Stiff Shifting on 03 ? Synthetic transmission fluid?

[GLuttmer]

I've found that shifting my 03 Dodge (6-speed, high output) in cold weather gets rather stiff. Does anyone else have this problem?



I'm wondering if I can use synthetic fluid in the transmission (NV 5600). The owner's manual says the transmission fluid does not require periodic changing, but if you do need to add/change the fluid to use Mopar manual transmission fluid (PN 4874464). (A local dealer said this is petroleum-based. )



If I can find a synthetic-based fluid, will Chrysler have objections to me using it?



Thanks.



GL

 

[Steve M]

Me thinks the dealer is full of elderberries. The NV-4500 comes with Castrol Syntorq synthetic transmission oil. I doubt NVG would go backward and put dino squeazin's in the NV 5600.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

GLuttmer, in my last truck with a 6-speed I used Redline MTL, which is fully synthetic and designed for transmissions, and is the correct weight for our 6-speeds. It worked awesome. Royal Purple also makes a great synthetic for the 6-speeds.



I plan to change to Redline soon. When I changed on my last truck it was very filthy at 40,000 miles, I would recommend changing before then.



Vaughn

 

[adsharpe]

You need to check the owners manual. I don't think it offers any alternatives other than furnishing the Mopar part number. Protect your warranty. Most NV5600 wear in and get better. Pennsoil makes a direct replacement (Synchromesh) that says on the bottle it is for the correct Mopar partnumber.



Since Dodge doesn''t give the specs, you'd just be guessing about warranty protection.



Email Dodge customer service and ask them about it. Ask for the specs on the lube used and what products can be used.



The factory fill is Texaco MTX but they sold Mopar an exclusive deal so you can't get the stuff except from Mopar.



When your warranty is expired use what you want.

 

[Buffalo]

6-speed gear oil

GLuttmer, I went to a seminar at May Maddness, this year. A company called Lubrication Engineer's sent one of their engineer's to give us a speech. One of the things he told us was that the 6-speeds require a special lubricant. ONLY Mopar has it. He said it was very important to use this product because of a special additive to help protect the syncros. He said he would love to sell us one of his quality products but, in this case we should bite the bullet and use the Mopar product. Pennzoil has recently come out with a product (#3501) that says "on the Bottle" that it meets the Chrysler Part No. specifications. I found the stuff at a local auto parts store, here in Phoenix, Autozone, I think. It was around $5. 00 a quart. Mopar was around $20. 00 a quart. If You can't find it, call Penzoil at 800-468-6457. They should be able to help you out with a distribution center in your area. I got this information on this website a couple of months ago. Someone was kind enough to share it with all of us. I'm glad to be able to pass it on to you. Hope this helps, Joe Fihn (Buffalo).

 

[_Hyde]

For what its worth I used Amsoil 5W-30 engine oil and then switched to Royal Purple Synchromesh in my 01. Never noticed any problems with it. Went to 95k before I got the 03. There was a lot of chatter a few years ago about using the Amsoil engine lube in the 6sp and I only recall one complaint with it out of at least 10-15 that had no trouble at all. I will probably go with the RP when I change mine but I've heard a lot of good reports on the Redline. I don't think you could go wrong with either short of the warranty gamble.



Darren

 

[amsoilman]

I use the Amsoil 5W-30 series 3000 in my 03' NV-5600, and it works very well! Very smooth even in the winter.





Wayne

amsoilman

 

[Pit Bull]

Use only the Mopar recommended lube or if you have a problem your warranty is void. Others who have had a problem with the NV5600 had their lube tested by the Dealer before it was covered under warranty. After the 70K mile warranty is up, you can use "Duck butter" if you want since you will be your own warranty station, or you can use "Duck butter" now if you want to be your own warranty station One thing if you do use another not DC/NV recommended lube, don't complain that your 6 speed went south and that it is a bad transmission

 

[ttreibel]

Hey at 11 bucks a quart the Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant better be a synthetic.



When it's time to change I will switch to Redline, just because I think Redline synthetic is better than whatever deal Mopar struck with whoever. . yadayadayada

 

[adsharpe]

Originally posted by ttreibel

Hey at 11 bucks a quart the Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant better be a synthetic.

It ain't. It costs so much because it is a exclusionary deal with Texaco. DC is good at "deals. " Maybe why that's why they are going bellyup.



Like two model years out and only 1 tire manufacturer supplying tires for their 17" dually wheels. :--)

 

[Diesel Nut]

An' them tires are 3 bills each out here, and lot's of luck findin more than one!! On national backorder. All going to OEM. Straight from the Goodyear guy!