can anyone tell me definitively what ATF is safe for my 02 tribute..it has straight mercon in it but they don't make that anymore and I want to do a drain and fill but nobody can tell me what is safe to blend with the mercon....couple people have told me the merco V is the replacement but everything I read says u can not blend mercon and mercon V.. Thanks

 

Currently I prefer uses Castrol in my Mazda.

TRANSMAX™ MERCON®V
Castrol® Transmax™ Mercon®V promises exceptional thermal protection and promotes smooth shifting. Certified for use in all Ford vehicles that require Mercon® or Mercon®V.

https://www.castrol.com/en_us/united...nsmax-mercon-v


As far as I have always understood Mercon the original was replaced directly with Mercon v .
This was the technical information posted for service advisors and shops under the Technical Service Bulletin pertaining to this .
Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 06-14-04 indicates that Mercon "V" is to replace the original Mercon fluid.

 

Ok..i have read that as well but then I read that u can't blend the two..any ideas on the if thats the case or not?

 

I have used both in the same transmission until my new old stock is depleted. I currently have 2 gallons of original Mercon left. Accordingly this was my understanding from the TSB and that many other ATF suppliers state that you can mix their ATF with either. So I suppose reading into that and that the original supplier/marketer of Mercon has documented Mercon V was to replace Mercon and are compatible to mix. There may some manufacture that may say not to use anything except Mercon V, but that would be for the additives and advancement formula over say...Mercon.

When In doubt contact a Distributor and get the information directly from the source then you will have peace of mind.

I will say for customers unless they bring their own fluids (that I verify will be compatible before using them) I use what ever is on sale MERCO V or equivalent in the generic bottles (which is still branded fluid in a plain container mostly for whole use in shops) and listed to be compatible or directly vehicle applicated.

 

Thanks for your help..I'm going to call Castrol on Monday and see what they say...I agree that it seems I should b able to mix them since mV is the replacement but I want to make sure..its only got 55k on it so I don't want smoke the transmission while trying to do good...thanks again..

 

They may not answer the call but here is the email to direct.
contactus@bp.com

I am like you and contacted them about my 2018 Mazda3 ATK . I am close to 30k and will be doing a transmission service. This only applies to my year not yours.
contactus@bp.com

Thank you for contacting Castrol North America.

Castrol always recommends following the guidelines of the original engine manufacturer for the recommended fluid for use in your specific application. This information can be found in the vehicle's owner's manual or by contacting the manufacturer directly.

According to Castrol’s Lubrication Recommendation Guide, Mazda ATF FZ fluid is recommended for use in the automatic transmission in a 2018 Mazda 3 (2.5L) vehicle.
Castrol Transmax Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF is suitable for use where Mazda ATF FZ type fluid is specified and may be used in your application.

Castrol cannot guarantee compatibility with competitive fluids as we do not know their proprietary formula, therefore we recommend a complete drain of the transmission and re-fill with Castrol Transmax Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF.

This should include draining the torque converter which holds about one-half of the ATF volume -- dropping the pan will not cause the torque converter to drain.
You may find directions for draining the torque converter online, or may wish to have this service performed for you by a service facility.

Castrol Consumer Relations