transmission fluid additives

[rlightner]

Have a '02 2500, auto trans. , 5. 9 V8 (gas) engine with approx. 118,000 mls. Truck tows an 18' utility trailer several times a week (yes, the O/D is turned off).



Would using a trans additive like Lucas or BG be beneficial when we service the transmission?

 

[JLandry]

The Dodge service manual has the answer to your question:



DESCRIPTION - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID



NOTE: Refer to the maintenance schedules in this group for the recommended maintenance (fluid/filter change) intervals for this transmission.



NOTE: Refer to Service Procedures in this group for fluid level checking procedures.



Mopart ATF +4, type 9602, Automatic Transmission Fluid is the recommended fluid for Daimler-Chrysler automatic transmissions. Dexron II fluid IS NOT recommended. Clutch chatter can result from the use of improper fluid.



Mopart ATF +4, type 9602, Automatic Transmission Fluid when new is red in color. The ATF is dyed red so it can be identified from other fluids used in the vehicle such as engine oil or antifreeze. The red color is not permanent and is not an indicator of fluid condition. As the vehicle is driven, the ATF will begin to look darker in color and may eventually become brown. This is normal. A dark brown/black fluid accompanied with a burnt odor and/or deterioration in shift quality may indicate fluid deterioration or transmission component failure.



FLUID ADDITIVES



DaimlerChrysler strongly recommends against the addition of any fluids to the transmission, other than those automatic transmission fluids listed above. Exceptions to this policy are the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid leaks. Various "special" additives and supplements exist that claim to improve shift feel and/or quality. These additives and others also claim to improve converter clutch operation and inhibit overheating, oxidation, varnish, and sludge. These claims have not been sup-ported to the satisfaction of DaimlerChrysler and these additives must not be used. The use of trans-mission "sealers" should also be avoided, since they may adversely affect the integrity of transmission seals.



Information on Chrysler's approved brands of ATF+4 can be found here:



Chrysler LLC ATF+4® Info Center



Best regards,



John L.

 

[HBarlow]

Adding BG or Lucas products to your engine, transmission, and differential would be very beneficial . . .


to BG and Lucas financial statements.

Wouldn't help you much.

 

[amsoilman]

Claims by ATF additive manufacturers lead consumers
to believe the additives provide everything transmissions
need to perform well and last longer. Despite such claims,
however, most vehicle and transmission OEMs specifically
warn against using them. Not only are the benefi ts usually short-lived, but the additives can actually degrade the performance of the automatic transmission fl uid.

 

[steved]

One thing to think about is that the fluid manufacturer has blended their fluid/oil with a certain balance of additives to meet a fluid's specification. Adding an {aftermarket} additive can throw that balance off and actually put the fluid out of specification, and not always in a good way.