Power Steering Fluid Question, Dexron III or Type/F

[bear_1961]

Autozone advised me to use Dexron III transmission fluid in my power steering pump, I am now suspecting it should have been type F. Any thoughts?

[way2old]

Dexron III is smoother operating than the Type F. Type F is is food for friction related componets and Dexron is better sor smooth operation. I think the Dexron will be fine.

[adbradley]

What year is your van? My 99 specifically calls for Dexron V in the power steering. I had to really look for it, but I found a semi-synthetic version at Autozone. I'd check my owner's manual and use what it says before I'd trust an Autozone parts monkey...

[bear_1961]

98 Ford Winstar, 3.8 Liter Engine

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by adbradley

What year is your van? My 99 specifically calls for Dexron V in the power steering. I had to really look for it, but I found a semi-synthetic version at Autozone. I'd check my owner's manual and use what it says before I'd trust an Autozone parts monkey...

My 99 calls for Dextron 111 /Mercon for the power I sterring and Mercon V for the transmission. I was not even aware there was a Dextron V. Please re-check your manual.

back to the 98. I am certain it calls for Dextron111/Mercon and this specification fluid is readily available in both Synthetic and conventional types. Check your manual and/or your pump dipstick as it should be clearly indicated.

[wiswind]

My '96 calls for the "Type F" transmission fluid for the power steering. They call for Mercon in newer windstars....which is one way that there is some confusion. Many fluids will have multiple specifications that they meet. Dextron and Mercon are different specifications.....but most Mercon also meets a Dextron specification. Kinda like metric and english measurements. Best advice is to check the owner's manual, and take note of the specifications that are listed there. They may state something like "Ford Premium Power Steering Fluid....Part #xyz" and also a Ford specification number.....

For your Windstar.....the Ford specification number will cross to either a "Type F" or a Mercon transmission fluid.
My point being.....you cannot just substitue the "FORD" in front of "Power Steering Fluid" with a brand name......as normal "power steering" fluid is not the right stuff.

If your Windstar calls for Mercon.....Mobil 1 ATF is a good choice.....It is synthetic....and available at Autozone....and many other stores.

[patfogle]

Okay, DEXRON in the DELCO (GM) version of MERCON (FORD) transmission fluid. They are close enough in formulation that they can be interchanged. Older Windstars will call for MERCON III, and the new ones aer MERCON V. There is no DEXRON V.......

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by patfogle

Okay, DEXRON in the DELCO (GM) version of MERCON (FORD) transmission fluid. They are close enough in formulation that they can be interchanged. Older Windstars will call for MERCON III, and the new ones aer MERCON V. There is no DEXRON V.......

This may be true for the transmissions but the original question was for the Power Steering. Up to and including 2003 the power steering resevoir requires Mercon(Dextron111).

I also do not beleive there is a Mercon111. Mercon and Dextron111 are equivalent specifications (or close enough). So here is a summary for Windstars to try and avoid confision:

Power Steering - Mercon or Dextron111 - for all years
Transmission - up to 98(check owners manual) - Mercon or Dextron111
Transmission - 99 and up MerconV - Unique specification.

Always refer to your owner's manual and/or dipsticks for correct specification of all fluids.