Correct transfer case fluid?

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muskytom

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How do I tell if I have torque on demand or ESOF? Thought I saw that if I have the 4-position switch for 2W/AWD/4H/4L, that it's ESOF and therefore Mercon LV? Threw me for a loop that I bought transfer case fluid and the saw the big white sticker to use LV. Was also wondering if this was replaced at some point given condition and fluid looking brand new red.
 

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Trainmaster

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Look up the Ford owners' manual and follow their recommendation. If there's a sticker on the case, there's no question; do what it tells you!

I believe a couple of years ago, Ford superseded the XL-12 transfer case fluid with LV. There was some discussion of this on the forums you may want to check out.
 

dcsang

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Exactly what Trainmaster advised. If you vehicle has original fluid the color could differ from the LV you are likely replacing it with. In my case it was a light-colored milky substance. One opinion is that it was due to water intrusion, and another is that Ford uses a different fluid from the factory for "break-in" purposes. Not sure which, but I haven't observed any ill-effects either way.
 

rwmorrisonjr

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Use the Mercon LV (or whatever has superseded it) per the sticker on the transfer case. That's what Ford requires for proper operation of the clutch plates in the TC. As for the color, Mercon is red when new, darker red when old.
 
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