Transmission Fluid Aisin Transmission???

[HBarlow]

I'd prefer to avoid buying transmission fluid for my Aisin transmission from a Dodge dealer parts department if possible.

Can anyone tell me a brand name and source for an approved transmission fluid for an Aisin automatic fluid change?

 

[Cattletrkr]

Can it be purchased thru a sterling dealer? They might be more inclined to offer info on who makes the oil.

 

[HBarlow]

That's a good thought that hadn't occurred to me. There is a local Sterling dealer and they have sold a few Dodge/Sterlings. I'll try asking them.

I haven't even checked with a Dodge dealer or a NAPA/Autozone, etc. yet. It is possible that the Aisin uses the same transmission fluid as the 48RE/68RFE and I know that fluid can be bought at an Autozone. I was hoping that a fellow TDR member already knew and could tell me.

I hate to even ask a question of the parts department of the local Dodge dealer. I won't buy trucks from them and don't use their service department.

 

[HBarlow]

Cattletrkr:

Just to get the expected bad service I called the Dodge dealer in Lubbock this morning. The parts guy stumbled around awhile and finally told me he had none in stock but his sister dealership down the road had MOPAR fluid in gallon bottles for only $43. 33/gallon. I thanked him.

I called the local Sterling dealer next as you suggested and asked. He couldn't answer the question from information he had available but took my number and called me back in a few minutes with the answer: AFT+4 is the fluid to use in the Aisin.

I can buy that at any Autozone for less than $10/quart. Might even be able to buy it a Wal-Mart but I don't think they carry synthetic fluid.

Thanks for a good tip.

 

[BDaugherty]

My local WalMart sells Mopar and WalMart brand ATF+4.

 

[Cattletrkr]

If it is ATF+4, I know someone who won't be going back to the dealer for the $500 flush/fill every 30K. They tried to justify that by telling me how much a new transmission is. I told them flat out I won't be back again, warranty or no warranty. 1/2 the price of a new transmission in maintenance spread out over the duration of the warranty is just a little steep IMO.

 

[HBarlow]

My local WalMart sells Mopar and WalMart brand ATF+4.

Are the products carried by Wal-Mart synthetic? I may be remembering wrong but I'm thinking that a couple years ago when I was looking for ATF for my '06 w/48RE Wal-Mart stocked the fluid but it was conventional not synthetic.

I'll check with WM tomorrow before I go to Autozone.

 

[sag2]

The Aisin does NOT use ATF+4. It uses special Aisin fluid as I posted before. This caution is from TSB 21-014-07.

NOTE: This Service Bulletin DOES NOT apply to the following transmissions:
• Sprinter transmissions
• Crossfire transmissions
• MK/PM vehicles equipped with Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT)
• WG vehicles equipped with a diesel engine (sales code ENF) and a
W5J400 or NAG1 transmission (sales code DGJ)
• **ALL vehicles equipped with a AS68RC Transmission (sales code
DG3)**
• **ALL vehicles equipped with a GENTRAG MPS6 Transmission (sales
code DG5)**

 

[HBarlow]

Well, now I'm not sure how to proceed.

I did a lot of reading last night on the web of information found under MOPAR ATF or ATF+4. Everything I read indicated that all Chrysler products use AFT+4.

Can anyone post the full text of TSB 21-014-07 or tell me where I can find it. I tried entering it on the Dodge website with no results.

I think I'll go out and pull the dipstick and see if Dodge was kind enough to mold the ATF designation on the tip.

 

[HBarlow]

I found the listing of TSBs on our very own TDR website.

Here's the text of TSB 21-14-07:

Automatic transmission fluid usage ATF+4 (Type MS9602).
This bulletin supersedes technical service bulletin 21-010-06, dated 4/16/06. ATF+4, type 9602, is being used as factory fi ll for Chrysler Group automatic transmissions. ATF+4 is recommended for all vehicles equipped with Chrysler Group automatic transmissions except for those noted: Sprinter transmissions, Crossfire transmissions, MK/PM vehicles equipped with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) all vehicles equipped with a A568RC transmission (sales code DG3), all vehicles with a Gentrag MP56 (sales code DG5), and Grand Cherokee's with the diesel engine option. ATF+4 is backward compatible with ATF+3, ATF+2, and ATF+. Additionally, ATF+4 can be used to top off vehicles that used ATF+3, ATF+2, or ATF+. Benefits:

• Better anti-wear properties
• Improved rust/corrosion prevention
• Controls oxidation
• Eliminates deposits
• Controls friction
• Retains anti-foaming properties
• Superior properties for low temperature operation.

Mopar ATF+4 has exceptional durability. However, the red dye used in ATF+4 is not permanent; as the fluid ages it may become darker or appear brown in color. ATF+4 also has a unique odor that may change with age. With ATF+4 fluid, color and odor are no longer indicators of fl uid condition and do not necessarily support a fluid change.

I think that is a typographical error in the text that lists the "A568RC" transmission (sales code DG3). I think it should be "AS68RC. "

I guess I'll start over by calling the Sterling dealer again and will also call other Sterling dealers.

 

[HBarlow]

I started over by calling the Sterling dealer parts department I spoke with yesterday. I was told that the parts man took the last six of the VIN of a Sterling Bullet truck in their inventory and plugged that into their Parts Pro computer program and got ATF+4.

I tried three more Sterling dealers finding two who were no help and finally, a big dealer in OKC. The parts man there downloaded the Sterling Bullet Service Guide and told me the guide specified Mobil ATF 3309.

I did a google search that took me to the Mobil website and found the following:

Mobil ATF 3309

It appears that this is a special high performance ATF used in many applications including Aisin AW transmissions. I will try to locate a Mobil ATF 3309 retailer today. The fluid may be as expensive as from MOPAR, I'll post what I learn.

 

[HBarlow]

Mobil Multi-Vehicle ATF. Specification 3309 is on the bottle. Can be purchased at Autozones for $7. 39/quart!!!

I'm on the way to Lubbock to pick up 8 quarts.

 

[BDaugherty]

Are the products carried by Wal-Mart synthetic? I may be remembering wrong but I'm thinking that a couple years ago when I was looking for ATF for my '06 w/48RE Wal-Mart stocked the fluid but it was conventional not synthetic.



I'll check with WM tomorrow before I go to Autozone.

Like I had posted, my local WalMart sells the Mopar branded ATF+4 (which I understand to be synthetic) as well as WalMart brand ATF+4 which was said in the last issue of the TDR to be manufactured to the same specs as the Mopar fluid.

 

[HBarlow]

UPDATE:





<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=760><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=560><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>As posted above a helpful Sterling Bullet parts man told me the spec for Aisin automatic transmissions in a Sterling Bullet was Mobil ATF 3309. Below is a partial copy of the text on Mobil's website product description for Mobil Multi-Vehicle ATF:

Product Description

Mobil ATF 3309 is an exceptionally high performance lubricant that meets original equipment manufacturers' specifications for use in certain slip-controlled lock-up automatic transmissions. Mobil ATF 3309 is recommended for use in transmissions made by Aisin-Warner requiring a fluid approved against Type T-IV, JWS 3309, GM 9986195 and VW/Audi G-055-025-A2. These Aisin-Warner transmissions are used in CERTAIN domestic and foreign vehicles, including Toyota, Lexus, Audi, Saturn, Ford, Volvo, Volkswagen, Saab, Porsche and Mitsubishi.


Features and Benefits

The unique formulation of Mobil ATF 3309 is designed to provide excellent lubrication of transmissions in specified Aisin-Warner slip-controlled lock-up automatic transmissions. These outstanding performance capabilities translate into significant operational benefits, including:

• Excellent lubricating characteristics for quiet operation and smooth shifting in approved transmissions
• Controlled friction properties for smooth and efficient transmission of power across all normal temperature ranges
• Helps to control transmission shudder and provide excellent vehicle driveability
• Helps to extend transmission life based on excellent wear control
• Long fluid life based on excellent oxidation resistance
• Excellent viscosity stability (high viscosity index) to help assure adequate lubrication without excessive thinning in severe high-temperature service or thickening at low starting temperatures
• Resistance to foaming
• Superb protection against rusting and corrosion
• Compatibility with synthetic rubber seal materials

Applications
Mobil ATF 3309 is recommended for use in transmissions made by Aisin-Warner requiring fluids approved against JWS 3309 or GM 9986195. It is also recommended for service fill applications where Toyota T-IV, T4, T-III or T3 are called for. Please refer to the owners' manual for proper fluid requirements.

I visited a Dodge dealer this afternoon and the parts man brought out a bottle of MOPAR Aisin ATF. On the back of the bottle the phrase above from the Mobil Multi-Vehicle ATF description appears word for word. Here it is:

"Approved for use in transmissions made by Aisin-Warner requiring fluids approved against JWS 3309"

The JWS 3309 appears to be the key specification.

The "JWS 3309" spec also appears on a bottle of Mobil Multiple-Vehicle ATF purchased this afternoon from an Autozone.

I am certain that Mobil Multi-Vehicle ATF is repackaged for Chrysler as Aisin ATF. The parts man at the Dodge dealer told me the price was $10. 50/quart. I paid $7. 49/quart at Autozone, a significant savings.

Sag2 was correct. The proper ATF for use in Aisin six speed automatic transmissions installed in Dodge Ram C&C trucks is NOT ATF-4 as I wrote last night.

I was thinking initially that this Mobil Multi-Vehicle ATF is a high quality but generic ATF for many brands of auto makers but now that I think about it, maybe all the vehicles on the approved list for this fluid are using Aisin tranmissions. Maybe "ATF" in this case means "Aisin transmission fluid" not automatic transmission fluid.




</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[HBarlow]

All interested:

I just changed my Aisin ATF. I was overdue at 40k miles but haven't been pulling trailers a lot like I was with previous Dodge Rams. I was a little worried about carelessly neglecting the service but the fluid came out bright cherry red, no odor except ATF, and no particles or foreign matter of any kind.

Cattletrkr:

Yes, you may want to pick up 8 quarts of Mobil Multi-Vehicle ATF and do the service yourself next time your transmission is due for a change. My Aisin fluid change cost me a little over $50. $53 and change IIRC.

Your excellent suggestion to ask at a Sterling dealer helped the process along considerably.

 

[Cattletrkr]

Cattletrkr:

Yes, you may want to pick up 8 quarts of Mobil Multi-Vehicle ATF and do the service yourself next time your transmission is due for a change. My Aisin fluid change cost me a little over $50. $53 and change IIRC.

Your excellent suggestion to ask at a Sterling dealer helped the process along considerably.

30K is 6 months to me so I might see if I can find it cheaper in larger quantities. My fuel guy is a Mobil dealer and his annual open house is coming up March 7th. Now I guess I have a good question for him.

I think it's kinda funny how the wrong answer from a Sterling dealer lead you to all this. :-laf

Thank you from the bottom of my not-quite-as-empty pocketbook.

 

[CStringer]

Mobil Multi-Vehicle ATF. Specification 3309 is on the bottle. Can be purchased at Autozones for $7. 39/quart!!!

I'm on the way to Lubbock to pick up 8 quarts.

Im trying to understand why you would go with a diff fluid than the mopar one... Thats the same price as i paid for the real deal at a local Dodge dealer a couple months ago... .

I mean, Im all for cheaper, if its the right stuff, but everything ive read says us ONLY AS68RC fluid

edit: i finished reading the other posts... . maybe prices @ your local stealership is diff than mine

 

[HBarlow]

It's not really difficult to understand.

Mobil Multi Vehicle ATF is "the real deal" as you described it. Chrysler certainly doesn't manufacture and/or bottle the ATF.

Chevron/Mobil manufactures and bottles Mobil Multi Vehicle ATF for MOPAR and it is the same product. The product is available at Autozone stores wherever Autozone stores are located for $7. 49/quart and it is probably available at many other auto parts stores around the country.

There are many more Autozones around than Dodge dealers, at least in the regions of the country where Autozones have coverage.

I'd be surprised if an ordinary Dodge owner can walk into a Dodge dealer and buy MOPAR branded ATF at anywhere near the same price I paid at an Autozone store. The local Dodge dealer near me wanted $10. 50/quart which is 50% more than I paid.

Each to his own. If you prefer MOPAR labeled ATF it is not my business to argue with you.

 

[bheiting]

For future questions you might try Aisin USA to see it they would help.

Phone no. from web site: 812-523-1969

 

[HBarlow]

Thanks, I didn't think of calling the manufacturer. In all my years Cummins, Inc. is the only major manufacturer I've ever had any experience with that will actually take your calls, respond to your e-mails, and treat you like a valued customer. I've tried Dodge several times and, w/o elaborating, it was a disappointment.