Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) transmission fluid

[JamesSimpson]

I need to change the filter and dont feel like taking it some where. What type of fluid do I need? ATF dex 3 mercron? Surly I dont have to go the dealer for this stuff.

 

[RBratby]

you can use that fluid if you want to. that is what i run in my trans. you can buy it by the gallon at wal mart. i cant remember but it is either a blue or gray bottle.

 

[Scheibins]

Fill out your profile. It will make it easier to anwser your questions.



Assuming your in stock form:

as far as I am aware of, Valoline ATF3 Maxlife is the only fluid that replaces the manufacturers ATF4. If you use something other than ATF4 or equivilant, your TC might shudder. Merc (edit: or Dex) would be worse than ATF3.



Jay

 

[Ramafid]

Mor than likely you will need ATF+4 or ATF+3 at the least. I use ATF+3 and have have good results. People do use Dexron 3 but it is not what the manufacturer recomends. It can give TC shudder.

 

[Scheibins]

RB and Ramafid,

Both of you like me have been DTT'd. He's stock, it's not the same.

Jay

 

[Lsfarm]

Try Dexron/Mercon

I would try Dexron/Mercon from walmart, is is about $4. 50 a gallon, you will use less than three gallons. You will still have about 2+ gallons of your current ATF+4 or atf+3 in the converter and coolers.



Dexron/Mercon Might-Maybe cause some Lockup shudder, but with a 50/50 mix of new and current ATF, I doubt it. and for the price, if it does shudder, then just drain and fill with the $20. 00 gallon stuff from the dealer.



The lubricating abilities of dexron/mercon are the same as ATF+3/+4, the dexron is stickier, the +3/+4 is slipperier, reducing grabby clutches and shuddering. This is more of a problem with minivans/intrepids/LHS's than with our truck transmissions.



There is a chance of a shudder, but worth the $10-15 gamble IMO.



Hope this helps. Greg L

 

[JamesSimpson]

Test Profile

 

[ramman2u]

Ams Oil, its good stuff give it a try you will love it . its a little on the expensive side around 90$ a case. its worth it (IMO)

 

[DTangstrom]

I've always used ATF 3 from the dealer without any trouble however the last time I went to buy it I was told they were only going to stock the ATF 4. I bought the four at about twice the money as the three. This time I'm going to use the Quaker State ATF+3, it reads that it is a direct replacement for the Mopar ATF. I have grown tried of the scams the dealers are pitching. The transmissions were bulit to use #3 now all of a sudden #4 is what they will sell in order to charge double. My truck shifted just fine with #3, and shifted no different or ran any cooler with #4.

 

[RobertMiller1]

I am very happy with Valvoline Maxlife. coupled with a Transgo shift kit. Several thousand miles now. didn't care for the Amsoil shift charecteristics. otherwise, great fluid. Redline synth ATF+3 is probably the ultimate.