by 
The Curious Bag
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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Dexron III/Mercon
The 1996 Ford Thunderbird left the assembly line equipped with Dexron II/Mercon automatic transmission fluid installed in the transmission. Mercon, the Ford name for the fluid, or Mercon III as it is commonly known, provides the Thunderbird's transmission with the lubrication and hydraulic properties it needs to perform safely and soundly. You should change the fluid on a Mercon III equipped transmission no later than every 30,000 miles.
On the Other: New and Improved: Mercon V
Ford Motor Company replaced Mercon III with Mercon V, a high performance, semi-synthetic transmission fluid, in 1997. The Ford Motor Company advocates using the new fluid in most instances to replace Mercon III.
Bottom Line
While your Thunderbird came with Mercon III, using the new, improved Mercon V ATF, combined with regularly scheduled maintenance, will give your transmission a longer life. In the event you cannot find Mercon V (also known as MV), you can still use the older fluid; however, it is not recommended to mix them.
Source:
A Brief History of Automatic Transmission Fluids for Automobiles and Trucks
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