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Licensed alternatives for Mercon LV

38K views 5 replies 5 participants last post by  bbf2530 
#1 ·
Changed out the Mercon LV ATF in my 2012 Ford Fusion SEL V6 a few days ago. Originally, I planned to get Mercon LV from Advance Auto parts, but they did not have any in stock, so I got Peak Full Synthetic Multi-vehicle (ATF) Automatic Transmission Fluid recommemded by them. It's said on the bottle that it is certified by Ford for Mercon LV applications. Later, I did some research and found two other certified products: Castrol/Transmax ATF full synthetic multi-vehicle transmission fluid available from Autozone and Silver State Dex VI / Mercon LV ATF.

I would have gone with Castrol if I had found that before making the purchase although the price is higher. I wonder if someone knows better licensed aftermarket alternatives.

I used a fluid extractor. About 4 to 5 quarts can be sucked out each time, as much as by removing the drain plug. I used 12 quarts of the Peak ATF following the instructions posted by drolds1 here.

About 10 to 20 percent of the original oil is still left using this method. The color changed from dark brown to pink, but I am not sure if the shift quality is better. There are still unsmooth shifts though. I plan to use Dr. Tranny Instant Shudder Fixx and Lubegard 63010 Platinum Universal ATF Protectant.
 
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#2 · (Edited)
I would stay away from those additives. Snake oil products in general don't do much other than transfer money from your wallet to their bank account.

As to what else can be used for Mercon LV, I would suggest you visit bobistheoilguy.com and see what you can find there. I have not frequented that site in quite some time, but there are many very knowledgeable people there and you should either be able to find the answer to your question or be able to ask.

May I add that there is nothing wrong with your fluid maintenance method. If you want to approach a higher level of freshness, repeat it after a week or two to increase the purity level. Preventive maintenance is about doing appropriate maintenance before things break. The fluid discoloration is an indication of oxidation breakdown and although there may not have been any problems yet, problems would surely come if the fluid is allowed to continue to degrade.
 
#4 · (Edited)
Hi Sam 369!
well first of all the lubegard products are really good and in my experience and manny others. these are the only products on the market that do what they promise.
however depending on what transmission you have.
if you have the (aisin warner-six speed) transmission then, you do not need the
(platinum lube gard) or the (Dr tranny shutter fix) because these two additives have a higher content of friction modifiers which will only increase the friction coefficient in an already highly friction modified fluid such as the (ford mercon LV/toyota WS/and GM dexron VI)
So in turn you will have worst shift characteristics then you did before.
NOTE: mercon LV, is not the same as mercon SP, you can not interchange them or even mix a little bit of either. There are a lot of problems being reported from such careless mixups and, ford is dragging their feet about this issue.
if you really want to add something then you can add the red lubegard (red bottle) most importantly how is your fluid level doing I know I need to overfill mine or it will shift rough/funny.
I have to fill mine up to the top line of the "hot" mark!
basically in the morning when the car is cold and I go and check the tranny oil level on the dipstick that's where the oil level will be, -top line of the "hot" mark-
Of course the engine has to be idling and the car parked on a level surface.
PS.
If none of this takes care of your tranny problems. well, then, you have mechanical issues.
And since your car is a 2012 maybe you still have some warranty left on it! I hope you do.
IMPORTANT. if you decide to take it to the dealer and it is a warranty claim, it will be up to you to tell them that you used any additives.
As the use of any thing that is not ford approved and recomended will void any warranty claims.
Best of luck mate!
 
#5 ·
Changed out the Mercon LV ATF in my 2012 Ford Fusion SEL V6 a few days ago. Originally, I planned to get Mercon LV from Advance Auto parts, but they did not have any in stock, so I got Peak Full Synthetic Multi-vehicle (ATF) Automatic Transmission Fluid recommemded by them. It's said on the bottle that it is certified by Ford for Mercon LV applications. Later, I did some research and found two other certified products: Castrol/Transmax ATF full synthetic multi-vehicle transmission fluid available from Autozone and Silver State Dex VI / Mercon LV ATF.

I would have gone with Castrol if I had found that before making the purchase although the price is higher. I wonder if someone knows better licensed aftermarket alternatives.

I used a fluid extractor. About 4 to 5 quarts can be sucked out each time, as much as by removing the drain plug. I used 12 quarts of the Peak ATF following the instructions posted by drolds1 here.

About 10 to 20 percent of the original oil is still left using this method. The color changed from dark brown to pink, but I am not sure if the shift quality is better. There are still unsmooth shifts though. I plan to use Dr. Tranny Instant Shudder Fixx and Lubegard 63010 Platinum Universal ATF Protectant.
Is there a Mobil 1 equivalent to motorcraft mercon LV? The only ones I’ve found said they are approved by General Motors but even the Mobil 1 website shows their LV works fine. I trust Mobil 1 more than any other oil. However, if Castrol is it then I guess I’ll use that.
 
#6 ·
Hi angelfansan. My advice would be to only use Motorcraft Mercon LV or an alternative brand/fluid that specifically states it meets ("and/or exceeds") the Motorcraft Mercon LV specs. If the fluid you are looking at does not specifically state it meets all the proper specifications for Motorcraft Mercon LV, then I would recommend you do not use it.

Terms like "We recommend this for Mercon LV applications..." etc., are not good enough.

I do not know of an alternative brand, off the top of my head.

Good luck.
 
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