The genuine Ford-spec low-viscosity ATF your 6R80, 6F35, and 6-speed automatic actually calls for.
Most people buying a single quart of MERCON LV are not doing a full service. They have a 6R80 F-150, Expedition or Mustang that is a little low after a leak repair, they just replaced a cooler line or a connector seal, or they want a bottle on the shelf so nobody tops the truck off with the wrong fluid. This is one quart of Motorcraft MERCON LV, Ford part number XT-10-QLVC, the factory-fill fluid for Ford's six-speed automatics.
Every shift in a 6R80 is a solenoid metering this fluid into a clutch circuit, so the oil is part of the control system, not just a lubricant. The transmission computer also learns how long each clutch takes to fill and adjusts shift timing around it. Top off with a thicker or non-licensed fluid and those learned values no longer match, which is why a mixed-fluid 6R80 often feels harsh or shudders even though the level is correct. Motorcraft's product information also notes that MERCON LV is dyed red for leak detection and approved for use in Ford transfer cases that call for it.
The 6R80 has no traditional dipstick, so adding fluid blindly is how units end up overfilled. The level is read at the check plug with the fluid hot, roughly 206-215 F in Ford's procedure, and the engine running. Overfilling aerates the fluid and causes its own shudder. If the level keeps dropping, find the leak first with our 6R80 fluid leak guide; the case connector is a frequent culprit and is fixed with a 6R80 lead frame kit with connector and filter. For model-specific capacities see the 6R80 Mustang fluid change guide or the Navigator fluid change guide.
Use this quart in any Ford, Lincoln or Mercury transmission whose owner manual or tag calls for MERCON LV: the 6R60, 6R75 and 6R80 rear-drive six-speeds and the 6F35 front-drive six-speed are the most common. On the 6R80 that covers 2009-2017 F-150s plus the Expedition, Navigator, Mustang and Explorer applications of that era. It is not a substitute for MERCON V, MERCON SP, MERCON ULV, CVT fluid or Type F. Ford's 2016 Expedition owner manual is direct about it: units that require MERCON LV should only use MERCON LV. If you are unsure which fluid your truck takes, send us the year and VIN. Browse the full 6R80 parts collection for filters, solenoids and hard parts.
Clean around the fill point before opening it so grit does not fall into the case. Add fluid through the fill port with a hand pump in small amounts, run the engine and cycle the shifter through each range, then recheck at temperature. Do not use additives; Ford's fluid chart specifically warns against supplemental treatments in these transmissions. If shifts were already harsh before the fluid went low, a shift correction such as the TransGo SK6R80-G2 shift kit addresses the valve body side once the unit is apart.
| Spec | Ford Mercon LV |
| Fits | 6R60, 6R75, 6R80, 6F35 and similar Ford automatics |
| Volume | 1 quart |
| Color | Dyed red for leak detection |
| Ships from | USA |
Yes, if the existing fluid is MERCON LV. Do not mix it with MERCON V, MERCON ULV or a generic multi-vehicle fluid. If you are not sure what someone put in last, a drain and fill is safer than topping off.
Use the fill port or check plug and a hand pump. Bring the transmission to operating temperature with the engine running, cycle through the gears, and let excess drain from the check plug until it drips.
Yes. Both are Motorcraft XT-10-QLVC MERCON LV. The single quart suits top-offs and small repairs; the case is the better value for a pan service, flush or rebuild.
Only where Ford calls for MERCON LV. Some F-150 automatic transfer cases do; the electronic shift-on-the-fly case uses a different Motorcraft transfer case fluid. Check your owner manual.
The two usual causes are overfilling, which aerates the fluid, and mixing in a non-MERCON LV fluid. Recheck the level hot at the check plug first.
