tranny fluid

Topic: tranny fluid (Read 6048 times) previous topic - next topic

tranny fluid

February 09, 2005, 11:17:05 AM

fixin to change filter and fluid in tranny(aod),what fluid should i get?? thanks

Re: tranny fluid

Reply #1 – February 09, 2005, 03:18:29 PM

Dexron III, aka the reccomended fluid as per the manual. DO NOT, and I repeat, DO NOT use Mercon V. Also do not use Type F transmission fluid in any overdrive transmission, it can cause pre-mature gear set failure.

Mercon V is the newer synthetic fluid with detergents in it that will eat the AOD transmission gaskets on pre-Mercon V systems from the factory. I found out the hard way and it speed up my 5 speed conversion.

to all the dis-believers (from TCCoA tech articles):

Quote

Mercon V Specs
For the start; Mercon V is not the same as Dexron III .

'96 and up T-Birds & Cougars with the 4R70W use Mercon V. It can be used in the '94-'95 cars, but it is not recommended by Ford. Mercon-V is a semi-synthetic ATF, introduced in 1997 for use in vehicles equipped with the 4R44E or 5R55E transmissions. The '98 model year 4R70W transmission, AX4S and AX4N transaxles use Mercon-V.

TSB-98-8-8 states: "Mercon-V is not interchangeable with the current Mercon service fluids. Using the incorrect fluid may cause transmission or translate concerns."

When asked why? Ford responded, "The synthetics work their way past seals and cause leaks and/or durability concerns". "The 1998 transmission seals are updated to prevent these problems" - Dayton Ford Service Technician.

The Shudder problem [TSB 95-23-4] is solved and your driveway will be dry as well. The synthetics actually prevent the ATF from flashing [burning] and this heat is what causes the TC to shudder. It's more shudder resistant because among things, it does not contain ash. If you really want to eliminate the shudder, install a new stall speed convertor one with a larger pump.

Aside from this, it's wear properties are much better than other versions. It can stand up to temperature better (and if you ever looked at the trans temp a t-bird runs, God help it).

It has a downside, which seems small, but when you make 1.5 million trans's a year it's big. It is a pretty big skin irratant. If you change your own fluid, or work with, wear laytex gloves. Some people react to it, and some don't. No reason for you to take any chances. A-Train

Quote

Transmission Fluid
Ford TSB 98-3-6 recommends complete drain & refill with Mercon V for all AODE/4R70W Transmissions. Any other ATF's could prove fatal for the AODE's, which are used in '94 & newer Tbirds. Mercon V should NOT be used in AOD's in '93 & older Tbirs.

A new automatic transmission fluid (MERCON® V) was introduced in 1997 for use in vehicles equipped with a 4R44E or 5R55E transmission. MERCON® V is Ford's fix for torque converter shudder that usually starts around 60K miles. In the 1998 model year, MERCON® V fluid is now used in the 4R70W transmission and AX4S and AX4N transaxles. MERCON® V is not interchangeable at this time with the current MERCON® service fluids.

You should not use Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Lubricant in an application that requires a Mercon V type lubricant, as it is not a proper substitute. At This time there is no replacement for such a fluid. If you have any additional questions, you may may call 1-800-ASKMOBIL.

External cooler have always been recommended for better cooling of the transmission. Vehicles equipped with an AODE or 4R70W transmission may experience a torque converter clutch shudder or vibration. This occurs under light to moderate acceleration above 56 km/h (35 mph) while in 3rd or 4th gear. This may be due to either transmission fluid breakdown and/or the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) calibration.
Ford TSB 98-3-6 recommends Mercon V for AODE-4R70W trannys to cure Torque Converter shudder. I know that Crown Vics, & Town Cars use this tranny. Isn't This the same tranny in '94 & up Tbirds? If so, I recommand it, as I have seen it work in the local Crown Vics.

Some modified the fluid mix. @ quarts of synthetic ATF and 1 quart of synthetic 75W90, along with 5 oz of friction modifier. They say that it never shifted better. Many manufacturers use ATF in their manuals, as it improves fuel milage by reducing drag inside the transmission. I also personally believe the high pressure film protection is somewhat reduced.

One of the more popular and widely accepted additives is made by Lubegard. They make a 4oz. additive under the trade name "Dr. Tranny's Instant Shudder Fixx". With the 2oz concentrate there is no worry about overfilling. Most trans repair shops will have This and I thisnk it is $10.

Re: tranny fluid

Reply #2 – February 09, 2005, 08:24:04 PM

dextron/mercon III

Re: tranny fluid

Reply #3 – February 09, 2005, 09:17:53 PM

get the castrol brand. it's as proven as there oil. It's like 279 a quart.

Re: tranny fluid

Reply #4 – February 10, 2005, 11:21:37 AM

This is ironic, I had the opportunity to drive my 88 T Bird yesterday (57k miles on it) after about 4 weeks sitting, I needed an oil change on it, I'm not a fan of quick lubes (bad experience with my previous company van) the Ford store couldn't do it yesterday as they sent all the techs home at noon, so I went to the GM dealer I deal with, they said no problem, they even put a Motorcraft oil filter on it and 10W40 oil! Anyways, I asked them to check the ATF fluid, they said it looked clean and was full, I stated that it slipped or clunked on upshifts sometimes, they said if I wanted to have a trans service done, I could so to inspect the pan at least for dirt/metal/junk, they also told me they had some Valvoline MAX LIFE ATF, which they use for Chrysler's but it is approved for Dexron 3 & Mercon, so I said, use it, they called me back to the shop and showed me the pan was clean, so I told them to put it back together with a new filter, after the service now, no more slip/clunk. I know I'm happy, and I got out of there for under $100 for both the transmission service and the oil change.

Re: tranny fluid

Reply #5 – February 10, 2005, 01:23:10 PM

IMHO motocraft filters are the best and 10w40 is what I run (redline)

Re: tranny fluid

Reply #6 – February 10, 2005, 03:06:05 PM

They used 10W40 Valvoline MAX-LIFE. They use it in cars going to the auction!!!!!

Re: tranny fluid

Reply #7 – February 11, 2005, 12:33:00 AM

Quote from: MDJ1281

Dexron III, aka the reccomended fluid as per the manual. DO NOT, and I repeat, DO NOT use Mercon V. Also do not use Type F transmission fluid in any overdrive transmission, it can cause pre-mature gear set failure.

to all the dis-believers (from TCCoA tech articles):

Yes Dextron III is the reccomended fluid and what you SHOULD use... Some of us do otherwise, and yes I've read the TCCoa tech article....

What am I talking about???? I've used NOTHING but "F" in my Birds AOD since I first installed it in the car(Nov '99). It now has roughly 70K mi total, and close to 400 drag strip passes. Although it doesn't shift as hard as it used to, it's still is fine with no metal particles in the pan(last time it was off).

Also back in '98 the wifes Grand Marquis AODE started to slip on the 1-2 shift somewhere around 32K. Dealer said clutches glazed and wanted $1200, I said F*** you(it was 5years old, so the 3/36 warrenty was expired). Took it home and changed the fluid to "F", helped but still slipped. I then installed one of the B&M electronic shift improvers and no more slip... It now has 96K mi, has seen a couple of changes with "F" and still works fine.. So do I belive "F" ruins a overdrive trans??? NOPE...

So why did I go with "F" ??? It is not as slippery as the newer stuff and allows the clutches to grab a little harder. This is common knowledge in the racer world, nearly everyone at the drag strip uses the stuff. Again I'm not saying you should use it, as I would NOT reccomend it in a high milage tranny that was in otherwise good condition.

Re: tranny fluid

Reply #8 – February 11, 2005, 10:40:47 AM

so what would you recommend.what aboyt b&m'x trick shift tranny fluid? i know i bought a quart of that for my 87 and i liked the way it worked so i was thinking of souly using it in a tranny but i need to know if it would be helpful or harmful to a tranny with 61000 miles on it

Re: tranny fluid

Reply #9 – February 11, 2005, 07:28:50 PM

Quote from: Cougar8775

so what would you recommend.what aboyt b&m'x trick shift tranny fluid? i know i bought a quart of that for my 87 and i liked the way it worked so i was thinking of souly using it in a tranny but i need to know if it would be helpful or harmful to a tranny with 61000 miles on it

The B&M fluid is really nothing more than enhanced "F", has extra additives, antifoam agents etc. If you tranny is working fine and you aint badly abusing it, use the Mercon/Dextron III and have a nice day...