What kind of oil goes in a Ford transfer case?
The type of oil that goes in a Ford transfer case is typically a specialized gear oil designed for use in transfer cases and other heavy-duty automotive applications. The specific oil recommended by Ford for their transfer cases can vary depending on the model and year of the vehicle, but generally, a high-quality, multi-purpose gear oil is the best choice.
Understanding Ford Transfer Cases
Ford transfer cases are an essential component of four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles, responsible for distributing power from the transmission to the front and rear axles. These transfer cases require a specific type of lubricating oil to ensure proper operation and long-term durability.
Recommended Oil for Ford Transfer Cases
According to Ford's recommendations, the following types of oil are typically suitable for use in their transfer cases:
- Ford Mercon LV Automatic Transmission Fluid - This is a specialized fluid designed for use in Ford's electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer cases, such as those found in many Ford SUVs and trucks.
- SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Gear Oil - These are high-performance, multi-purpose gear oils that meet the requirements for many Ford transfer cases, particularly in older models or those used in more demanding off-road applications.
- Ford Premium Gear Lubricant - Ford offers its own branded gear oil specifically formulated for use in their transfer cases and other driveline components.
It's important to always refer to your Ford owner's manual or contact a Ford dealer to determine the exact oil recommendation for your specific vehicle's transfer case.
Importance of Proper Transfer Case Lubrication
Using the correct type and quality of oil in your Ford transfer case is crucial for its proper operation and longevity. The transfer case's gears and bearings rely on the lubricating properties of the oil to reduce friction, wear, and heat buildup. Failure to use the recommended oil can lead to premature component failure, increased maintenance costs, and potentially even damage to the entire driveline system.
By following Ford's guidelines and using the appropriate transfer case oil, you can help ensure your vehicle's four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive system continues to function reliably for years to come.
Is transmission fluid the same as transfer case fluid?
Transfer case fluid and transmission fluid are similar in purpose, but are not interchangeable. You can differentiate between transfer case fluid and transmission fluid by looking at their color.
What does Ford use for transfer case fluid?
Both Dexron II/Dexron III and Mercon fluid are listed in Ford Shop Manuals as meeting the same Ford specification XT-2-QDX.
What transfer case fluid does Ford recommend?
Both Dexron II/Dexron III and Mercon fluid are listed in Ford Shop Manuals as meeting the same Ford specification XT-2-QDX.
What fluid goes in a 2011 F150 transfer case?
Owner's manuals and service manuals referencing Mercon and XL-12 transfer case fluid use have been superseded and replaced by Mercon LV.
What happens if you put wrong oil in transfer case?
Immediate Effects. Immediately after putting the wrong transmission fluid in your vehicle, you can start noticing issues while driving. In most cases, people notice strange noises, overheating, and slipping gears. Do not ignore these warning signs, because they will not go away on their own.
Can you put transmission fluid in a transfer case?
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is designed primarily for automatic transmissions. However, in some vehicles, ATF is also used in the transfer case because it handles hydraulic pressure well and operates efficiently in a wide range of temperatures.
What happens if you don't change transfer case fluid?
Not changing fluids when they are due can cause premature failure. Unlike the engine and automatic transmissions the transfer case does not have a filter on it to capture dirt and metal particals so changing the fluid is the only way to remove the dirt and metal particals.
Does transmission fluid flow into the transfer case?
The fluid can drain into the transfer case until it is completely full. One easy way to check for this is to pull the fill plug on the transfer case. If fluid gushes out, you must remove the transfer case and replace these seals.
How much fluid does a 2011 Ford f250 transfer case hold?
Transfer case: 2 quarts for the 2011-2016 models and 1.9-2 quarts for 2017-2020.
What kind of oil do you use in a transfer case?
Most transfer cases are filled with an automatic transmission fluid, which is usually red in colour. Others use a thicker gear oil, and some use a specialized fluid that is specifically made just for that transfer case.
