ATF for both my rides

[SinisterK9]

My wife's car: 99 Honda Civic 1.6L SOHC VTEC with approx. 118K.

My car: 96 Taurus SHO 3.4L DOHC V8 130K.


In the next month or so, I am having the tranny flushed and fluid replaced in both vehicles. We plan on keeping the Honda for at least 2-3 more years. The SHO is my hobby car, and I will be keeping it for many years to come. I am adding a tranny cooler in March.

The SHO shifts great, with no problems whatsoever. But the car is getting up there in mileage, and I have no way of verifying that the tranny fluid was ever serviced. The Honda feels solid, but sometimes has a wicked 1-2 shift that I really don't like. And I am fairly positive the fluid has never been changed in it. I am willing to spend the money for a quality fluid, and am looking for suggestions.

They are both daily drivers. The Civic is driven in normal conditions. The SHO is daily, but is also an autocross car several times a year.

 

[ThirdeYe]

For the Honda I would use Amsoil's ATF, it works excellent in Honda AT's. I don't know anything about Fords, sorry.

 

[tom slick]

do they both call for dexron III/mercon?

 

[ThirdeYe]

The Honda calls for Honda Z-1 (but I believe it also says in the manual that Dexron III can be used).

 

[Camu Mahubah]

Amsoil ATF = overkill

I like overkill in an automatic tranny. Especially if you are gonna run 'em hard. You know you plan on running that SHO a bit hard! You just know it! Get a high quality synthetic ATF like Amsoil.

I have used Amsoil in the past. I like the way the car shifted afterwards. I have also used MaxLife ATF and thought it was a good product for the money.

Don't mean to sound like a testimonial but I cain't recommend stuff I ain't tried.

 

[VK56VD]

Amsoil ATF in both. Check compatibility with Ford just in case. Are you doing a cooler line flush?

 

[SinisterK9]

Yes, the Ford calls for Mercon.

Yes, I plan on doing a cooler line flush.

Thanks for all the info and suggestions. I think I will give the Amsoil a try.

 

[StormRider]

I believe the non-SHO taurii of that era called for Mercon V, I don't know when they switched over (it was in the late 90s sometime)..I have a 92 GL that calls for Mercon..

All taurus transmissions weren't great so fluid flushes every 30K would be a good idea, if it hasn't been done then it should be done soon and often.

Have you had your cams welded yet??

 

[Gary Allan]

1996 FORD TAURUS 3.4L 8-cyl Engine Code [N] SHO

Automatic Transmission,AX4S.....MA5
Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission,AX4N.....MA5
Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid

 

[Donald]

I would go for the Amsoil ATF if its in your price range. Then pop on a Magnefine filter.