Ford uses a variety of transmission fluid types across its lineup, including automatic, manual, CVT, and heavy-duty truck transmissions, all with different specifications such as MERCON®, MERCON® V, MERCON® LV, MERCON® ULV, Type F, and several specialized fluids.
This guide breaks down every major Ford fluid type and lists which vehicles and transmissions require each one.
Ford Transmission Fluid Chart
| Fluid Type | Specification / Viscosity | Transmission Type | Common Applications (Ford Models) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MERCON® | Original Ford ATF spec | Older automatic transmissions | 1980s–1990s Ford cars & trucks |
| MERCON® V | Friction-modified ATF | Automatic | Explorer, Ranger, early 2000s F-150, Mustang (4R70W/5R55) |
| MERCON® LV | Low-viscosity ATF | 6-speed automatics | F-150 (6R80), Fusion, Edge, Escape, Mustang |
| MERCON® ULV | Ultra-low viscosity ATF | 10-speed automatics | F-150 (10R80), Expedition, Navigator, Mustang |
| MERCON® SP | Synthetic blend ATF | Heavy-duty automatics | F-250/F-350 Super Duty (TorqShift 5-speed) |
| MERCON® HP | High-performance synthetic ATF | High-performance 6-speed automatics | Mustang GT, Police Interceptor models, Lincoln models |
| MERCON® DCT | Dual-clutch transmission fluid | Dual-clutch (DPS6 PowerShift) | Focus, Fiesta DCT |
| Type F | Non-friction-modified fluid | Classic automatic transmissions | Classic Ford vehicles with C4, C6, FMX |
| CVT Fluid (Motorcraft XT-7-QCFT / CVT23) | CVT-specific fluid | Continuously Variable Transmissions | Ford Freestyle, Five Hundred, Mercury Montego |
| Motorcraft XT-11-QDC | Specialized DCT fluid | Dry dual-clutch | Focus, EcoSport DCT |
| Motorcraft XL-12 | Manual transmission lubricant | Manual transaxle | Ranger, Mustang, Focus (MTX/IB5) |
| Motorcraft XT-M5-QS | Full synthetic manual transmission oil | Performance manual | Mustang MT82, Focus ST/RS |
| Motorcraft XT-75W90-QGT | 75W-90 manual gear oil | Manual RWD transmissions | F-150 manual, older RWD cars |
| Motorcraft XT-4-QGL | Manual trans lubricant | Light-duty manuals | Older Ford trucks, Bronco, Ranger manuals |
| Motorcraft XT-2-QDX | Full synthetic manual transaxle fluid | FWD manual gearboxes | Fiesta, Focus, Taurus (manual models) |
| Motorcraft XT-6-QSP | Long-life manual transmission fluid | Extended-drain manuals | Various Ford manual transmissions requiring long-life fluid |
| Motorcraft XT-5-QMC | High-performance gear oil | Manual & differential | Mustang, F-150, performance packages |
| FNR5 ATF | ATF for FNR5 transmission | 5-speed automatic transaxle | Fusion (2006–2012), Mazda 3/6 with FNR5 |
| Motorcraft XT-10-QLVC | Advanced dual-clutch fluid | Modern wet DCT | Select newer Ford and Lincoln DCT units |
| MERCON® LV High Mileage | LV formulation for older 6-speeds | High-mileage automatics | F-150 6R80, Explorer, Edge (high-mileage models) |
| Motorcraft Dual Pump Fluid | AWD transfer case fluid | Active AWD systems | Escape, Edge, Flex, Taurus AWD |
| Motorcraft Transfer Case Fluid XL-12 | Transfer case fluid | 4WD & AWD transfer cases | F-150, Expedition, Bronco Sport, Ranger 4×4 |
| Motorcraft XT-105-QS | Full synthetic 75W-140 gear oil | Manual & differential | F-250/F-350, performance differentials |
| Motorcraft 75W-85 GL-4 | Manual transmission lubricant | Light manual transmissions | Bronco, Ranger, Transit manuals |
| Motorcraft XT-15-QMV | Heavy-duty manual trans fluid | HD commercial trucks | F-650/F-750 manual transmissions |
Related Transmission Fluid Viscosity Chart(For All Fluid Types)
Best Ford Transmission Fluids
1. Motorcraft MERCON-V Automatic Transmission Fluid
Features:
- Official Ford-approved fluid meeting MERCON-V specifications
- Designed for smooth, consistent shifting in Ford automatic transmissions
- Helps reduce transmission wear and heat buildup
- Provides good oxidation resistance for longer fluid life
- Suitable for many older Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles
2. Motorcraft MERCON-LV Automatic Transmission Fluid
Features:
- Meets MERCON-LV requirements for newer Ford automatic transmissions
- Low-viscosity formula improves shift quality and cold-weather performance
- Helps increase fuel efficiency in modern transmissions
- Offers excellent thermal stability and wear protection
- Recommended for many 6-speed and later Ford automatic transmissions
3. Valvoline MERCON-V Automatic Transmission Fluid
Features:
- Licensed to meet Ford MERCON-V specifications
- Provides reliable protection against friction, wear, and sludge formation
- Helps maintain smooth shifting under normal and heavy-duty driving
- Compatible with a wide range of Ford vehicles requiring MERCON-V
- Cost-effective alternative to OEM transmission fluid
Breakdown of Common Ford Transmission Fluids
1. MERCON®
The original Ford automatic transmission fluid. Now considered obsolete, but some early models may still list it. In most cases, MERCON® V is the recommended replacement.
2. MERCON® V
A friction-modified fluid designed for early-2000s Ford automatic transmissions. It improves shift quality and protects against torque converter shudder.
3. MERCON® LV
“Low Viscosity” ATF formulated for 6-speed transmissions. It improves fuel economy and offers better cold-weather shifting. It is not backward compatible with MERCON® V.
4. MERCON® ULV
“Ultra-Low Viscosity” ATF is designed for Ford’s latest 10-speed transmissions. It reduces drag and contributes to fuel efficiency while maintaining durability.
5. MERCON® SP
Used in TorqShift heavy-duty transmissions. Provides enhanced thermal stability for towing and hauling workloads.
6. MERCON® HP
A high-performance synthetic ATF for high-load, high-heat environments such as performance vehicles and police units.
7. MERCON® DCT / XT-11-QDC
For Ford dual-clutch (PowerShift) transmissions. Only suitable for DPS6 and other DCT units.
8. Type F
Pre-MERCON fluid for classic Ford vehicles. Known for fast, firm shifts. Not compatible with modern MERCON fluids.
9. CVT Fluid
For Ford Continuously Variable Transmissions. Using any MERCON® ATF in a CVT will cause damage.
Related Transmission Fluid Level Chart(For All Types)
Why Choosing the Correct Ford Transmission Fluid Matters
Using the correct ATF ensures:
- Smooth shifting
- Better hydraulic pressure control
- Reduced wear and tear
- Proper lubrication and heat resistance
- Prevention of slipping or shuddering
- Long transmission lifespan
Using the wrong fluid can cause overheating, torque converter failure, erratic shifts, or complete transmission failure.
How to Verify Your Ford Transmission Fluid Type
- Check your owner’s manual.
- Look at the transmission code in the door jamb/VIN label.
- Match your transmission type (e.g., 6R80, 10R80, C6, DPS6) to the correct fluid.
- When in doubt, use only Motorcraft-approved fluids.
Related ULV Transmission Fluid Compatibility Chart(For All Types/Models)
More Ford Transmission Fluids
Here are additional fluids often overlooked:
- Motorcraft XT-4-QGL – Manual transmission lubricant, especially for older Ford trucks.
- Motorcraft XT-2-QDX – Full synthetic manual transaxle fluid.
- Motorcraft XT-6-QSP – Specialty long-life manual transmission fluid.
- Motorcraft XT-10-QLVC – Advanced dual-clutch fluid for newer models.
- Motorcraft XT-5-QMC – High-performance gear lubricant.
Adding these ensures coverage for nearly every Ford transmission type.
FAQs
What type of transmission fluid does a Ford use?
Ford vehicles use different transmission fluids depending on the transmission type and model year. The most common include MERCON®, MERCON® V, MERCON® LV, MERCON® ULV, MERCON® SP, MERCON® HP, and specialized fluids like DCT, CVT, and manual transmission lubricants. Always check the owner’s manual or transmission code for the exact fluid requirement.
How much transmission fluid does a Ford take?
The amount of transmission fluid a Ford requires varies by model and transmission size. Most Ford automatic transmissions take 8–14 quarts, while heavy-duty trucks like the Super Duty can take 15–18 quarts. CVT and DCT systems generally use 6–8 quarts, and manual transmissions typically require 2–4 quarts.
What are signs of low transmission fluid on a Ford?
Common symptoms of low transmission fluid in Ford vehicles include:
- Slipping between gears
- Delayed or harsh shifting
- Shuddering or vibration when accelerating
- Transmission overheating
- A burning smell
- Fluid warning messages
- Red fluid spots under the vehicle
Addressing low fluid early prevents serious transmission damage.
Can an ATF+4 be used in a Ford?
No. ATF+4 is a Chrysler-specific transmission fluid and is not recommended for Ford transmissions. Ford’s automatic transmissions require MERCON®-spec fluids, which have different friction characteristics. Using ATF+4 in a Ford can lead to poor shifting, shuddering, or long-term transmission damage.
Can I use MERCON V instead of MERCON ATF?
Yes. MERCON® V is backward compatible with original MERCON®, meaning it can replace MERCON® in most cases. However, MERCON® V cannot replace MERCON® LV, ULV, SP, or DCT fluids. Always verify compatibility for your specific transmission.
Is all ATF+4 full synthetic?
Yes. ATF+4 is a fully synthetic transmission fluid. It was engineered by Chrysler to provide improved heat resistance, shear stability, and shift performance compared to earlier ATF types.
How often should Ford transmission fluid be changed?
Ford typically recommends changing automatic transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and transmission type. Severe-use vehicles, towing, heavy loads, hot climates, or frequent stop-and-go driving, may need fluid changes closer to 30,000 miles. Ford 10-speed and newer transmissions may have extended intervals, but still benefit from regular inspections.
Final Thoughts
Ford’s transmission lineup is diverse, and so are its fluids. Whether you drive a classic Mustang, a mid-2000s Explorer, or a modern F-150 with a 10-speed gearbox, using the correct transmission fluid is essential for performance and longevity.
The Ford transmission fluid chart above helps simplify the process of matching your vehicle to the right ATF, ensuring smooth operation and preventing costly mistakes.
