Sable V6-183 3.0L DOHC VIN S MFI (1997)
Fluid - A/T: All Technical Service Bulletins
A/T - AX4S/AX4N New Transaxle Fluid
Article No.
98-3-8
02/16/98
TRANSAXLE - AX4S/AX4N - CORRECT FLUID USAGE
FORD:
1986-98 TAURUS
LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1986-98 SABLE
1988-98 CONTINENTAL
LIGHT TRUCK:
1995-98 WINDSTAR
ISSUE:
The 1998 AX4S and AX4N transaxles use a new transmission fluid.
ACTION:
Refer to the following text for correct transmission fluid usage in 1998 vehicles.
The 1998 AX4S and AX4N transaxles use a new transmission fluid, MERCON(R)V. The part number for the new fluid is XT-5-QM.
The 1998 Windstar introduced in January 1997 has a 1997 calibration level transaxle and DOES NOT use the new fluid.
CAUTION:
THE NEW MERCON(R)V FLUID MUST NOT BE USED IN 1997 OR PRIOR VEHICLES AS INTERNAL TRANSAXLE DAMAGE MAY
OCCUR.
Use of the new MERCON(R)V fluid is limited to the 1998 Windstar built after 9/8/97 and all 1998 Taurus/Sable and Continentals.
Refer to the vehicle's transmission fluid level indicator and/or the Owner's Guide for correct transmission fluid required. Some of the labels on the new
fluid containers state that it is approved for both MERCON(R)V and MERCON(R) applications. This is not correct. If the fluid meets MERCON(R)V
specifications, DO NOT use in AXOD, AXODE, AX4S or AX4N transmissions that require MERCON(R). Use MERCON(R)V for all 1998
Taurus/Sable and Continentals. Carefully check the 1998 Windstar before adding ATF fluid. To verify whether a 1998 Windstar uses MERCON(R)V
fluid: Read marking on fluid level indicator, look in Owner's Guide fluid usage Chart (Capacities and Specifications), check vehicle build date (9/9/97
and beyond), check transaxle I.D. tag for transaxle part number (F88P-AA, F88P-BA), or refer to the Application Chart.
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY
OASIS CODES: 501000, 502000, 503000, 504000, 510000
