What ATF to use - 2004 CD4E Ford tranny w/90k

[andysinnh]

Hi there - new to the forum as a member, but a long-time reader! Looking for some advice.

Recently purchased 2004 Ford Escape, AWD, 3.0L DuraTec v6 and the CD4E auto transmission. Vehicle has 90k miles, and we've driven it for 3k miles since purchased. Transmission shifts smooth, no leaks, no odd noises. Fluid level is fine, decent color, no burnt smell - and appears as though it's not the factory fill (thank goodness).

AS a matter of maintenance, I want to do a drain-and-fill. According to what I've read (and also the OEM service manual that I have), it says 3.9 quarts, and the recommended fluid in the manual and the dipstick handle is plain Mercon. I've read various opinions in different forums about not introducing Mercon-V into this transmission, and to stick with a plain Dex/Merc fluid. But given the mileage, I'd like to perhaps give this transmission a bit of fluid with additives to prevent problems.

So I have sitting in front of me two options - 4 quarts of Pennzoil Dex/Merc ATF (specifically listed for non-Mercon-V vehicles), and I have 4 quarts of Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF, which has a broader range of coverage (including Mercon-V) and also the higher-mileage additives.

So the query is - which do I use? Stick with plain ATF that matches the OEM specs for 2004? Or do I put in the MaxLife with additives? Anyone have any views? Would like to do the job tomorrow - but on the fence about which is the right option.

Thanks much!
andy

 

[tig1]

M1 ATF has worked very well for me in Fords for many years. I do 35-40K OCIs.

 

[S2500Dog]

You can use plain ATF that meets the OEM specs or you can use the Pennzoil or Valvoline Maxlife ATF. All three products will work perfectly with your transmission although I would go with the Valvoline Maxlife for good measure and continued dependability.

 

[unDummy]

OE specs for 2004 are already obsolete & superseded.

Use the best ATF you can get.
Maxlife would be better than a generic dex/merc.

 

[andysinnh]

Went under the vehicle today, and after successfully draining the oil and changing the filter, I took a closer look at the transmission area. Low and behold, it's been replaced. I knew the front left halfshaft assembly had been replaced, but upon closer inspection, you can see that the transmission was fairly recently replaced with a rebuilt. Probably explains why the fluid was fairly clear when checking from up top, and why at almost 90k miles the car was shifting so well.

So for now, I didn't touch the fluid. I'm gonna email the dealer to see if they can find out when the transmission was replaced (it was owned by a woman in their business office, so maybe I can get the info) - just to see my new starting point for normal maintenance.

So the question NOW is - what's the right fluid to use for fill-and-drains with a newly installed transmission? Do I stick with Mercon-V? Use the MaxLife I have in stock? I"m guessing the requirement to use the old-school Mercon might be long gone at this point. Advice?

thanks for everyone's help thus far!

andy

 

[cos]

andy,

My '02 Escape has 93K on it and the CD4E shifts beautifully, as it always has since day one. FWIW I do drain & fills every 10K with Mercon. My last drain & fill was with "High Mileage" Mercon. This truck has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned.

 

[Ken2]

Well, if you went to a Ford dealership and had them look in their books for the fluid, they'd bring out Ford licensed MerconV. As far as Ford is concerned there is no more Mercon. Try it. Ask. Please let us all know the result.

 

[bdcardinal]

Mercon V according to the chart.

 

[Johnny]

I am very biased when it comes to ATF's and this is one of the "best" Mercon V's on the planet.


http://www.pennzoil.com/#/transmission-fluids-and-gear-oil/pennzoil-mercon-v-atf

 

[Ben99GT]

Nice pour point, I've never seen that stuff on the shelf though.

Here's my vote for the best Mercon V I've ever used: http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=51&pcid=9