The problem: 2003 F-350 6.0 owner manual calls for MERCON for power steering fluid. The Haynes manual cautions that MERCON V is not compatible. Forums cautioned against using all vehicle ATF. I could not find a clear answer to my question, "Is AMSOIL Multi-Vehicle Full Synthetic Power Steering Fluid a suitable replacement for MERCON?"
The results of my research: AMSOIL lists its multi-vehicle full synthetic power steering fluid as a suitable replacement for Ford M2C138-CJ; ESW-M2C128-C&D; M2C195-A; M2C204-A & M2C33-F. I found this list of Ford specifications on the AMSOIL product bottle and on the AMSOIL data sheet here: https://www.amsoil.com/p/multi-vehicle-synthetic-power-steering-fluid-psf/
Ford M2C138-CJ is listed as an old formulation of MERCON. I found the clearest statement on this point here: MERCON - Wikipedia. There were several, less direct references, on other web sites.
Once I found evidence linking the Ford specification called out on the AMSOIL multi-vehicle full synthetic power steering fluid data sheet with the no longer produced MERCON automatic transmission fluid, I felt ok proceeding with the power steering flush and fill. If anyone can identify if I have made a big mistake, please sound off and let me know. The flush and fill procedure was not difficult. I can replace the fluid again if I need to. Thanks.
The results of my research: AMSOIL lists its multi-vehicle full synthetic power steering fluid as a suitable replacement for Ford M2C138-CJ; ESW-M2C128-C&D; M2C195-A; M2C204-A & M2C33-F. I found this list of Ford specifications on the AMSOIL product bottle and on the AMSOIL data sheet here: https://www.amsoil.com/p/multi-vehicle-synthetic-power-steering-fluid-psf/
Ford M2C138-CJ is listed as an old formulation of MERCON. I found the clearest statement on this point here: MERCON - Wikipedia. There were several, less direct references, on other web sites.
Once I found evidence linking the Ford specification called out on the AMSOIL multi-vehicle full synthetic power steering fluid data sheet with the no longer produced MERCON automatic transmission fluid, I felt ok proceeding with the power steering flush and fill. If anyone can identify if I have made a big mistake, please sound off and let me know. The flush and fill procedure was not difficult. I can replace the fluid again if I need to. Thanks.
