Fluid change and recall additive

[dgroot]

Hey, I have a 2004 Ranger 4.0L 4x4. Shortly after buying he truck new, I got a recall letter for a transmission additive. Apparently this model of automatic trans was clunking when shifting in reverse. No problem, I took it in and they added some kind of friction modifier...

Jump forward a few years. I want to change the fluid but can't get a straight answer on the additive. Do I need to add it on a ATF change? I plan on using synthetic DEXTRON V. The guys at Ford weren't very convincing and wanted me to buy the $24 bottle of fluid..

Any recommendations or suggestions? Thanks

 

[exbass94]

There's no such thing as Dexron V. Your transmisison uses Mercon V. I wasn't aware of any recall on it, I'll have to look into that, but I think you'll be fine just using any Mercon V.

 

[dgroot]

Oops, that's what I meant, Mercon V. Had one to many to drink last night

-Dave

 

[Bent Bolt]

The factory installed Merc 5 back then had some additives missing in the oil. The recall was a small bottle of the missing additive to bring the ATF up to spec.

So to answer your question, just make sure the ATF you're using is Merc 5 or compatible and you're good to go.