Mercon and Mercon V TSB from FORD

[wiswind]

FORD TSB # 06-14-4 released on July 24, 2006

States that Mercon ATF will not be manufactured after July 1, 2007.
Mercon V or a fluid stating Mercon and Mercon V specs, aka "dual usage" is to be used in all applications calling for Mercon.
Mercon V is to be used in place of Mercon even when earlier TSB's stated not to use Mercon V in place of Mercon.

I have been looking for this TSB, as Mobil 1 had changed the labeling on their product to say that it is for Mercon and Mercon V applications.
The former information from FORD said not to use such a product.
This new TSB states that this is OK now.
I had read that Mercon was going out of production, and Mercon V was to be used in it's place, but this is the first official word from FORD that I have seen.

[garync1]

I wonder if other brands will label there's Dextron/Mercon . Or if the case is too many dextron/mercon brand and no need to sell it because the newer fords run mercon V or other types I have seen.Must be there no reason Ford to sell what they don't need..If Mercon V screws up what's supposed to have been Mercon only,I guess they think you will buy another Ford. Well thats like the time I bought a new 96 Taurus and asked if It would be ok if I run synthetic oil after the brake in period. The sales guy took me to the service department and the guy said "yea! But will void your warranty!!" Real smart sharp tone. Almost told them to stuff the deal..Take your crapy car..But I knew the sales guy. Got a good deal. Now they run synthetic oil and blends.. Ford like other companies are just wanting to make money.Cars sales ,products and service..AHHHH! Still like the the Windstar though...

[chasealley]

We discussed this a little a while ago but I'm sure it will be a hot topic for a long time after the changeover.

I read a review in one of the industry mags that basically said that Ford was not going to grant anymore LICENSES for Mercon after that date. The reason given was that third party companies were too slow to adopt the tighter specs of Mercon V and therefore were not shipping it as Ford would have liked.

I didn't see anything official from Ford before this so that is interesting. Because Ford isn't granting any licenses (as I understood), I wonder if Ford itself will still continue to make Mercon then?

[phil-l]

I've hear about this, too - but this is the first official word from Ford I've seen. I expect a few years of confusion. As wiswind noted, there have been too many years of "don't use dual-spec Mercon/Mercon V fluids for Mercon V applications". At least this will simplify what I keep in my garage...