Transmission Fluid Guide – NO. TB 150122.1
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF): is requirement of a transmission, such as valve operation, brake band friction and the torque converter as well as gear lubrication for synchronized self-shifting or automatic transmissions. It is typically colored red or green to distinguish it from motor oil and other fluids in the vehicle. This Technical Service Bulletin is designed to provide back ground into different transmission fluids past and present.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF): is requirement of a transmission, such as valve operation, brake band friction and the torque converter as well as gear lubrication for synchronized self-shifting or automatic transmissions. It is typically colored red or green to distinguish it from motor oil and other fluids in the vehicle. This Technical Service Bulletin is designed to provide back ground into different transmission fluids past and present.
General Purpose Transmission Fluids: Xtreme Type A ATF, Unimark Type F ATF
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF), also known as transmission fluid or tranny fluid (colloquial). It would be required for Ford, BorgWarner to prove that their transmissions are. The vehicle's owner's manual will typically list the ATF specification(s) that are. 'Ford Motorcraft Automatic Transmission Fluid Chart' (PDF). View Illustrated Guide What are my fluid options with this 2007 Ford 500. Galaxie 500 model ranges from the 1950s to 1970s, the Five Hundred was the. 1991 Ford Explorer Manual Transmission 2015 Toyota Tacoma Manual. Quantity: 26 P0871 - Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch C.
- Type A Transmission Fluid: Type A Transmission Fluid was introduced in the mid 1950’s for use in all automatic transmissions for General Motors vehicle brands. Type A was used through the mid 1960’s and subsequently revised to Type A, Suffix A.
- Type F Transmission Fluid: Ford Motor and Toyota introduced the Type F Transmission in 1967 as equivalence to the General Motors Type A Transmission Fluid. Shifting was a bit more noticeable than with General Motor’s fluids which include the original Dexron and subsequent variations
- Dexron: General Motors original ATF for automatic transmission fluids, covered typically as Type F transmission fluid.
Multi-Purpose Automatic Transmission Fluid: Unimark Multi-Purpose D-III/M ATF
Most lubricant manufacturers use this generic term for their automatic transmission fluid which meets the former General Motors Dexron III and Ford Mercon specifications which are no longer licensable by GM and Ford respectively.
Most lubricant manufacturers use this generic term for their automatic transmission fluid which meets the former General Motors Dexron III and Ford Mercon specifications which are no longer licensable by GM and Ford respectively.
- Dexron II: General Motors Dexron II was developed in the 1970s to replace GM Dexron for TorqueFlite transmissions to provide better viscosity control and additional oxidation inhibitors. There were some early-90s variants of Dexron II called Dexron II-D and Dexron II-E.
- Dexron IIE: First General Motors requirements fluid for electronic transmissions.
- Mercon Type CJ: This is a specialty transmission fluid for Ford C-6 transmissions. It is designed similar to General Motors Dexron II specification. This type of drive train fluid should not be used in automatics that require Type F. It can be replaced with Mercon or Mercon V specification.
- Mercon Type H: An obsoleted Ford specification that differs from both General Motors Dexron and Ford Type F transmission fluids. It can be replaced by Mercon or Mercon V specification.
- Ford Mercon: Ford fluid introduced in 1987, very similar to Dexron II. As of July 1, 2007, the production and licensing of Mercon ATF by Ford ends.
- Dexron III (H): Replaced General Motor Dexron II released in 2003 for use in Torque Flite transmission. This specification required improved oxidation and corrosion control in GM electronic automatics.
- Dexron III/Saturn: A special fluid specification for Saturn aluminum differential cases transmissions.
- C-4 Torque Fluid: Commercial designation by Allison Division of GM for the heavy and medium duty automatic transmission fluids. Based on Allison specification TES-389 in 1991; Allison Transmission implemented one of the first approval system for particular brands. Allison Division no longer supports this specification. General Motors Dexron III or Ford Mercon fluids sold today qualify to the specification requirements.
Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid Unimark Global Multi-Purpose ATF
A generic term for fluid which will meet the requirements of most manufacturers’ individual automatic transmission requirements in autos from North America, Asia and Europe not requiring a “low viscosity” fluid.
- Dexron-VI: Introduced in 2006 for GM Hydra-Matic 6L80 6-speed rear-wheel-drive transmissions. Dexron VI replaced Dexron II and III, and can be used in General Motors domestically built or import transmissions that specified Dexron II or Dexron III. Dexron VI is a low viscosity transmission fluid and should also be used with the full synthetic low viscosity transmission fluid.
- Mercon V: Introduced in 1997 to replace Ford Mercon for Ranger, Explorer V6 and Aerostar, and 1998 & up Windstar, Taurus/Sable and Continental. This is the current automatic transmission fluid covered under Ford TSB 06144 for most late model Ford products requiring high viscosity requirements.
- Mercon SP: Enhanced friction-modified automatic transmission fluid building on Mercon V for Ford Torq Shift transmissions covered under Ford TSB 06144.
- Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II & SP-Ill: Special formula ATFs for Mitsubishi transmissions, also Hyundai and Kia.
- Nissan HP/J-Matic: Special formulation for Nissan, Infiniti and some Subaru transmissions.
- Toyota Type T, T-III, T-IV: Special formula ATFs for Toyota, Lexus and Scion transmissions.
- Genuine Honda ZL ATF: Special automatic transmission fluid for Honda automatic transmissions, except CVT application.
- BMW LT7114l or LA2634: Special formula for BMW transmissions.
Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid Syngard ATF+4
- Chrysler ATF+4 (ATE): Introduced in 1998, ATF+4 transmission fluid is a full synthetic fluid that replaces the previous ATF+3 fluid. Used primarily starting in 2000 and 2001 vehicles, it can also be used in earlier Chrysler transmissions (except 1999 and older minivans with 41TE/AE transmission). ATF+3 should continue to be used for 1999 and earlier minivans because of the potential for torque converter shudder during break in.
- Chrysler 7176: Specialty automatic transmission fluid for Chrysler FWD transaxles.
- Chrysler 7176D (ATF+2): Building up the requirements in 1997 for Chrysler 7176 automatic transmission fluid; Chrysler added improved cold temperature flow and oxidation resistance.
- Chrysler 7176E (ATF+3): Chrysler 7176D automatic transmission fluid revision required for four-speed automatic transmissions that added improved shear stability and use of higher quality base oils.
Specialty Transmission Fluids
- Fleet Automatic Transmission Fluid – SynGard Fleet Heavy Duty ATF: Refers to full synthetic PAO based fluid designed to meet the extended drain requirements of Allison Corporation’s TES-295 specification.
- Dual Clutch Transmission – No current Martin Lubricant available: A specialty fluid originally used by Daimler Benz in transmissions having double clutch plate design transmissions for seamless shifting. Traditional transmission fluids are not suitable for use in this application.
- Full Synthetic CVT Transmission Fluid – SynGard CVT ATF: A specialty drivetrain fluid for use in transmissions has either chain or belt driven continuously variable shift transmissions. Now used by all OEM vehicles manufactures but commonly found in Nissan, Toyota, Honda/Acura, Mitsubishi, Chrysler, Subaru and Mini Cooper vehicles. Traditional transmission fluids are not suitable for use in this application.
- Low Viscosity Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission – SynGard Dex VI/LV ATF: Ford ATF specification released for factory fill and Motorcraft service fill for 2008 models. The LV stands for “low viscosity” is a fully synthetic automatic transmission fluid with excellent low temperature properties. It is not compatible with earlier Mercon fluids, so it should not be substituted or mixed with Mercon or Mercon V. This fluid meets the General Motors Dexron VI specification and should be recommended for General Motors six speed transmissions requiring this specification.
- Full Synthetic Fleet Manual Transmission Fluid – SynGard SAE 50 Manual Transmission Fluid: Design requirements for use in heavy duty trucks’ manual truck transmissions such as Eaton Road-Ranger, Meritor which call for SAE 50 viscosity grade fluids with long-drain-interval capability.
c/o Cross Oil Refining & Marketing, Inc.
c/o Martin Lubricants
c/o Martin Specialty Products
Technical Service Laboratories
January 15, 2015
Document Control: WR-141112.10
Automatic transmission fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF), also known as transmission fluid or tranny fluid (colloquial), is the fluid used in vehicles with self-shifting or automatic transmissions. It is typically coloured red or green to distinguish it from motor oil and other fluids in the vehicle.
The fluid is optimized[1] for the special requirements of a transmission, such as valve operation, brake band friction, and the torque converter, as well as gear lubrication.
ATF is also used as a hydraulic fluid in some power-assisted steering systems, as a lubricant in some 4WDtransfer cases, and in some modern manual transmissions.
- 4'Lifetime' Fluids
- 5Aftermarket Automatic Transmission Fluids
Modern use[edit]
Modern ATF consists of a base oil plus an additive package containing a wide variety of chemical compounds intended to provide the required properties of a particular ATF specification. Most ATFs contain some combination of additives that improve lubricating qualities,[2][3][4] such as anti-wear additives, rust and corrosion inhibitors, detergents, dispersants and surfactants (which protect and clean metal surfaces); kinematic viscosity and viscosity index improvers and modifiers, seal swell additives and agents (which extend the rotational speed range and temperature range of the additives' application); anti-foam additives and anti-oxidation compounds to inhibit oxidation and 'boil-off'[5] (which extends the life of the additives' application); cold-flow improvers, high-temperature thickeners, gasket conditioners, pour point depressant and petroleum dye. All ATFs contain friction modifiers, except for those ATFs specified for some Ford transmissions and the John Deere J-21A specification;[6] the Ford ESP (or ESW) - M2C-33 F specification Type F ATF (Ford-O-Matic) and Ford ESP (or ESW) - M2C-33 G specification Type G ATF (1980s Ford Europe and Japan)[3] specifically excludes the addition of friction modifiers.[3] According to the same oil distributor, the M2C-33 G specification requires fluids which provide improved shear resistance and oxidation protection, better low-temperature fluidity, better EP (extreme pressure) properties and additional seal tests over and above M2C-33 F quality fluids.
Note that the friction modifier only means that the fluid sticks to the surface of the metal a little more strongly, and therefore only helps to prevent early wear. It would be required for Ford, BorgWarner to prove that their transmissions are somehow harmed by friction modifiers. In many countries, Ford have said that the modern Dex3 fluid is fine for the same transmissions that they say require the older standard.
There are many specifications for ATF, such as the General Motors (GM) DEXRON and the Ford MERCON series, and the vehicle manufacturer will identify the ATF specification appropriate for each vehicle. The vehicle's owner's manual will typically list the ATF specification(s) that are recommended by the manufacturer.
Automatic transmission fluids have many performance-enhancing chemicals added to the fluid to meet the demands of each transmission. Some ATF specifications are open to competing brands, such as the common DEXRON specification, where different manufacturers use different chemicals to meet the same performance specification. These products are sold under license from the OEM responsible for establishing the specification. Some vehicle manufacturers will require 'genuine' or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) ATF. Most ATF formulations are open 3rd party licensing, and certification by the automobile manufacturer.
Each manufacturer has specific ATF requirements. Incorrect transmission fluid may result in transmission malfunction or severe damage, however this occurs where the viscosity is extremely different.
Current fluids[edit]
2014 Ford Mercon ULV and ACDelco Dexron-ULV ATF
- DEXRON ULV - 2017 and above GM 10L90 10-Speed automatic transmissions
- MERCON ULV - 2017 and above Ford 10R80 10-Speed automatic transmissions
- DEXRON HP - 2013 and above GM 8L90 8-Speed RWD automatic transmissions
- Mopar ATF+4 - Most Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, and Plymouth replaces ATF+3, ATF+2, ATF+[7]
- DEXRON III/MERCON - Most pre-2006 GM and Ford, Mercury, Lincoln, pre-2004 Toyota products, many Asian vehicles, some Asian power steering fluid applications, some Ford/Mazda manual transmissions. It is generally less expensive than DEXRON VI/MERCON V .
- DEXRON VI - Most after 2006 GM, some Ford applications, replaces DEXRON III in GM automatic transmissions.
- MERCON V - Most Ford, Mercury, Lincoln, Mazda B-Series, 2001-08 Mazda Tribute, Tribute Hybrid.
- MERCON LV - Some Ford(DuratecHE), 2009-11 Mazda Tribute, Mazda in Europe or Asia.[8]
- Mercon SP - For the Ford 6R transmission
- Toyota ATF Type T-IV (T4) - Some older Toyota, Lexus including 'Gen 1' hybrid CVT), some Mazda. Replaces Type T, and Type T-II (There was no Type T-III).
- Toyota ATF WS - Most new models introduced with model year 2004 Toyota and Lexus including 'Gen 2' and later hybrid CVT (except non-hybrid CVT); Volvo. It is not applicable in applications requiring ATF Type T-IV.
- DW-1 - All Honda and Acura (except CVT), replaces Z1 specification fluid
- Diamond SP-III (or SP3) - Older Mitsubishi Motors (including older CVT's); Hyundai and Kia 4-speed automatic transmission.
- Diamond SP-IV (or SP4) - All Hyundai and Kia 6-speed automatic transmission.
- DiaQueen ATF-J3 - Most Mitsubishi Motors 6-speed automatic transmissions.
- Nissan Matic fluids - For Nissan and Infiniti vehicles:
- Matic D is for 3- and 4-speed transmissions,
- Matic K is for 6-speed front-wheel-drive transmissions,
- Matic J is for 5-speed rear-wheel-drive transmissions,
- Matic-S fluid supersedes Matic-J fluid.
- ATF-HP - For 2005 and later Subaru vehicles, except CVT transmissions. 2004 and earlier Subaru vehicles use DEXRON III.
- Mazda M5 (MV) fluid - For the Mazda FN4A-EL/Ford 4F27E and Mazda FS5A-EL/Ford FNR5. Also sold as Ford FNR5 fluid. Genuine Mazda M5 is made by Idemitsu Kosan, available as Idemitsu Type-M. This fluid is NOT MERCON V.
- Mazda FZ fluid - For the SKYACTIV-Drive. Color of this fluid is blue.
Synthetic ATF is available in modern OEM and aftermarket brands, offering better performance and service life for certain applications (such as frequent trailer towing).
Oil pan of an automatic transmission with sedimented wear
The use of a lint-free white rag to wipe the dipstick on automatic transmissions is advised so that the color of the fluid can be checked. Dark brown or black ATF can be an indicator of a transmission problem, vehicle abuse, or fluid that has far exceeded its useful life. Over-used ATF often has reduced lubrication properties and abrasive friction materials (from clutches and brake bands) suspended in it; failure to replace such fluid will accelerate transmission wear and could eventually ruin an otherwise healthy transmission. However, color alone is not a completely reliable indication of the service life of ATF as most ATF products will darken with use. The manufacturer's recommended service interval is a more reliable measure of ATF life. In the absence of service or repair records, fluid color is a common means of gauging ATF service life.
Continuously Variable (CVT) and dual-clutch transmissions often use specialized fluids.Transfer cases and differentials in four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive vehicles sometimes require specialized fluids, such as Honda Dual Pump-II, Honda VTM-4, Jeep Quadra-Trac, etc.
History[edit]
The history of automatic transmission fluids parallels the history of automatic transmission technology. The world's first mass-produced automatic transmission, the Hydra-Matic 4-speed, was developed by General Motors (GM) for the 1940 model year. The Hydra-Matic transmission required a special lubricant GM called Transmission Fluid No. 1. for the Hydra-Matic Drive. This transmission fluid was only available at Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Cadillac dealerships. Subsequent automatic transmission and fluid coupling technologies, and difficulties with fluids in cold and hot temperature extremes led to a need for longer lasting, higher quality transmission fluids. Additionally, a better system of automatic transmission fluid distribution and marketing was necessary for the long term success of the automatic transmission.
In 1949, GM released a new Type 'A' fluid specification.[9][10] In an attempt to make GM automatic transmission fluid available at retailers and service garages everywhere. It is important to understand that every automatic transmission produced by any vehicle manufacturer (Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet, Pontiac, GMC, Ford, Mercury, Lincoln, Chrysler, Dodge, Desoto, Packard, and Studebaker used GM Type 'A' transmission fluids in their transmissions from 1949-1958.
1960 Ford Type B ATF
In 1959, Ford began releasing their own automatic transmission fluid specifications, see MERCON for more information. From 1958-1968 many vehicle manufacturers continued to use the next GM automatic transmission fluid specification, the Type 'A' Suffix 'A' fluid in their transmissions. In 1966, Chrysler began releasing their own automatic transmission fluid specifications, see Mopar ATF for more information. GM ATF was the same color as engine oil through 1967. Aftermarket ATF was available with red dye as an aid in fluid leak detection. Dexron (B) was the first GM ATF to require red dye.
In the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s, ATF contained whale oil as a rust and corrosion inhibitor.[11] A moratorium on whale oil at that time prevented the continued production of older ATF such as the original 1967 DEXRON formulation (Type B), and the fluids which preceded it. Vintage GM (1940-1967), Ford (1951-1967, and Chrysler products (1953-1966) used GM Type A fluid or GM Type A Suffix A fluids; these fluids are no longer produced. GM recommends Dexron-VI fluid, Ford recommends Mercon V fluid, and Chrysler recommends ATF+4 fluids for vintage transmission use.
Through the late 1970s, Ford transmissions were factory filled with a fluid identified as ESW M2C33-F. To provide a fluid that would be available to the general public for service fill, oil companies and other than factory fill suppliers were allowed to develop fluids meeting the ESW M2C33-F specification and market these fluids under their own brand names but identified as Type F.
1954 Mopar Type A ATF
The second generation of transmission fluid was released in 1974 as the factory fill specification, ESW M2C138-CJ. This fluid was developed to modify the vehicle shifting characteristics and to provide considerable improvement in the oxidation resistance and anti-wear performance.
No service fluids were developed and for a short time, DEXRON fluids approved by General Motors were considered acceptable.With continuing changes and improvements in transmission design, a centrifugal lock-up torque converter clutch was introduced into the C5 transmission to smooth engine vibrations sensed by the occupant of the vehicle. An associated shudder problem forced the introduction of the factory fill specification ESP M2C166-H. Servicing transmissions with DEXRON fluids was unacceptable since not all DEXRON fluids were capable of eliminating the shudder phenomenon. The fluids that could be used were a subset of the DEXRON fluids.The advent of Type H as factory fill necessitated the development of a service fluid specification to match the performance expected from Type H. This resulted in the release of the MERCON specification in 1987.[12]
1988 Toyota Type T ATF
One major revision occurred in September 1992, when low-temperature viscosity requirements, volatility requirements, viscosity change limits after high-temperature exposure and improved oxidation limits were introduced. These changes raised the performance of MERCON fluids above ESP M2C166-H levels.
The development of modulating and continuous slipping clutch converters has prompted the need to develop the MERCON V specification. Included are requirements to verify the anti-wear capabilities and anti-shudder characteristics of the fluid.
The MERCON V specification was further modified some time prior to 2007 to make it backward-compatible with MERCON. Ford has / is terminating all license agreements for the manufacture and sale of MERCON in favor of MERCON V.[13]
Toyota continued using GM ATF, including Dexron (B) and Dexron-II(D) in most of their automatic transmissions until 2003. In 1988, Toyota began releasing their own automatic transmission fluid specifications, see Toyota ATF for more information.
'Lifetime' Fluids[edit]
In 1967, Ford produced the Type-F fluid specification. The Type-F specification was intended to produce a “lifetime” fluid which would never need to be changed. This was the first of many Ford “lifetime” fluids. The 1974 Ford Car Shop Manual reads 'The automatic transmission is filled at the factory with 'lifetime' fluid. If it is necessary to add or replace fluid, use only fluids which meet Ford Specification M2C33F. Many other transmission manufacturers have followed with their own 'Lifetime' automatic transmission fluids'.
How ATF Can Last a 'Lifetime'[edit]
To understand how a fluid can last a 'lifetime', a study of the 1939 Chrysler Fluid Drive Fluid is helpful. The lesson learned by Chrysler with its fluid drives is applicable to modern automatic transmissions as well.[14] The November 1954 edition of Lubrication Magazine (Published by The Texas Company, later known as Texaco) featured a story called 'Evolution of the Chrysler PowerFlite Automatic Transmission'. This article described the fluid used in the 1939 Chrysler Fluid Drive and its subsequent revisions and enhancements through 1954.
The fluid drive fluid coupling is partially filled with Mopar Fluid Drive Fluid, a special highly refined straight mineral oil with a viscosity of about 185 SUS at 100° F., excellent inherent oxidation stability, high viscosity index (100), excellent ability to rapidly reject air, very low natural pour point (-25° F.) , ability to adequately lubricate the pilot ball bearing and seal surface, and neutrality towards the seal bellows.
The fluid operates under almost ideal conditions in what is essentially a hermetically sealed case, the small amount of atmospheric oxygen initially present is removed by a harmless reaction with the fluid so as to leave a residual inert (nitrogen) atmosphere. As a consequence, it has not been necessary to drain and replace the fluid, and the level-check recommendation has been successively extended from the original 2,500 miles to 15,500 miles and finally to 'never' - or the life of the car.
Since drains and level checks were not only unnecessary but frequently harmful ( through the introduction of more air, and seal-destroying dirt) Chrysler eventually left off the tempting level inspection plugs. This mechanism is, therefore, one of the very few that are actually lubricated for the life of the car. There are now myriad examples of couplings that have operated well over 100,000 miles without any attention whatsoever and were still in perfect condition when the car was retired.
On European type cars, a „Lifetime“ means 180,000 km or 112,000 miles as a lifetime of a vehilcle or transmission. Service intervals of newer type cars are from 80,000 to 120,000 km which equals 50,000 to 75,000 miles. Flushing or refilling the fluid on lifetime filled transmissions require to use equiment to fill from below, engaging the transmissions torque converter or using an external pump.[15][16][17][18]
Sealed Transmissions[edit]
Umbrella style transmission breather to prevent water ingestion
Any automatic transmission fluid will last longer if the transmission case could be hermetically sealed, but transmissions typically have two potential entry points for air:
- The Dipstick Tube. Any transmission with a dipstick tube has the potential to let additional oxygen into the transmission through a dipstick that is not fully seated in the tube, or dipstick tube plug that is not fully seated. Even the process of checking the fluid level with a dipstick can allow additional oxygen and dirt into the transmission. Many modern transmissions do not have a dipstick, they have sealed transmission fluid level check plugs instead. By removing the traditional dipstick, the transmission manufacturer has also removed a potential entry point for oxygen; this reduces the potential for fluid oxidation. A sealed transmission will typically have longer transmission fluid life than a non-sealed transmission.
- The Transmission Vent. Transmissions need vents to compensate for internal air pressure changes that occur with fluctuating fluid temperatures and fluctuating fluid levels during transmission operation. Without those vents, pressure could build resulting in seal and gasket leaks. Before the use of better quality base oil in ATF in the late 1990s, some older transmission breather vents contained a Transmission Air Breathing Suppressor (TABS) valve to prevent oxygen and water ingestion into their transmissions.[19] Oxygen reacts with high-temperature transmission fluid and can cause oxidation, rust, and corrosion. Automatic transmission fluids using lower quality base oil oxidized more easily than fluids using higher quality base oils.[20] Transmission manufacturers now use smaller, remote mounted, breather vents specially designed to keep out water, but allow a small amount of air movement through the breather as necessary.[21]
Sealed ATF Containers[edit]
Any automatic transmission fluid will last longer if it comes from an unopened container
- Use Sealed Containers. Containers storing automatic transmission fluid (ATF) should always be sealed; if exposed to the atmosphere, ATF may absorb moisture and potentially cause shift concerns.
- Use New Fluid Only. When performing repairs on ATF equipped transmissions, it is important to use only new, clean ATF when refilling the transmission. Never reuse ATF.
Example Maintenance Schedule[edit]
Base Stock Oil Categories for Ford ATF based upon timeline of availability vs. fluid life under 'Normal' driving | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
API BaseStock Oil | Miles | |||
1949 Group 1 | 5,000 | |||
1950 Group 1 | 10,000 | |||
1959 Group 1 | 15,000 | |||
1959 Group 1 | 15,000 | |||
1960 Group 1 | 15,000 | |||
1967 Group 1* | 30,000 | |||
1972 Group 1* | 30,000 | |||
1974 Group 1* | 30,000 | |||
1981 Group 1* | 30,000 | |||
1987 Group 1* | 30,000 | |||
1996 Group 2+ | 100,000 | |||
2001 Group 3 | 150,000 | |||
2014 Group 3+ | 150,000 | |||
*Hydrotreated Group 1 |
Lifetime automatic transmission fluids made from higher quality base oil and an additive package are more chemically stable, less reactive, and do not experience oxidation as easily as lower quality fluids made from lower quality base oil and an additive package. Therefore, higher quality transmission fluids can last a long time in normal driving conditions (Typically 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or more).
The definition of 'Lifetime Fluid' differs from transmission manufacturer to transmission manufacturer. Always consult the vehicle maintenance guide for the proper service interval for the fluid in your transmission and your driving conditions.
Chevrolet Colorado Example: According to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide of a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado with 'Lifetime Fluid' could have two different fluid service intervals depending upon how the vehicle is driven:[22]
1. Normal Driving[edit]
- Carry passengers and cargo within recommended limits on the Tire and Loading Information label
- Driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal driving limits.
Under 'Normal' driving conditions, the automatic transmission fluid and filter never need to be changed.
2. Severe Driving[edit]
- Mainly driven in heavy city traffic in hot weather
- Mainly driven in hilly or mountainous terrain
- Frequently towing a trailer
- Used for high speed or competitive driving
- Used for taxi, police, or delivery service.
Under 'Severe' driving conditions, replace automatic transmission fluid and filter every 45,000 mi (72,420 km)
Aftermarket Automatic Transmission Fluids[edit]
1976 Licensed Mobil Dexron II(D) for GM, Chrysler, and AMC Vehicles
For over 70 years, the oil aftermarket has produced both licensed, and non-licensed, formulations of automatic transmission fluids (ATF).[23][24] Today, aftermarket fluids asserted by their manufacturers to be compatible for use in various brands of automatic transmissions continue to be sold under names such as Multi-Purpose and Multi-Vehicle fluids. Non-licensed fluid is typically less expensive, these fluids are not regulated or endorsed by the vehicle manufacturer for use in their transmissions.
Vehicle manufacturer approved and licensed fluids must have the license number printed on the product information label of the container or on the container housing. Non-Licensed fluids do not show a license number. Industry specific terminology on the labels can also help determine if the product is licensed:[25][26]
- Suitable for Use - If the fluid label states the fluid is suitable for use in your vehicle, it is not an approved or licensed fluid
- Meets Requirements - If the fluid label states the fluid meets the requirements for use in your vehicle, it is not an approved or licensed fluid
- Exceeds Requirements - If the fluid label states the fluid exceeds the requirements for use in your vehicle, it is not an approved or licensed fluid
- Approved - If the fluid label states the fluid is approved for use in your vehicle, it is a formally approved and licensed fluid. The license number should be shown on the container.
Aftermarket Example[edit]
Details of fluid compatibility on the front panel of an ATF container often conflict with the fluid compatibility claims or fluid recommendations on the rear label.
2018 Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle Front, Only Licensed for Ford's Mercon V
2018 Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle Rear, Only Licensed for Ford's Mercon V
As shown in the photos, the front label of the Castrol Transmax Import Multi-Vehicle ATF bottle asserts that the fluid is 'For Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and other import vehicles'
As shown in the photos, the rear label of the same bottle asserts 'Recommended for use in vehicles that require:...Toyota-Lexus Type T, T-III (should read T-II), T-IV, and many other Chrysler, GM, and Ford fluids. As shown, the only specification for which this fluid is actually licensed is Ford's Mercon V (License M5120802). WARNING: Mercon V fluid is not approved by Toyota for use in Toyota vehicles.[27]
As shown in the photos, the fluid is only recommended by Castrol,[28] not Toyota,[29] for most Toyota vehicles prior to 2004. This fluid is not approved by Toyota for use in Toyota vehicles requiring the Toyota WS fluid.[30]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^https://www.sae.org/standards/content/j311_200002/ J311 Fluid for Passenger Car Type Automatic Transmissions
- ^'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on 19 April 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2012.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^ abc'BP'(PDF). bp.com.
- ^gjjhawk (11 June 2009). 'What is Synthetic Oil Made Of?' – via YouTube.
- ^'Answers - The Most Trusted Place for Answering Life's Questions'. Answers.com.
- ^'BP'(PDF). bp.com.
- ^'Chrysler LLC ATF+4Ž Info Center'. Centerforqa.com. Archived from the original on 1 March 2012. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
- ^'Ford Motorcraft Automatic Transmission Fluid Chart'(PDF). Ford Motor Company. Retrieved 14 October 2016.
- ^https://www.sae.org/publications/technical-papers/content/560225/ The Present Status of Automatic Transmission Fluid, Type A
- ^https://www.sae.org/publications/technical-papers/content/490011/ Is The Torque Converter Going To Be “It”?
- ^https://nyti.ms/1MOG8ez The New York Times April 17, 1975: Transmission Problems in Cars Linked to Ban on Whale Killing
- ^'A brief history of automatic transmission service fluid' Revised and effective 1 January 1999 Ford Motor.
- ^'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 22 April 2012.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^'Evolution of the Chrysler PowerFlite Automatic Transmission'. Lubrication. Vol. 40 no. 11. New York, NY: The Texas Company. November 1954 [1954]. pp. 129–135.
- ^https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCfMxsg7dUo
- ^https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyFshD6xMmo
- ^https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSwYPLRlwN4
- ^More times described experience by leading masters of automotive service business which are recognized as instructors and masters of the Cologne guild, but also work as infuencers of their business.
- ^https://patents.google.com/patent/US5129422A/en?oq=US5129422 Transmission breather control valve
- ^https://www.sae.org/publications/technical-papers/content/740055/ Transmission Air Breathing Suppressor (TABS) Valve - A Device for Improving Automatic Transmission Fluid Life
- ^https://patents.google.com/patent/US20110173935A1/en?oq=US20110173935A1 Transmission breather assembly
- ^https://my.chevrolet.com/learn/2018/Colorado Learn about my 2018 Chevrolet Colorado
- ^https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oWFTOY-3tY%7C 80 Years of GM Automatic Transmission Fluid - ATF History Part 2
- ^https://www.api.org/products-and-services/engine-oil/unauthorized-use-of-api-certification-marks%7C Unauthorized Use of API Certification Marks
- ^https://www.aftonchemical.com/SBU/Driveline-Additives/AutomaticTransmission%7C Afton Chemical Automatic Transmission Fluid Products
- ^https://www.aftonchemical.com/SBU/Driveline-Additives/AutomaticTransmission/HiTEC-419R%7C HiTEC® 419RATF Additive Package
- ^'MERCON V Automatic Transmission and Power Steering Fluid'.
- ^https://www.castrol.com/en_us/united-states/home/motor-oil-and-fluids/auto-transmission-fluids.html#tab_transmax-import-multi-vehicle Castrol Transmax Import Multi-Vehicle Product Data Sheet
- ^https://www.sae.org/publications/technical-papers/content/972927 Next Generation High-Performance ATF for Slip-Controlled Automatic Transmission
- ^https://www.sae.org/publications/technical-papers/content/2003-01-3258/ Development of New Automatic TransmissionFluid for Fuel Economy
External links[edit]
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