Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) automatic trans fluid

[Hemiville]

Have an 01. 5. Thinking about changing my trans fluid and filter, but it seems, according to the parts store, they don't have type IV transmission fluid? Isn't this what's supposed to go in the trans? Anybody have an answer as to what fluid to use? Also, is it a good idea to have a shop do a trans filter change plus a pump out of all the fluid? Supposedly they unhook a transmission line, start the truck up and 'swap' all the old fluid for new? I've been having what I feel is a torque converter shudder at mid throttle, I've been thinking, since it seems to be getting worse, that maybe changing the fluid etc. will help?

 

[Diesel Gunner]

Yes, I would try the fluid change to see if it will help. Chevron Texaco has just released a bulletin stating that Mercon V is "suitable for use " in ATF+4 applications. However, I would reccomend that you use ATF+4 if your truck is still covered by warranty. If you are out of warranty, save about 5$ per quart and use the Mercon V.

 

[Texasdeere]

It is hard to find ATF+4 just anywhere. If you need some just buy it at the dealer. (VERY EXPENSIVE) If you are going to have your trans flushed out and serviced. I would only consider the dealer for that job. I don't think the "Quick Lubes" will have ATF+4 in stock.



If you are on a trip (out on the open road) and loosing ATF fluid pretty badly and need some thing to keep it full. Use anything you want accept Type "F" to keep your transmission full. Then change the fluid out when you get home after you fix your problem.



I would only use ATF+4 or a fully synthetic like Amsoil in my transmission.

 

[Diesel Gunner]

My owners manual states that ATF+3 is the specification for 2001 trucks. Is this correct? And, if so why use ATF+4? ATF+3 is available from many sources and is much cheaper. No one knows for sure if ATF+4 is better, because DC will not release the specification for it. That is why they are currently in court fighting a monopoly charge.

 

[Texasdeere]

Sorry about the confusion. My 2001. 5 calls for ATF+4. I believe the ATF+4 is a better fluid, an improved ATF+3 basically. It is designed to be used in the older Mopar vehicles using ATF+ fluids and all the new models as well.



If your truck calls for the +3 fluid, use it, no problem. You do not have to use the +4 if your manual says to use +3. If you have the money use the +4 for better protection. The ATF+4 is supposedly a synthetic based fluid.



Hope this helps...

 

[JohnE]

Originally posted by Texasdeere

...

The ATF+4 is supposedly a synthetic based fluid.

...

Read this TDR > Products/Accessories - Engine and Transmission thread on ATF+4



Appears that DC is using the legal synthetic marketing trick and it is merely hydro-cracked pretroleum crude based. Better, but still not synthetic



The trany shop that rebuild my slushbox said no need to use ATF+X in a 47RE unit. They fill with Dex-III/Mercon V fluid, but do top off with Lubeguard.

 

[Texasdeere]

JohnE,



Thanks for the good thread link on ATF+fluids

 

[rweis]

Well, I would CALL DTT or ATS and ask them.



Those two companies know more about trannys than ALL the DC dealers combined then raised to the 10th power.



Bob Weis

 

[Diesel Gunner]

Bob, you are surely right. Dealer Techs are bound by the manufacturer specification. The other folks that you mention are bound more closely to customer satisfaction. What I mean is that their customer base is tiny by comparison. If they lose 5% of their customer base the owner may look for beter ways to invest his capital. IF DC experienced the same, they could easily ride it out.



Good advice, Bob.

 

[Hemiville]

auto trans fluid

Talked to the dealer here. They want 275. 00 to service the transmission. change the filter etc. OUCH!!! The type lV trans fluid retails for 8. 95 a quart. What the hell is that all about.

Only place you can get the fluid is the dealer!! Should have bought a FORD??

 

[Contractor]

Hemiville,



This is just an offering of an opinion, but I have a 01' and it calls for ATF +3. It is available at NAPA. I got the filter and gasket kit from Geno's for $22 I think and probably spent $50 on the whole thing. Granted I did not flush all of the fluid from the system, but any decent mechanic can do that for you, or you could do it yourself. Since they are both 47RE trannys, I would think that the +3 fluid would be fine. Warranty could be another issue, but for that kind of money I would try another avenue.



Cole

 

[rweis]

Before I did the DTT thing I changed my 2002 transmission fluid ATF+4.



Went to the dealer 3 different times, got a gallon at 3 different prices. Checked the moparonline, about the same $$.



The best price was the "shop" price. Got that from a salesman manning the parts desk one saturday. Was $27/ gal I think.



Once you do the XXX thing ATF+4 is a thing of the past. Just a matter of when, not if. Something to look forward to. There are several threads about just "how much" synthetic the +4 is or is not.



I still would call the XXX companies and ask them. If there is a way around it they know the what and why. Most importantly the why. Maybe they know of an alternative to the +4.



Bob Weis

 

[Diesel Gunner]

There is an alternative. As I stated previously, ChevronTexaco has released a bulletin that states that Mercon V is "suitable for service" in Chrysler vehicles requiring ATF+4. It goes on to say that "DaimlerChrysler will not provide warranty coverage for vehicles that do not use either their original factory fill or MOPAR-supplied ATF+4 fluid. "



So, if your vehicle is still under warranty, bite the bullet and go to DC for your lube. It is not available anywhere else. Anyone that tells you it is has motive for personal gain only. Or, if you don't care about your warranty, you have two choices. Just as you would if your vehicle is out of warranty.



No one knows for sure what ATF+4 is, because DC will not release the specifications for it. Synthetic? Dino? Moose oil? Who knows? They are currently involved in a suit that may clear all of this up. But, until that time, choose wisely and always make sure to check your fluids carefully.

 

[RobertMiller1]

hmmmm

It goes on to say that "DaimlerChrysler will not provide warranty





And that is against federal law... Wish I could remember the congressmen it was named after.

Honda got caught doing this single sourcing crap in the 80's and helped precipitate the act.



just found it... . Magnuson - Moss Warranty Act.

 

[rweis]

But the MM Act and few $100k and a few years in court and you MIGHT "win", but where does that get you?





Bob Weis

 

[RobertMiller1]

amsoil

Here's a question:



Those folks running Amsoil synthetic. Are any of you running amsoil with a stock converter and stock lockup clutch material and if so for how many miles.



It appears the major issue with +4 fluid is the lockup clutch material in the factory converters and it eliminates lockup shudder.



If some of you have run amsoil or Mercon V or Valovline synthetic for 50,000 miles, in a stock converter transmission, that would be good to know.

 

[BarryG]

Robertmiller1:

I have been running amsoil in my stock transmission for 85k so far. Change the fluid(remove pan and loosen valve body not a complete tc drain) and filter once a year. Still going good with an ez on since 12k and added rv275 injectors about 15k ago. I drive careful with the trans in mind and a lot of my driving is light loads and 75% highway.

 

[RobertMiller1]

Outstanding! thank you for the information!

 

[Texasdeere]

With 68k on the truck now, I promptly returned my case of ATF+4 to the dealer and ordered a case of Amsoil ATF.



Does anyone know which trans cooler line to remove from the radiator to get the extra fluid out? (the one that makes a smaller mess!) Or what tool is needed to remove the line from the fitting?



I am sure the ATF+4 is a great/remarkable fluid. I just don't like to be forced to use it exclusively and pay "top dollar" for it at the dealer!

 

[RobertMiller1]

low rating

I actually read elsewhere here on the forum where it did not rate that well in actual testing, but tests are not released by certifying body.