Maxlife or Motorcraft?

[msmoke00]

I just called the local Ford dealer,and an independent shop I also trust. The vehicle in question is a 2007 F150 (4r75 trans) with 14 quarts capacity and specd for Mercon V. I'm planning on getting a full fluid exchange. Got quoted $151 for labor and Motorcraft Mercon V from the dealer. Independent shop quotes $149 for labor and Valvoline Maxlife Dex/Merc. I guess from this I have two questions:
1. I looked at the Maxlife website and it says it is specd for Mercon LV, SP, and straight Mercon. No where does it say about Mercon V. Is it still specd for V since Mercon was superseded by Mercon V?
2. Which service is the better value? Motorcraft seems to be a syn blend while Valvoline is supposedly full syn.

 

[addyguy]

I'd go with the the Motorcraft fluid. No querstions about if it meets the required specs - it's Ford fluid!

 

[rjacket]

You would want the Mercon V so the Motorcraft at the Ford dealer is the better deal out of the two.

I have also found that Mercon V is more expensive fluid than multipurpose ATF, so in that way also, the Ford dealer is cheaper.

But I believe Valvoline does do a Mercon V as well so you could ask specifically for that. Castrol does it too.

Did you check that your quote is for 14 quarts? Some will do a pan drop only which is about 5 quarts of fluid. Get it in writing before you have the work done!

I purchased Motorcraft Mercon V at $5 a quart and also got a new filter and was charged 1.4 hours labor by my mechanic for the pan drop and clean, filter change, and complete fluid exchange.

The fluid exchange only is quite simple, maybe 30 minutes. I know Aamco would charge about $80 - $100 for it and they carry Mercon V.

 

[msmoke00]

Originally Posted By: rjacket

But I believe Valvoline does do a Mercon V as well so you could ask specifically for that. Castrol does it too.

Did you check that both shops will do the full 14 quarts? Some will do a pan drop only which is about 5 quarts.



Thanks for the input and keep it coming.
I asked specifically and they said they only use Maxlife and not the other Valvoline lines. Both said that was for the full fluid exchange. I bought the truck over the summer and have put about 4000 miles on it. I did a pan drop and new filter about a week ago. The magnet in the pan was covered in crud. I just used some cheap Parts master Mercon V knowing I would be getting a full exchange shortly.
As a side note I did ask the shop how much it would be to do a fluid exchange if I brought them the ATF. It was $85 for just the labor to do that.

 

[rjacket]

Originally Posted By: msmoke00
Originally Posted By: rjacket

But I believe Valvoline does do a Mercon V as well so you could ask specifically for that. Castrol does it too.

Did you check that both shops will do the full 14 quarts? Some will do a pan drop only which is about 5 quarts.



Thanks for the input and keep it coming.
I asked specifically and they said they only use Maxlife and not the other Valvoline lines. Both said that was for the full fluid exchange. I bought the truck over the summer and have put about 4000 miles on it. I did a pan drop and new filter about a week ago. The magnet in the pan was covered in crud. I just used some cheap Parts master Mercon V knowing I would be getting a full exchange shortly.
As a side note I did ask the shop how much it would be to do a fluid exchange if I brought them the ATF. It was $85 for just the labor to do that.


Well if you personally did the pan drop, then you're more than capable of doing the full fluid exchange yourself!

I googled and found this for you:

4R70W Transmission Fluid Change

 

[OldCowboy]

There are significant differences between Mercon, Mercon V, Mercon SP, and Mercon LV. I would never trust a fluid that claims to be a substitute for two or more of them.

 

[mechanicx]

If you already did a pan drop and filter change, then you've done the hardest part. All you need is a cooler line flush. I'd just get 14 qts or soof Valvoline or Castrol or your perfered brand Mercon V fluid and unhook a cooler line and flush it out. You'll save yourself at least $85.

 

[msmoke00]

Thanks guys. So is it really just that simple to dip the return hose into the new bottle and go? I thought there had to be some pressure on the return side. I see the link rjacket has refilling the pan all the time, I feel like there'd still be some old fluid in there. I know some old is fine, but I'm OCD like that which was why I was leaning towards a machine that does a 100% certain exchange.

 

[chevys10]

If you are close to an Advance Auto Parts You can get Castrol Mercon V for less than $4 a quart using a coupon code. It is one of the few ATF's that you can still use the coupon code on..

I used it on my 97 Ranger last year...used a Mityvac to suck as much fluid out as I could, replaced with new fluid, drove around a bit, repeated the Mityvac, dropped the pan, put in a new filter, buttoned it up, then topped off with new flud. I did fill and repeat on the Mityvac because you can't drain the fluid in the converter....adding new to the old increased percentage of new in the system..that way I almost have all new fluid.

 

[Oregoonian]

Originally Posted By: msmoke00
I just called the local Ford dealer,and an independent shop I also trust. The vehicle in question is a 2007 F150 (4r75 trans) with 14 quarts capacity and specd for Mercon V. I'm planning on getting a full fluid exchange. Got quoted $151 for labor and Motorcraft Mercon V from the dealer. Independent shop quotes $149 for labor and Valvoline Maxlife Dex/Merc. I guess from this I have two questions:
1. I looked at the Maxlife website and it says it is specd for Mercon LV, SP, and straight Mercon. No where does it say about Mercon V. Is it still specd for V since Mercon was superseded by Mercon V?
2. Which service is the better value? Motorcraft seems to be a syn blend while Valvoline is supposedly full syn.


With those prices....are they removing the pan and cleaning it... providing a new filter and gasket? Its something you might ask about.

Have you considered using a synthetic....M-1....which I know meets Mercon V specs. It might cost more...but you can extend your changes to 50K or so.

You also might consider purchasing a 'Magnefine' filter...and have them install it....while they are doing the service.

 

[rjacket]

Originally Posted By: msmoke00
Thanks guys. So is it really just that simple to dip the return hose into the new bottle and go? I thought there had to be some pressure on the return side. I see the link rjacket has refilling the pan all the time, I feel like there'd still be some old fluid in there. I know some old is fine, but I'm OCD like that which was why I was leaning towards a machine that does a 100% certain exchange.


The cooler line method is the Ford recommended method, and you do it until the fluid coming out is new, so yes it does exchange all the fluid.

Many of the machines use the transmission's pressure not their own. They are just machines to avoid having to use buckets for emptying and funnels for filling.

 

[rjacket]

Originally Posted By: chevys10
If you are close to an Advance Auto Parts You can get Castrol Mercon V for less than $4 a quart using a coupon code. It is one of the few ATF's that you can still use the coupon code on..

I used it on my 97 Ranger last year...used a Mityvac to suck as much fluid out as I could, replaced with new fluid, drove around a bit, repeated the Mityvac, dropped the pan, put in a new filter, buttoned it up, then topped off with new flud. I did fill and repeat on the Mityvac because you can't drain the fluid in the converter....adding new to the old increased percentage of new in the system..that way I almost have all new fluid.


The cooler line method gets it all out. My mechanic used all 14qts I provided and used that method.

 

[mechanicx]

Originally Posted By: msmoke00
Thanks guys. So is it really just that simple to dip the return hose into the new bottle and go? I thought there had to be some pressure on the return side. I see the link rjacket has refilling the pan all the time, I feel like there'd still be some old fluid in there. I know some old is fine, but I'm OCD like that which was why I was leaning towards a machine that does a 100% certain exchange.


You would usually unhook the pressure line at the radiator or the return line at the transmission and direct it into your catch bucket. Which ever line is easier, but if you unhook both lines at the cooler and let the return line and cooler drain, and determine which is the pressure line it is really just as effective as unhooking the return line at the transmission. You would fill the transmission through the dipstick as you normally would as the level drops while flushing.

 

[3311]

Maxlife does say it's suitable for Mercon V: http://www.valvoline.com/pdf/maxlife_atf.pdf

I use it in my wifes Mazda 3, and my 2500hd(4l80e) and will use it shortly in my c7500(Allison 2000). It's a quality groupIII synthetic. And if you buy it by the gallon at AAP it's about $4.50ish a qt.

 

[chevys10]

Originally Posted By: 3311
Maxlife does say it's suitable for Mercon V: http://www.valvoline.com/pdf/maxlife_atf.pdf

I use it in my wifes Mazda 3, and my 2500hd(4l80e) and will use it shortly in my c7500(Allison 2000). It's a quality groupIII synthetic. And if you buy it by the gallon at AAP it's about $4.50ish a qt.


Someone posted a while back that the bottle no longer says suitable for Mercon V..apparently the web site has not been updated.

 

[3311]

Originally Posted By: chevys10
Originally Posted By: 3311
Maxlife does say it's suitable for Mercon V: http://www.valvoline.com/pdf/maxlife_atf.pdf

I use it in my wifes Mazda 3, and my 2500hd(4l80e) and will use it shortly in my c7500(Allison 2000). It's a quality groupIII synthetic. And if you buy it by the gallon at AAP it's about $4.50ish a qt.


Someone posted a while back that the bottle no longer says suitable for Mercon V..apparently the web site has not been updated.
Strange, I know that its suited for Mazda MV yet its not listed on bottle or site.

 

[3311]

I do have this letter for what it's worth. It was sent to me via email in response to an email regarding Mazda MV and Allison Viton seal compatibility. I have the pdf/email which I can forward if any wants it.
It is form 5 month ago and don't believe they have changed the formula since then.

"
THOMAS R. SMITH
Vice President, Branded Lubricant Technology
Ashland Consumer Markets
August 22, 2011
To Whom It May Concern:
MaxLife ATF is a full synthetic automatic transmission fluid designed to meet the needs of the broadest range of transmission designs. MaxLife ATF recommendations are based on a combination of field testing and laboratory testing.
Valvoline recommends MaxLife ATF in a broad range of transmissions. The list below is just a sample of applications where Valvoline supports the use of MaxLife ATF. Valvoline has conducted in-house testing, independent lab testing, and field-testing to support MaxLife ATF performance in these transmissions; however, it is important to note that the respective vehicle manufacturers have neither evaluated nor approved MaxLife ATF in these applications.
• Allison TES 389, C-4
• ATF 3403 M115
• Audi/VW G-052-025-A1/A2, G-055-025, G-052-162-A1/A2, G-055-005-A1/A2, G-055-162, G-060-162-A1/A2
• BMW LT71141, LA2634, M-1375.4 fluids
• Ford MERCON
• Ford FNR5
• Ford MERCON® V
• Ford MERCON® SP
• MERCON® LV
• GM 9986195
• GM DEXRON® II, III and VI
• Honda/Acura ATF-Z, DW-1 (except in CVTs)
• Hyundai SP-II, SP-III, SP-IV, and SPH-IV
• Jaguar JLM20238, LT71141
• JWS 3309
• KIA SP-II and SP-III Fluids
• KIA Red 1
• MAN 339 Type F
• Mazda M-V
• Mercedes Benz MB236.1, MB236.6, MB236.7, MB236.9, MB236.10
• Mercedes Benz NAG-1
• MOPAR AS68RC ATF
• Miscellaneous OEMs – M1375.4
• Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II and SP-III
• Nissan Matic-D, Matic-J, Matic-K, and Matic-S
• Saab 93 165 147
• Subaru ATF
• Subaru ATF-HP
• Toyota / Lexus Type T, T-III and T-IV
• Toyota WS (except Hybrid vehicles)
• Voith H55.6336.33 (G1363), H55.6335.33 (G607)
• Volvo 1161521 and 1161540, and STD 1273.41
• VW TL52162
• ZF TE-ML-14B, 16L, 17C
Valvoline stands behind all of its products, including MaxLife ATF. Use of MaxLife ATF in transmissions where recommended by Valvoline WILL NOT void the vehicle’s warranty. Vehicle manufacturers are restricted by federal law from including the requirement of the use of a specific brand or trade name of product or service as a condition of their warranty. The following is an extract from the Federal Trade Commission’s web site on interpretation of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act:
"Tie-In Sales" Provisions Generally, tie-in sales provisions are not allowed. Such a provision would require a purchaser of the warranted product to buy an item or service from a particular company to use with the warranted product in order to be eligible to receive a remedy under the warranty. The following are examples of prohibited tie-in sales provisions.
In order to keep your new Plenum Brand Vacuum Cleaner warranty in effect, you must use genuine Plenum Brand Filter Bags. Failure to have
scheduled maintenance performed, at your expense, by the Great American Maintenance Company, Inc., voids this warranty.
Valvoline has conducted extensive testing and has a long history of successful use of MaxLife ATF in a broad range of applications. In the unlikely event that you or your customer experiences any transmission damage while using MaxLife ATF in a Valvoline recommended application, please contact Valvoline at 1-800-Team-VAL for assistance.
While MaxLife ATF is designed to meet the special needs of higher mileage transmissions, new transmissions can also benefit from its enhanced oxidation protection, shear stability, seal compatibility, wear protection and anti-shudder protection. Many consumers have chosen to take advantage of this level of performance in newer transmissions.
Valvoline does not recommend MaxLife ATF for use in most continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) unless specifically noted nor in automatic transmissions where Ford Type F fluids are recommended.
Sincerely,
Thom Smith
Vice President, Branded Lubricant Technology
Ashland Consumer Markets "

 

[chevys10]

Interesting....lists Mercon V. I haven't personally seen the newer bottles with the apparent lack of he Mercon V listing. I was considering the Maxlife at one point but decided on the Castrol Mercon V.

 

[rjacket]

There is meets spec and there is approved. I've seen a lot of folks say they prefer something formulated for Mercon V specs rather than something generic that the manufacturer says meets multiple specs.

What are the chances of having an issue? Probably extremely minor, but why take a chance if you're going to change it at the same time down the road and the Motorcraft Mercon V, like most Motorcraft stuff has a good reputation.

 

[engineer20]

I've wondered the same thing. is it okay for my 09 taurus which calls for mercon v? I have lots of maxlife which I used for my camry or will use for both its ps and atf (will do at 160k, drain and fill) but what about for the 09 taurus which calls for mercon v? is it safe to use maxlife for it or no?