Auto Tranny Fluid & Power Steering Fluid.

[Huney1]

Owners manual for my 07 SX4 says use Dexron III for both, but Ford and other car makers agreed the newer Mercon V is OK to use. Mercon V is more expensive but well worth the money because it is half synthetic and doesn't break down under heat like Mercon III plus flows better in the cold. FYI - Advance Auto sells their brand of Mercon V and it's good stuff and a bit less expensive.

[Torch]

I would find out if Mercon V is backwards compatible with Dexron III, it may or may not be.

[Huney1]

See: Recommended for:
http://www.smallandsonsoil.com/docs/...con_v_atf6.pdf

http://www.imakenews.com/lng/e_artic....cfm?x=b11,0,w
http://www.quakerstate.com/pds/TDS%2...ssionFluid.pdf
http://www.amazon.com/Valvoline-DEXR...m_cr_pr_sims_t

In general, you can use MERCON V where MERCON / DEXTRON III is specified. However, you cannot use MERCON/DEXTRON III where MERCON V is called for. I know, it is confusing and the best thing to do would be ask your Suzuki dealers shop, . . . . then you'd probably be more confused. The newest Dexron VI is part synthetic same as Mercon V which makes it more resistant to thermal breakdown & shear. Interesting how all synthetic ATF fluids are compatible with (almost) all trannies. The SX4 is AWD and designed for rougher than normal soccer Mom use so if I was going to use it for four wheeling I'd spring for the full synthetic fluid and be done with it.

[Huney1]

Here you go: http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...Approvals.aspx

"Answer: Beginning in July 2007, Ford will no longer approve Mercon Fluids and will recommend Mercon V for Mercon applications. Initially Ford did not think Mercon V was interchangeable with Mercon Fluids. But now agrees with ExxonMobil, that Mercon V fluid can be used in Mercon applications."

[Huney1]

I wanted to be sure about what I post so went by Advance Auto and read the label on a qt of Mercon V and it IS compatible with Dexron III and whole lot of other fluids to boot.