, there was a formulation change to Mercon V that made it compatible. (I believe I read that here) Any Mercon V produced in the last 4-5 years should be usable in either application.

 

[tig1]

As I already posted today, M1 ATF works graet in all temps, extreme hot, cold. No PS whine and I turkey baster mine every engine oil change. Never had a pump or trans failure.YET!

 

[Lubener]

Follow your manual. Everyone has an opinion, don't second guess the engineers who designed it.

 

[dave123]

Mobil 1 ATF or AMSOIL ATF.
+1 you will be happy.

 

[mechtech2]

Originally Posted By: Lubener
Follow your manual. Everyone has an opinion, don't second guess the engineers who designed it.

Since the recommended fluid is no longer supplied by Ford, you are wrong.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: Lubener
Follow your manual. Everyone has an opinion, don't second guess the engineers who designed it.


The engineers say ATF.