Choosing the correct transmission fluid is critical for the performance, longevity, and reliability of any Ford vehicle. Using the wrong fluid can lead to rough shifting, overheating, accelerated wear, or even transmission failure.
This guide provides a complete Motorcraft transmission fluid chart, covering automatic, CVT, dual-clutch, and manual transmissions.
Motorcraft Transmission Fluid Chart
| Motorcraft Transmission Fluid | Ford Specification | Transmission Type | Transmission Code / System | Typical Vehicles / Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcraft MERCON | MERCON (obsolete) | Automatic | C4, C5, AOD | Older Ford cars and trucks (pre-1997) |
| Motorcraft MERCON V | MERCON V | Automatic | 4R70W, 4R75E, 5R55S | Ford F-150, Explorer, Mustang, Crown Victoria |
| Motorcraft MERCON SP | MERCON SP | Automatic | 5R110W TorqShift | Ford F-250, F-350, F-450 Super Duty |
| Motorcraft MERCON LV | MERCON LV | Automatic | 6R80 | Ford F-150, Expedition, Mustang |
| Motorcraft MERCON LV | MERCON LV | Automatic | 6F50 | Ford Edge, Taurus, Flex |
| Motorcraft MERCON LV | MERCON LV | Automatic | 6F35 | Ford Escape, Fusion, Lincoln MKC |
| Motorcraft MERCON LV | MERCON LV | Automatic | 4F27E | Ford Focus, Fiesta (automatic) |
| Motorcraft MERCON LV | MERCON LV | Automatic | 8F35 / 8F40 | Ford Edge, Explorer (8-speed) |
| Motorcraft MERCON ULV | MERCON ULV | Automatic | 10R80 | Ford F-150, Mustang, Ranger |
| Motorcraft MERCON ULV | MERCON ULV | Automatic | 10R60 | Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator |
| Motorcraft MERCON ULV | MERCON ULV | Automatic | 10R140 | Ford Super Duty diesel trucks |
| Motorcraft MERCON ULV ATF | WSS-M2C949-A | Automatic | 10-Speed Systems | Latest Ford and Lincoln 10-speed automatics |
| Motorcraft CVT Fluid | CVT23 | CVT | ZF-Batavia CVT | Ford Five Hundred, Freestyle |
| Motorcraft CVT Fluid | CVT30 | CVT | HF-CVT | Ford Escape Hybrid |
| Motorcraft Chain Type CVT Fluid | CVT | CVT | Chain-Driven CVT | Ford hybrid and CVT platforms |
| Motorcraft Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid | WSS-M2C200-D2 | Dual-Clutch | DPS6 PowerShift | Ford Fiesta, Focus (DCT) |
| Motorcraft Manual Transmission Fluid | XT-M5-QS | Manual | MTX-75 | Ford Focus, Escort, Contour |
| Motorcraft Manual Transmission Fluid | XT-11-QDC | Manual | M5OD-R1 | Ford Ranger, F-150 manuals |
| Motorcraft Full Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid | WSS-M2C200-C | Manual | Getrag Manuals | Ford Mustang, Focus ST |
| Motorcraft SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil | WSL-M2C200-A | Manual / Transaxle | Heavy-Duty Manuals | Ford trucks, performance models |
| Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil | WSL-M2C192-A | Manual / Performance | High-Load Gearboxes | Ford Raptor, towing applications |
| Motorcraft Transfer Case Fluid XL-12 | XL-12 | Transfer Case | BorgWarner 44-Series | Ford F-150, Expedition 4WD |
| Motorcraft Transfer Case Fluid XL-7 | XL-7 | Transfer Case | Intelligent AWD | Ford Explorer, Edge AWD |
| Motorcraft Transfer Case Fluid XL-3 | XL-3 | Transfer Case | Part-Time 4WD | Older Ford 4×4 systems |
Related Ford Transmission Fluid Chart(For All Models)
Why Motorcraft Transmission Fluid Matters
Motorcraft is Ford Motor Company’s official parts and fluids brand. Unlike generic fluids, Motorcraft transmission fluids are engineered to meet exact Ford specifications, ensuring:
- Proper shift quality
- Optimal clutch engagement
- Reduced internal wear
- Improved heat resistance
- Extended transmission service life
Modern Ford transmissions are highly sensitive to fluid type. Fluids such as MERCON LV, MERCON ULV, and MERCON SP are not interchangeable, even if they appear similar.
Related Mercon ULV Equivalent(Top 5 Best Options 2026)
Understanding Common Motorcraft Transmission Fluids
Motorcraft MERCON V
MERCON V is one of the most widely used Ford transmission fluids. It offers improved friction stability and oxidation resistance compared to the original MERCON fluid. It is commonly found in older Ford automatics and some power steering systems.
Motorcraft MERCON LV
MERCON LV (Low Viscosity) is designed for modern 5- and 6-speed automatic transmissions. Its thinner viscosity improves fuel efficiency and cold-weather shifting while maintaining protection under high temperatures.
Motorcraft MERCON ULV
MERCON ULV (Ultra-Low Viscosity) is used in Ford’s latest 10-speed transmissions. This fluid is extremely thin and must never be replaced with MERCON LV or MERCON V. Using the wrong fluid can cause immediate shift issues and long-term damage.
Motorcraft MERCON SP
MERCON SP was developed specifically for heavy-duty TorqShift transmissions found in Super Duty trucks. It handles high torque loads and towing conditions better than standard ATF.
Related Ford C6 Transmission Fluid Capacity(+Best Recommended Fluid)
Motorcraft CVT and Dual-Clutch Fluids
Ford CVT and dual-clutch transmissions require specialized fluids:
- Motorcraft CVT Fluid is designed for belt- and chain-driven CVTs, providing precise friction control.
- Motorcraft Dual-Clutch Transmission Fluid is used in PowerShift transmissions, lubricating gears while maintaining proper clutch engagement.
These fluids are not interchangeable with standard automatic transmission fluids.
Manual Transmission and Gear Fluids
Motorcraft manual transmission fluids vary depending on gearbox design:
- Lighter synthetic fluids are used for synchronized manuals.
- Heavier 75W-90 or 75W-140 gear oils are used in high-load or performance applications.
Always match the Ford specification, not just the viscosity grade.
Related Chrysler Transmission Fluid Chart(For All Models)
Tips for Choosing the Correct Motorcraft Transmission Fluid
- Check your owner’s manual or transmission tag
- Match the exact Ford specification listed
- Do not mix different MERCON types
- Avoid universal or multi-vehicle fluids unless explicitly approved
- Use Motorcraft fluid for warranty compliance and best performance
Final Thoughts
The correct transmission fluid is essential for smooth shifting, thermal stability, and long transmission life. Ford’s wide range of transmissions means there is no single “one-size-fits-all” fluid. The Motorcraft Transmission Fluid Chart above provides a clear reference to help you choose the right fluid for your vehicle.
When in doubt, always follow Ford’s official specification and use genuine Motorcraft transmission fluid. Doing so ensures your transmission performs exactly as Ford intended, mile after mile.
