Power steering VERY low

[JBakerFX4]

I checked my power steering fluid for the first time today at 15k. It's not even on the stick!!! but it does have fluid in the container. Why would it be so low? the book is calling for Mercon ATF and only mercon AFT. Correct?

[bigcountrysg]

If your resevior is filled with atf then you have to put atf in it. If it is filled with Power Steering Fluid which has the same color as motor oil then you have to use power steering fluid. You can not mix the two.

I would fill it up to the proper spot and frequently check it.

[JBakerFX4]

What does the factory fill it with? that's whats in there...

[bigcountrysg]

Originally Posted by JBakerFX4

What does the factory fill it with? that's whats in there...

If it is filled with red fluid then it is atf dexron/mercon. If it is a brown fluid like the color of new motor oil then it is powersteering fluid.

I do not know what the factory fills it with. Most likely which ever one they have on hand.

[JBakerFX4]

Ok, book calls for MERCON for p/s fluid and MERCON SP for the ATF. What/why the difference?

[forddieseldoctor]

the power steering uses mercon. DONOT use regular mercon in your trans. the sp has a friction modifier added to it. i'm not sure the exact spec on it, but it smells and feels different. Also on the power steering you probably have a leak, the most common place i've seen is to be leaking at the hydro booster. Good luck.

[JBakerFX4]

hydro booster? I'll give it a look this weekend. It was down about 2oz of fluid.

[forddieseldoctor]

Originally Posted by JBakerFX4

hydro booster? I'll give it a look this weekend. It was down about 2oz of fluid.

HYDRO BOOSTER AKA BRAKE BOOSTER

located between master cylinder and firewall. the line i see leak is the one between the booster and the pump. there's a fitting right next to the coolant overflow and it usually leaks there.
Happy hunting.