Type of trans oil

[bd2988]

Hello, I just bought a 97 Ford Ranger 2.3l with an automatic transmission (which i believe is the 4R44E). What type of trans fluid does it take? (mercon v? I didn't receive the manual with the truck). Would it be alright to top it off with Mobil 1 atf? From what I can remember, Mobil 1 atf was Mercon V compatible, and it said it was also compatible with others.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Mercon V supersedes mercon, so yes Mercon V is the correct fluid.

 

[jimmyess333]

Don't mix!

I heard that Mercon V cannot be mixed with regular Mercon, can anyone confirm this?
I was told it's better to use the Dextron III/Mercon than Mercon V.

The V is for variable transmission and I know (at least for mitsubishi) that is not interchangeable with non V fluid.
I would look into it a little more before using the V.

 

[exbass94]

I heard that Mercon V cannot be mixed with regular Mercon, can anyone confirm this?
I was told it's better to use the Dextron III/Mercon than Mercon V.

The V is for variable transmission and I know (at least for mitsubishi) that is not interchangeable with non V fluid.
I would look into it a little more before using the V.

Mercon V is NOT for CVTs. Ford has a special fluid specifically for those. Mercon V is now used in almost all applications, and entirely replaces regular Mercon. And it is not better to use regular Mercon. Mercon V is a superior fluid, it's kind of like comparing coventional motor oil to synthetic. V is better.

Lastly, the 4r44e REQUIRES Mercon V and regular Mercon is not an acceptable fluid to use.

 

[bd2988]

Well, it says right on the dipstick that the transmission uses Mercon V. My parents have a 2003 Escape that uses Mercon. Wonder why that is?