can i use gm dexron VI in a 68rfe

[TBurow]

i have a good amount of dexron 6 from a friend who works for gm, is it safe to use this in place of atf+4? it is a full synthetic atf and from what i have read mobil 1 synthetic fluid is a direct replacement for atf+4 and dex 6 so they should interchange.

 

[AHarris]

I checked online and it doesn't sound like something I would do...

Dexron vi instead of atf+4 ? - Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum

http://www.centerforqa.com/licensedatf4brands.html

 

[HBarlow]

Every transmission, manual and automatic, is designed and manufactured differently and the engineers determine what oil works in their transmissions. ATF have different formulations for different transmissions.

I wouldn't do it.

 

[Cosmo]

People are paranoid about using something other than atf4... they even go so far as to try to scare you away from atf3. ATF3 breaks down faster than atf4, so you flush it every 30k instead of 100k. I know a guy who has been building transmissions for 30 years who doesn't use anything but dex3 EXCEPT in CVT applications, and he's never had an issue.

 

[mwilson]

People are paranoid about using something other than atf4... they even go so far as to try to scare you away from atf3. ATF3 breaks down faster than atf4, so you flush it every 30k instead of 100k. I know a guy who has been building transmissions for 30 years who doesn't use anything but dex3 EXCEPT in CVT applications, and he's never had an issue.

Yea, but he can fix his own transmission if he toasts it... ... ...



I don't doubt that ATF+3 is OK if you are aware of the need for more frequent changes but your average Joe should stick to the synthetic ATF+4 in my opinion.



I would never dump any other fluid than ATF+4 in mine, after getting mega-miles out of 4 Dodge Caravan transmissions over the years by running the CORRECT fluid in them why would I go against the recommended Mopar fluid in my trucks??



Mike.

 

[BruteForce]

I wouldn't. My experience has been that Dodge transmissions are really particular about the oil used. Stick with ATF +4. .

 

[crispyboy]

I don't think I would do it based on an experience my sister had with her Dodge Caravan. Her family bought a used van that was in good shape. She had all the fluids changed at her regular mechanics shop who used the "compatible" Valvoline oil in the transmission. They took the van on a 1000 mile trip to Florida and the transmission wouldn't shift properly thereafter. The mechanic told her to take it to the nearest Dodge dealer and put in Mopar fluid and he would pick up the cost. The transmission has been flawless after going back to Mopar fluid.
I don't think this is coincidence, I think some transmissions are designed to use particular fluid.

 

[cerberusiam]

ATF+4 contains additives that are specifically for the clutches and seals in the OE units. Other types do not contain these additives. ATF+4 will also take quite a bit more heat which is a requirement on the newer units as they are designed to run that way.



You can change fluid more often but the cost benefit is not the same. Replacing the additives with the correct mix is just not relaistic.



Building transmissions to run DEX 3 is radically different than using it in an OE unit. Comparisons like this are nonsensical. Too many differences to make the it reliable. As far as that goes, a mixture of JD Hydraulic oil and 10 wt motor oil is a s good as anything in the RIGHT build.

 

[TBurow]

im not trying to run dex 3, dex 6 is a superior fluid compared to dex 3, which probably far exceeds what atf+4 is plus its full synthetic. i have used it in my wifes jetta tdi and it really made it shift nice and eliminated the shudder when the tcc engages. i will have to find out which company makes the fluid and compare the specs.

 

[TBurow]

nevermind, found a few oil manufacturers who specifically warn against it. thanks for the input

 

[goodguys75]

Yea, but he can fix his own transmission if he toasts it... ... ...



I don't doubt that ATF+3 is OK if you are aware of the need for more frequent changes but your average Joe should stick to the synthetic ATF+4 in my opinion.



I would never dump any other fluid than ATF+4 in mine, after getting mega-miles out of 4 Dodge Caravan transmissions over the years by running the CORRECT fluid in them why would I go against the recommended Mopar fluid in my trucks??



Mike.

I just cant believe that a dodge caravan can go many miles... :-laf

 

[AHarris]

I just cant believe that a dodge caravan can go many miles... :-laf

Before I went into the AF years ago, I worked for a computer software company that had a fleet of company vehicles that included two late 1980s Caravans and a 1988 Plymounth Acclaim. The techs used them to travel to jobs all over the Midwest. One of the Caravans was around 425K, the other was at 350K and the Acclaim was at 190K. The 425K Caravan was getting tired but the other two ran like tops. They got Jiffy Lubed avery 3-4K and to the local Midas for brakes.

 

[mwilson]

I just cant believe that a dodge caravan can go many miles... :-laf

I know, it's hard to believe... :-laf



My wife has the passion for those things, there is just no explaining it.

She lets me have my CTD fetish so I put up with her Town & Country thing.



Mike.

 

[HBarlow]

Chysler products had a strong reputation for quality engineering for many years. They typically overengineered the strength and durability of components and were often the first company to introduce new features like alternators replacing generators.

I was never a Chrysler fan but always believed they built tough cars and trucks.

 

[rscurtis]

You are correct, but they also made some dogs. When I had my '69 Dart, my parents also had a '69 Chrysler T&C station wagon, what a POS that was. You would have almost thought Bob Nardelli had a hand in it. They used what were good components and cheapened them to the specs of the day. The Holley 4150 carb. did not have the adjustable floats, just soft metal plugs that tended to leak gas. The distributor dwell changed with each revolution of the distributor shaft. It was eventually replaced with a Mallory. The transmission was worn out at 30 K miles- someone undoubtdedly cheapened that also. The original brakes didn't even last that long. The interior was cheap compared to prior models, they even got rid of the backlighted instrument panel. The good news is that was the day of the 5/50 drivetrain warranty.



When the transmission gave up I put a tow bar on it and hooked it up to the Dart and towed it to the dealer. It also did the honors when the engine in my '79

Olds diesel wagon blew up.