Ford WSS-M2C195-A, Mercon LV, confusion!

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Dec 9, 2018
Messages
1
Location
New Zealand
I am trying to figure what fluid to buy to refill a power steering system after replacing a pump on a Ford Duratec HE 2.0 (from 2002). The original spec required is WSS-M2C195-A.

This UK site, which is an official Ford/dealership parts site, explicitly ties together ATF and PAS fluid, and also states that the above spec was replaced with M2C938...
https://www.fordpartsuk.com/transmission-power-steering-and-transfer-box-fluid-1-litre
"Transmission, Power Steering And Transfer Box Fluid ... Ford Specification WSA-M2C195-A, WSS-M2C938-A, WSA-M2C195-A is the early level and is replaced by WSS-M2C938-A This is Red Fluid"
And it is common to find this "replaced by" advice elsewhere.

Then, it is easy to find online equivalence between WSS-M2C938-A and Mercon LV ATF. I.e. the former appears to just be the spec for the latter.

One of my cheaper available options where I am is this product, which mentions both the latter spec and Mercon LV compatibility:
https://www.penriteoil.com.au/products/atf-lv-full-syn#/

What's confusing is that the likes of Ford continue to sell "Power Steering" fluid at relatively exorbitant prices, as distinct to Mercon LV ATF. The Australian brand above also sells a PAS fluid...
https://www.penriteoil.com.au/appli...as-fluid-power-assisted-steering-fluid#/
...which lists the old WSA-M2C195-A spec and NOT the newer, but it is more than double or triple the price on a per-volume basis as the LV product. The vicosity numbers vary a bit too.

Can anyone offer some insight?! Basically, can I substitute Mercon LV for WSS-M2C195-A?
 
Last edited:
I have used M1 ATF in my Fords since 1992 and have never had a PS pump fail, and it performs very well in extreme cold temps.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top