MOBIL1 syn ATF now = MerconV ...???

MOBIL1 Synthetic ATF now approved for MerconV applications???

Apparently so, according to the new packages of "MOBIL1 Syn ATF--Multi-Vehicle Formula" ... and the Mobil webpage:
http://www.mobil1.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Other_Products/Mobil_1_Synthetic_ATF.aspx
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My '99 Windstar tranny is pushing 190k miles and has over 100k miles using Mobil1 ATF. I made the initial fluid changeout (when repairing a broken pump shaft) just by being dumb ... not knowing about the MerconV specs, etc. I now was about purchase other brands of MerconV ....to change "back to MerconV" ... when I noticed the new bottles of Mobil1.

Now I wonder:
.... Are older bottles of Mobil1 also MerconV compliant?? ....or, has there been an actual fluid redesign or upgrade?? ... has someone "just been paid off"??? ... or, is it a case of Ford finally having to accept the quality of Mobil1 ATF as meeting the MerconV specs???

It is true, that the new Mobil 1 ATF states that it meets BOTH Mercon and Mercon V specifications.
There is a FORD TSB # 01-15-07, that states that Mercon V is NOT interchangable with other transmission fluids. It also states not to use a product that lists both Mercon and Mercon V specifications in a transmission that calls for Mercon, or "damage" may occur.

I have read that the Mercon V was supposed to address transmission "shudder" by having a different frictional charactoristic. However, it was NOT a fix for transmissions made for Mercon.

This is another example of the fact that products DO change over time, so you MUST verify the information on your own.

Umm... Umm... You really don't think Ford has a cracking, refining, and blending plant hidden away in Dearborn, do you? They purchase the oil from a REAL oil company, just like everyone else. They may have it specially belnded and private labeled, but the only thing they have to do with production is being a customer. Given that Exxon/Mobil is about 10 times the size of Ford, and that Ford is buying their oil somewhere, it stands to reason that Mobil would at least have a clue about what's blended into the product to make it compliant. If the label states that it "Meets Specifications" then it most likely does. It probably actually exceeds specifications, but no one can be sure but the two aforementioned parties.

I've used Mobil PAO synthetics in many applications with no problems, including Ford, GM and import auto transmissions, engines, axles, transfer cases, and manual gearboxes, not to mention several industrial applications.

GM had a similar situation about four years ago with their New Venture transfer cases. They could develop a shudder when engaging the front AWD axle, and many techs changed to synthetic ATF as the "fix". Behold, a couple years later, GM had a "New specification" for their "Auto-Trak" transfer case oil. It is now called "Auto-Trak II" and is a completely synthetic PAO base with blue tint instead of red (for ATF). The TSB issued by GM for transfer case shudder now indicates using "Auto-Trak II" to solve this problem, even in the older cases. Mobil had stated all along that the Synthetic ATF was suitable for auto and manual transmissions requiring ATF, front axles in transverse engine AWDs, and transfer cases. Go figure. ;)

BB- the point is, try running a non mercon 5 in your merc5 spec'd AX4S/AX4N. Post back how she's shifting for you. That is if you can get back without a tow truck.

Joel