Can I Mix Mercon V With Mercon LV In My Transmission? (Q&A)

[@aeylxb3472]

I got a 2005 p71 Crown vic. The transmission went out, basically started slipping between 1st and 2nd gear. Anyways the dealer installed a re-manufactured 5W7Z-7000 LRM, which is the 4R75W transmission and filled it up with Mercon LV instead of Mercon V. Additionally, on the dipstick it says Mercon V. I now have intermittent clunk noise upon braking at low speeds and sometimes while accelerating very slowly from 1st to second there would be a pretty loud clunk coming from front underneath. Otherwise the car shifts and drives fine. Could that be attributed to the incorrect fluid? Either way I'm planning to flush the incorrect fluid and fill with with the correct one. Here is the game plan: I have 5 gallons of Mercon V. What I'm planning to do is undo the transmission return line (cold line), hook it up to a hose and start the car in order for the transmission pump to pump all of the fluid out in a bucket. While that is going on, the incorrect fluid would get pumped out while gradually I will be adding 2.5 gallons or 12.5 quarts of Mercon V down the dipstick tube to push out all of the Mercon LV. Once I'm done adding all of the 12.5 of Mercon V, I will wait until the stream becomes weak at which point I would shut of the engine, attach the return line back to the transmission. At this point I'm going to have 12.5 quarts of Mercon V remaining. I will then start the car again, and as soon as I do I will begin adding the remaining 12.5 quarts of Mercon V to fill it up. The reason why I'm trying to push out 12.5 quarts of Mercon LV with the same amount of Mercon V and wait until even the remaining Mercon V gets flushed out is to leave as little of a residue of the Mercon LV as possible and having a mix of both to the minimum.

[@PanzerPlatform]

Hello, The dealership owes you a new/reman transmission. If the dealership refuses to replace the transmission with a new/reman unit call Ford Customer Service at 1 [phone] -Chuck

[@vw72713]

Got a 2010 P7B and had reasonable suspicion that the previous owner filled her up with the wrong fluid (found receipts where he bought way bigger quantities of Mercon V than you would need for a casual power steering top up). So I had her completely flushed with LV and now it should be fine. By the way, you probably don’t have the biggest audience as you target just a very distinctive audience. But the KZbin algorithm brought us here and I truly appreciate your work, your creativity, your thorough research and quality of presentation! Philipp

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo Phillip, Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words. I have around 5,500 more subscribers than I deserve. Lol Good job on the detective work, and preemptive corrective action. One thing I would have also done to “speed up” the repair after a suspected contamination flush is to clear the adaptive memory of any learned strategies in the PCM like transmission shift points, stall speeds, etc. Depending on how you use the car it may take up to a month for the PCM to “re-learn” your driving style. Especially considering the different viscosity of V vs. LV. Here’s what I’m talking about; kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3Tblp2bfsd6j9k -Chuck

[@vw72713]

@@PanzerPlatform Yes just recently I did that as well after watching your video. Haven't driven her since then but have a subjective feeling that there's way more exhaust fume (just moved her within the garage) than usual. I suspect that the fuel:air mixing ratio has also reset.

[@Tayd0g]

Thank you Chuck! I see this is helping other people too. You don’t get enough credit for what you do!

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo T, Thanks for the good question. -Chuck

[@darkwhitedirewolf]

Chuck, is like a super hero without a cape

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo Mike, Long time no see. lol Thanks for stopping in. -Chuck

[@SlipFitGarage]

Thanks for the good information on these two transmission fluids. It can be very confusing for the average guy to know which fluid to use. That chart you have with the different years and fluids is very handy. Thanks.

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo Brian, I found a secret weapon. It's called; RTFM lol -Chuck

[@SlipFitGarage]

@@PanzerPlatform lol. That is a great place to start! 😁

[@dr8278]

I live in the UK and own an ex- Texas State Trooper 2010 P7B which is in now in LVMPD livery. Just had a minor service and annual Ministry of Transport test. Very helpful thanks. Duncan.

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo Duncan, Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words. -Chuck

[@WJHandyDad]

if anyone runs across that issue, they can hire a law dawg or if that's not practical, most states have a form of "small claims court" where the process, procedure, and rules of evidence are simple. The "fix" for wrong fluid, as you know, is unfortunately a complete system flush

[@PanzerPlatform]

"Have you fallen victim to fluid contamination? You may be due a large cash settlement. Call 555-SAUL, that's right folks. Better call Saul"

[@Tayd0g]

That’s the unfortunate bit. They did flush it even though I told them not to. I thought they would have just drained, and filled and cycled it several times. Alot more work but its the *safe* way if doing it. That said I *just* might be seeing them in small claims court.

[@SM-gp2xh]

@@Tayd0g That is unfortunate, sorry to hear they did that, most of the reason I still work on plywood under a car in my driveway even though my back does not like it. Can't afford to fix other peoples mistakes these days.

[@iliketowncars]

Good stuff Chuck. On my 99 Lincoln I was the first to drop the pan and do a fluid+filter change at 120k miles, I used Walmart merc on V and Motorcraft filter, and it stopped the car from slipping the transmission has been good for the next 9k miles. On my 03 Merc at 165k it started slipping, it does not have a torque converter drain plug so I could only change 4 quarts from the pan, it improved the situation but I'd like the converter drained at some point.

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo Aharon, Thanks for stopping in, and the good feedback. -Chuck

[@canadianmarauder1923]

I have a 12 pack of Lv fluid collecting dust in the garage because I didn’t check the manual. Looks like I can use it in the 6r80 though

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo C-Raud, I see a 2009-2011 Panther in your future. lol -Chuck

[@ES-dj7jg]

I guess this is specific to Motorcraft V vs LV transmission fluid? On the back of my Valvoline full synthetic Mercon LV bottle it lists under "Recommended For Use In": Ford Mercon LV, Mercon V.

[@PanzerPlatform]

Hello, See the owner's manual for your Ford vehicle for the answer. -Chuck

[@pirihern9329]

Just found this. I don't own any vehicles that use mercan atf, but this subject applies to many other vehicles. Best to DIY. Do your research. I'm replacing my 2002 Honda accord atf and haven't decided whether to use the oem dw1 type h fluid or idemitsu atf type h fluid. Retired trying to save money

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo PH, Thanks for stopping in. Wise words, always confirm & verify. -Chuck

[@strumminandwrenchin9162]

I’m a Honda technician and its preferred that you use ATFDW1 from Honda. No substitutes.

[@eudnen]

I hope this spreads to those who want to service their transmissions on panther cars, I was tempted to buy LV for my 2001 Grand Marquis since autozone sells it in 5 quart jugs. After looking at how viscous V is compared to LV, I ended up buying all of my 12 quarts of V in quart jugs for what I needed. Never cheap out when buying new fluids, always check official sources to make sure you're putting in what's compatible. Good job on the video Chuck, we needed this.

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo Dylan, Unfortunately people have been using incorrect transmission fluids for decades, and it’s only getting worse. This is why manufacturers started making “sealed transmissions” by removing dipsticks. In this case it looks like the repair shop had service literature, but for whatever reason it was incorrect. Good job on TayDog for catching the mistake. -Chuck

[@nazigrammar9728]

So I changed my fluid a year ago(4k miles till now). The dealer said i suppose to use LV, but the dipstik cap says V. 2 months ago i got some vibration. Today performed line pressure test. Got approximately good readings,(~10% lower pressure at idle). 6F50, 2009 MKX AWD. Everything seems good, but why they say its NOT interchangeable and don't mix??? It works, just 15-20% lower viscosity for LV??? I don't think that vibration cz of that. The only question: wTF its not interchangeable and dont mix??? If id use 5-20, drain and put 5-30 - nothing is going to happen, even if theres still 5% of 5-20 left, am I right?

[@PanzerPlatform]

Hello, thanks for watching. Here is your answer; www.motorcraft.com/us/en_us/home/our-products/chemicals-and-lubricants/transmission-fluid/mercon-v-automatic-transmission-and-power-steering-fluids.html - www.motorcraft.com/us/en_us/home/our-products/chemicals-and-lubricants/transmission-fluid/mercon-lv-automatic-transmission-fluids.html - Here is Ford Motorcraft ATF application specification chart; www.motorcraft.com/content/dam/ford-motorcraft/en_us/motorcraft_global/products/lubricants/quick_reference_charts/automatic%20transmission%20fluids%20chart_english.pdf - 2007-2009 6F50 is Mercon V 2010-2020 6F50 is Mercon LV It looks like your dealer used the incorrect fluid. You may want to print these documents, return to your dealer, and have them flush the system for contamination, and add the correct fluid. If the dealer refuses to correct the issue call Ford Customer Service; 1-800-392-3673 If you still have questions you must ask Ford Motorcraft. Refer to your owners manual: Use of incorrect fluid may cause transmission damage. -Chuck

[@joshuacampodonico6554]

So I’ve have 2 town cars one a 2007 short base and the other a long wheel base 2010 the 2007 uses V the 2010 uses LV both have the 4R75E transmission my 2007 transmission actually slipped at 236,000 miles where as my 2010 has lasted 590,000 miles and still running good shifts. Curious is thicker fluid bad for this transmission or would it benefit it?

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo JC, Your 2007 & 2010 Lincoln Town Car may have the same 4R75E transmission. However, when Ford switched the fluid specification from V to LV for 2009-2011 they made several changes to accommodate the different fluids. The ones that sticks out in my mind is the different calibration levels of the PCM to accommodate different shift points, stall speeds, actuator engagements, passageway diameters, etc. Thicker fluid vs. thinner fluid is not a difference of bad or good. It’s possible Ford switched to LV to improve fuel economy. Head over to fueleconomy.gov and use the “compare side by side” tool to see the difference in EPA fuel economy estimates. The 2007 is 18mpg, and the 2010 is 19mpg. A 1mpg difference in a fleet of 1,000 or more cars can make a huge difference. Catastrophic transmission failure due to incorrect maintenance, incorrect fluid specification, incorrect fluid level does not happen over the course of days, weeks, or months. It may take up to a year to cause damage from these conditions. How do you know the 2007 was properly maintained, or contaminated with incorrect fluid before you obtained it? -Chuck

[@فيصلالجهني-غ4ح]

Thank you for the explanation. A question, please, how do I clean and change PCV valve ford crown vic 2011

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo Faisal, You may want to just replace it, instead of cleaning it. The OEM Ford part number is 7L3Z-6A666-A. Or Motorcraft EV-281. As far as changing it have a look at this video; kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5PViZmhls14d6c -Chuck

[@فيصلالجهني-غ4ح]

@@PanzerPlatform thank you sir

[@KINGVIC87]

Use the recommended transmission fluid for your vehicle point blank don't try to put anything other than that once the transmission failed, they failed to keep the transmission happy used the recommended transmission fluid it will save you a lot of repair cost if your transmission is happy, your bank account and wallet will be happy 😂 some people go for different transmission fluid because of the price if you cannot afford, the transmission fluid is recommended for your crown Vic you shouldn't have one my 2006 interceptor never had any issues with the transmission at all i've had this car for almost 10 years I couldn't find Marcon V transmission fluid so I brought this off brand transmission fluid that says is capable to use an automatic transmission that uses Marcon V I put that in my car two weeks later now I have transmission problems it's a reason why they say use Motorcraft Marcon V or used the recommend it for your Vic

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo Anthony, Long time no see. Lol What was the brand, and type of transmission fluid that gave you problems? This should help others avoid that fluid. -Chuck

[@KINGVIC87]

@@PanzerPlatform hey i know huh long time but im back lol and it was super tech automatic transmission fluid it says on the bottle for use and vehicles previously service by dexron or Mercon but ever since I put that in my transmission I have nothing but problems now I'm going to drain it all out and put the recommended transmission fluid I just have to order it from Amazon or Ebay my local parts stores do not sell Mercon V for some reason i dont know why I'm trying to tell people stick to the recommended transmission fluid that your car used or else your transmission is not going to be happy your bank account not going to be happy and your wallet going to be mad lol

[@PanzerPlatform]

@@KINGVIC87 Walmart Super Tech makes six different transmission fluids. Mercon Mercon High Mileage Mercon V Mercon LV ATF+4 Type F I use the Mercon V in my 2004 Vic, and Mercon LV in my 2010 MGM. They are Ford approved, and officially licenced. It’s sounds like maybe you grabbed the wrong bottle off the shelf. The Mercon, and the Mercon LV is NOT compatible with your 2006. Only Mercon V is compatible with your 2006 Crown Vic. Here is what the bottles look like; kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3y8mpmLndNgiLs -Chuck

[@KINGVIC87]

@@PanzerPlatform oh no it wasnt that one I made a mistake it was one from O'Reilly's brand sorry for the confused i forgot I put the O'Reilly's brand in there before I put the Walmart brand in when I put the O'Reilly's brand in there 2 weeks later that's when the transmission start having a problems sorry about that I have the Walmart brand in my garage right now I haven't put it in right now it was a O'Reilly's brand I just remembered I'm going to do a pan drop when it stopped raining and put the one I got from Walmart to see if that helps that's why I said you give good information lol I totally forgot

[@PanzerPlatform]

@@KINGVIC87 O'Reilly makes 8 different store brand transmission fluids. Only one is compatible with your 2006 Crown Vic. The other 7 are NOT compatible, and will cause shift quality issues, or damage. -Chuck

[@CaptainCJ97]

Thanks time to change mine on my 04 gotta get the filter too

[@PanzerPlatform]

Aye Aye Capn' Thanks for stopping in. -Chuck

[@davidmckinney6577]

Thanks for the information what about a 91 towncar 4.6l ?

[@PanzerPlatform]

Thanks for watching. Follow your owners manual. -Chuck

[@TheBarth79]

How many quarts of oil i need for total oil exchange?

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo Barto, I thought you would never ask. lol See page 263 of your owners manual for all your fluid capacities; www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/10croog2e.pdf These might help; kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKDSiKOuYtx_q5Y - kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2jEqmmrgtGVfNE -Chuck

[@RAMusic15]

Is it recommended Mercon LV to an 4f27e gearbox? My owner manual says (Dexron IIi or similar) but in motorcraft page it was updated to LV.

[@PanzerPlatform]

@@RAMusic15 Refer to this chart from Ford Motorcraft, (see note 1); www.motorcraft.com/content/dam/ford-motorcraft/en_us/motorcraft_global/products/lubricants/quick_reference_charts/automatic%20transmission%20fluids%20chart_english.pdf

[@RAMusic15]

@@PanzerPlatform thank you

[@sietze023]

Hi. So today ive tried to change my LV trans oil in my 2011. My garage has done it 3 years ago but put Kendall ATF inside. Ive no idea if it was the V or the LV variant of the Kendall ATF. Can it harm that if thety put the V variant of Kendall ATF in my 2011? Thanks.

[@PanzerPlatform]

Hello, Long time no see. lol See page 266 Footnote # 4 of the Owner's Manual for your 2011 Crown Victoria. Here is a link to a PDF copy of the manual; www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/11croog3e.pdf It says; "Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage." -Chuck

[@williamsl798]

Oh man, I wonder which one mine uses? My car is a 2005, but the engine was replaced in 2009 while it was still serving as a police car. I have no idea if the transmission was also replaced and if there's supposed to be an identifying tag or anything on it, it's long gone.

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo LW, There's already a bunch of videos on KZbin showing how to decipher what transmission is in your 1992-2011 Panther Car. Just search; 4R70W 4R70E 4R75W 4R75E You can't miss 'em. lol -Chuck

[@stevep756]

I wonder if he had a filter and fluid change when they put in the wrong stuff? If that was the case how do you take out the wrong fluid when it was mixed with the rest? Or how did they fix it is the question. Thanx for another video Chuck. AC9IM

[@PanzerPlatform]

Right on Steve, Thanks for stopping in, and the great question. TayDog said they "put in" Mercon V instead of Mercon LV. He did not specify if they dropped the pan, and changed the filter, and topped up with 4 quarts. Of if they just added 1 quart. Or if they did a transmission flush. I believe it was the first one. Usually in most cases when you suspect fluid contamination like this you do a full 14 quart flush with the engine running so it can flush out everything including the transmission cooler, and all the lines. -Chuck

[@alejandrozamudio2995]

Soy de México tengo una Escape 2013 , hoy fui por un aceite para la caja porque mañana la llevo al mecánico a que cheque los niveles , pero solo encontre Mercon V . No es compactible ??

[@PanzerPlatform]

Hello, Your 2013 Ford Escape Owner's Manual lists Mercon LV as the transmission fluid. The Owner's Manual says Mercon V will damage the transmission. -Chuck

[@G3T_R3KT_XM8]

This is off subject but how is the Costco interstate battery holding up?

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo GXR, Thanks for stopping in. What a coincidence. I just bought another Costco battery yesterday. But not because the old one was bad. I just wanted a spare. I'll be making another battery review / follow up video after I finish my "Costco Michelin Tire" video. -Chuck

[@edk9576]

Just topped off a 2010 Ford Focus with 1/2 a quart of Mercon V and believe it takes LV should I worry and flush it?

[@PanzerPlatform]

Hello, See pages 253-260 of your 2010 Ford Focus owners manual. Here’s a link to a PDF copy; www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/10focog3e.pdf Page 253 Your transmission does not consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage. Page 255 Overfilling fluid levels may result in transmission failure. An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage. Page 260 Automatic transmissions that require MERCON LV should only use MERCON LV fluid. Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage. It appears you have contaminated your transmission fluid, and possibly overfilled the fluid level. Both conditions may cause transmission failure / damage. -Chuck

[@midwestpanther98]

I'm going to bring my own transmission fluid into the dealership if I get it done there. I get worried about the wrong fluid being used since Ford changed it for later models.

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo Josh, If you can't trust your mechanic, who can you trust? lol Why not do it yourself? I thought you change your own engine oil. This is about as easy. -Chuck

[@midwestpanther98]

@@PanzerPlatform lol, I do trust my mechanic just not ones that don't know my name. As far as doing it myself I get a little skeptical of doing it myself. I tried it once in a car I had before and had a bad experience. The pan gasket leaked after trying to replace it. ( Note: don't use certain gaskets on the General Motor cars

[@PanzerPlatform]

@@midwestpanther98 When you take it in, leave your dash cam running. Adjust it so you can see the engine bay when he opens the hood. lol

[@novaboy49]

Why do some brands of trans fluid say Mercon V or Mercon LV???????

[@PanzerPlatform]

They are two different fluids with two different specifications for two different applications. They are not interchangeable, and should never be mixed per Ford Motorcraft product information sheets. See Ford Motorcraft service literature in the description box. -Chuck

[@umarshahbazahmadumarshahba3612]

Can we put lv in nissan sunny 2017 ???

[@PanzerPlatform]

Follow your owners manual recommendation. -Chuck

[@jamesborrelli1721]

Can i add valvoline max life with mercon 5

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo James, Thanks for stopping in, and the great question. Here's the answer; kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5yUh3qFaNp2rqM -Chuck

[@azizks6268]

👍

[@PanzerPlatform]

Thanks for watching. -Chuck

[@freddyhollingsworth5945]

first!!!!

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo Freddy, Long time no see. Lol -Chuck