Mercon V ATF vs Dexron III

[Craig]

Mercon v is a Ford spec'd tranny fluid, but the bottle says it can be used for dexron iii applications. How true is that?

Today you can't get dexron iii at autozone type places. This is what is out there.

Dexron vi (GM)

dex/merc domestic multi vehicle (GM)

import multi vehicle ( honda )

mercon v (Ford)

atf +4 (dodge)

type f (Ford)

high mileage ( seal swell )

I swear atf fluid is going the way of antifreeze with a lot of propriety formulas for each make.

Cut and paste from another thread.

"Craig..... As far as compatibility is concerned, you can use the swepco 714 as a replacement for those transmissions which call for dexron, mercon and chrysler (including atf+4). You should not use it in cvt (constant velocity transmissions) "

does that mean mercon v applictions too?

Why are there so many type's of tranny fluid?

 

[Craig]

Ok so swepo does it all.

what about the off the shelf stuff mercon v as a dexron iii replacement?

 

[DF Sales&Marketing]

Craig,

nice to hear from you again!

You are right with the comment about proprietary atfs on the market .... It is really getting to be a real pain in the arse for a lot of people, especially those who are in the parts stores and for the consumers wanting to be able to get the correct product for their vehicles.

The main reson The oems have gone the route they have is strictly "follow the money." in order for a lube blender to market their products, they need to pay a "royalty" fee by the gallon of what they produce to call it, for example: "dexron vi." this, of course puts a huge financial burden on many of the smaller companies who wish to be able to list their products in that manner. In the case that you cite, evidently, the manufacturer of that particular oil has paid both GM and Ford to specify that it meets the requirements on both of those oils.

On the other hand, there are many oils which meet the specs, but do not pay the royalty fees.... Swepco is one of them. So what I am telling you is that the swepco 714-20 atf will do a fine job in all dexron applications, including the dexron vi, and as well, do a great job in the Ford trannies calling for mercon type oil....however do not use it in a type "f" application, as it is too slippery for those. It is not recommended for the cars which have "cvt" transmissions. It will also work well in the chrysler atf+3 and the atf+4 applications. However, since it is not "paid" into the coffers of GM, Ford and chrysler, it cannot be listed as an "approved" product. Real world experience with using the 714-20 in those applications has shown it to be an exceptional oil which reduces operating temperatures and gives longer service life.

Hope that clears up the fog on this subject!

Dick

 

[Craig]

Ahhh the light goes on in the brain. Did not know about the royalties.

Thanks, your the best.

Craig