Power steering fluid question '98 Continental

[CHL59]

The manual for my '98 Continental states that Mercon ATF should be used when adding or replacing the fluid.

I'm assuming that I can use Dexron II E / Mercon ATF, or would it be better to upgrade to a newer fluid...for example, Mercon V?

Thanks for any advice provided.

 

[artificialist]

Mercon V is a perfect replacement for Mercon.
If you want the best upgrade, get some premium synthetic ATF.

Also, many Fords call for a certain ATF specification, but I find that any ATF works fine in Ford power steering systems.

 

[CHL59]

Thank you, Artificialist...so, I can't do any harm using the Dexron IIE / Mercon ATF?

Although, it would be much better to use Mercon V, or a premium synthetic ATF.

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: CHL59
Thank you, Artificialist...so, I can't do any harm using the Dexron IIE / Mercon ATF?

Although, it would be much better to use Mercon V, or a premium synthetic ATF.

That Dexron IIE/Mercon will do no harm to your power steering system.

 

[simple_gifts]

You could use Maxlife. Synthetic base and "it has all the bases covered"

 

[RF Overlord]

Originally Posted By: CHL59
I'm assuming that I can use Dexron II E / Mercon ATF, or would it be better to upgrade to a newer fluid...for example, Mercon V?
DEX IIE is a very old spec...if you're talking about some leftover stuff you have laying around, I wouldn't use it. Also don't use Mercon V that is old...it was reformulated when Ford stopped licensing plain Mercon so as to be backward compatible, but the older formulation was not.

 

[MuzzleFlash40]

In both of my Mercurys I've replaced the fluid with Maxlife. I've done the same in the past with all of my Fords ranging in years from 1994-2007 with no problems.

 

[dnewton3]

Originally Posted By: CHL59
The manual for my '98 Continental states that Mercon ATF should be used when adding or replacing the fluid.

I'm assuming that I can use Dexron II E / Mercon ATF, or would it be better to upgrade to a newer fluid...for example, Mercon V?

Thanks for any advice provided.



I worked at the Ford power steering plant in Indy from 1990 to 2006; I was there when your steering pump, gear and column were made. IIRC you have the CIII pump and the Conti was a Taurus based variant, so it has an aluminum body R&P (chassis D186 is a stretched Taurus platform, if memory serves???) ...

You can use any Dex/Merc variant; the system just isn't that picky. From lowly house brand D/M fluids all the way up to Allision TES-295 licensed products, any Dex/Merc type fluid will suffice. Merc V is generaally considered as an upgraded Mercon variant; semi-syn with small chem tweaks.

It would be my suggestion to use a house brand Dex/Merc fluid; will save you money and your steering gear will never know the difference.