Power Steering Fluid doubt

Hi all, first of all I've read several times FAQ section about windstar. But Im still confused here.

I bought this fluid to add and top up my power steering pump: Valvoline Maxline ATF DexronIII, Mercon: http://www.amazon.com/Valvoline-VV324-MAXLIFE-DEXRONIII-Bottles/dp/B000CQ262C/ref=pd_sbs_auto_1

I top up, and start hearing the annoying whining noise, so i figured it out this is the wrong fluid type.

I also have Preston power steering fluid + stop leaks but since windstar FAQ says: "don't use power steering fluid" I didn't use this one. http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Power-Steering-Fluid-Prestone_89014917-P_N3282_T|GRP2052 (http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Power-Steering-Fluid-Prestone_89014917-P_N3282_T%7CGRP2052)

In my city I couldnt find Mobil 1 ATF. But I can buy ATF Type F at napa.

So, which one of these can I use (since red line products or mobil 1 are not an option here).

Thanks in advance.

Hi all, first of all I've read several times FAQ section about windstar. But Im still confused here.

I bought this fluid to add and top up my power steering pump: Valvoline Maxline ATF DexronIII, Mercon: http://www.amazon.com/Valvoline-VV324-MAXLIFE-DEXRONIII-Bottles/dp/B000CQ262C/ref=pd_sbs_auto_1

I top up, and start hearing the annoying whining noise, so i figured it out this is the wrong fluid type.

I also have Preston power steering fluid + stop leaks but since windstar FAQ says: "don't use power steering fluid" I didn't use this one. http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Power-Steering-Fluid-Prestone_89014917-P_N3282_T|GRP2052 (http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Power-Steering-Fluid-Prestone_89014917-P_N3282_T%7CGRP2052)

In my city I couldnt find Mobil 1 ATF. But I can buy ATF Type F at napa.

So, which one of these can I use (since red line products or mobil 1 are not an option here).

Thanks in advance.

What is the original fluid < power steering fluid (I believe fluid should be clear looking) or transmission fluid, (red)?? Mixing of the two different fluids might be the problem.

According to manual and TSB's the transmission fluid was started in 98.

Clear obviuosly is not. I guess is burned a lot. Like dark brown. I can notice the difference between clear (power steering fluid) and read (ATF).

I wanted to top up, and change it since it looked burnt.

thanks for your reply.

According to TSb it uses Mercon V (old windstars too? I guess not).

Clear obviuosly is not. I guess is burned a lot. Like dark brown. I can notice the difference between clear (power steering fluid) and read (ATF).

I wanted to top up, and change it since it looked burnt.

thanks for your reply.

According to TSb it uses Mercon V (old windstars too? I guess not).

Sorry I was not implying anything, just stating that the two mixed might be causing the noise. My 98 growles all the time when turning and it has mercron V in it.

Here is what wiwind states in his all about windstar sticky, which you likely have read already.

"POWER STEERING:
All windstars came with Power steering.
The towing package included a power steering fluid cooler with fins that was next to the ATF cooler.
The non-towing package windstars came with a power steering fluid cooler that was just a tube, with no fins that runs in a loop in front of the radiator, below the front bumper.

The windstar is known for cooking the power steering fluid, even with the cooler.
Periodically changing the power steering fluid is recommended.
This alone very often corrects the concern of noisy power steering.

The correct fluid to use is Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), NOT power steering fluid.
Older windstars call for a Type F ATF, and newer windstars call for a Mercon ATF.

A synthetic power steering fluid is highly recommended as it will hold up to the heat better, and provide better cold temperature flow.
I have Redline Synthetic Power Steering Fluid in my '96, which calls for a Type F fluid.
Mobil 1 is a good, easy to find fluid that meets the Mercon requirement.
For more information on how to flush the power steering fluid,
do a search on "power steering fluid"

Sounds to me like it is power steering fluid that is burnt like you say.

Are you planning on taking off the return line and emptying the complete system??

Emptying the system is not an option (no room there to work, thans Ford). I was using a small turey bast. But yes, fluid must be changed.

Your Valvoline ATF will work fine.
My '96 called for a "Type F" and newer ones, not sure when they started......called for Mercon......and later Mercon V when they stopped with the Mercon Specification.
The Mercon or Mercon V will work just fine.
I mentioned Mobil 1 because it is normally easy to find......AutoZone, etc
However, other ATF brands that meet the Mercon and/or Mercon V specification will be fine in all years.

Synthetic is best, but not manditory.
Synthetic will give you better heat tolerance and better cold flow.

The turkey baster suck out and refill method will work just fine.
I would do it , say, 3 times.....running the motor in between to get a more complete fluid exchange.
No point making it more complicated than you have to.
If there is any air in the system, it will make some noise.
The air should work its way out over time.
A couple limit to limit turns of the steering wheel will help get all the air out of the system.

I attached a picture of the fluid I changed. It's black as burned oil.

I refilled all that I could and now runs better.

regards.

That is pretty normal.
I don't see anything in the maintenance information that the power steering fluid should be changed.
However, as you have clearly shown, it DOES need to be changed.

If you did one suck out of the resevoir and refill.......after a day or so, I would do another.....and then maybe 1 more time at most.