Quick question since I can't seem to find any defining answer. When exactly did Ford make the switch from type F to mercon fluid? Some have told me the dexron/mercon is backwards compatible but I was always taught against that, and everyone seems to have different opinions on when the switch was made. Any ideas?
ATF question....type F vs dexron/mercon
- Thread starter hrdjeepzj
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I stand on this opinion.
A) DEXRON/MERCON is reverse compatible.
With a dash of hypothetical humour....heck you could find one of the original powerglide trannies filled with Whale Oil and fill it with modern stuff. (assuming you dug one up untouched by age and history LOL)
B)The Type F switch...do not know.
A) DEXRON/MERCON is reverse compatible.
With a dash of hypothetical humour....heck you could find one of the original powerglide trannies filled with Whale Oil and fill it with modern stuff. (assuming you dug one up untouched by age and history LOL)
B)The Type F switch...do not know.
1977 was the year Ford switched from "F" to Dexron/mercon in transmissions.
I have seen power steering caps on later Fords that said to use "F" fluid.
I have seen power steering caps on later Fords that said to use "F" fluid.
--quote--
MERCON® fluids are back serviceable to Ford vehicles produced since 1981. Generally, vehicles produced prior to that model year require a different type of fluid, Ford Type F. The use of Type F fluids in transmissions designed for MERCON®, or vice versa, could result in poor shift quality.
--end quote--
http://www.lubrizol.com/ReadyReference/DrivelineLubricants/14-atf/default.asp
Ken
MERCON® fluids are back serviceable to Ford vehicles produced since 1981. Generally, vehicles produced prior to that model year require a different type of fluid, Ford Type F. The use of Type F fluids in transmissions designed for MERCON®, or vice versa, could result in poor shift quality.
--end quote--
http://www.lubrizol.com/ReadyReference/DrivelineLubricants/14-atf/default.asp
Ken
The basic difference is that type F contains no friction modifiers, while all others do in varying amounts.
Toyota also used type F until the early 1980's. Our 1981 Toyota had the fluid changed and the shop used Dexron by mistake. It slipped badly. Type F back in, everything ok. As late as 1996, Ford was still calling for type F in power steering units. I don't know why.
Toyota also used type F until the early 1980's. Our 1981 Toyota had the fluid changed and the shop used Dexron by mistake. It slipped badly. Type F back in, everything ok. As late as 1996, Ford was still calling for type F in power steering units. I don't know why.
Kinda like why the 4r70w tranny on my '99 F150 calls for Mercon V, while the transfer case calls for mercon only. Go figure?
The answer is 1987 for Mercon, moving to a product with friction modifiers. Type F is still required for the transmissions with the original clutch and band materials. I have a chart with all the years and fluid development on my site in aplicaciones..... transmisiones automaticas (the chart is understandable in any language)
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