Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Transmission oil change : DEXRON®-III/MERCON

[SGade]

Well, I got transmission oil changed (along with filter and adjustment of bands) on my 2001 Dodge 3500 AT/88k miles, last month. Unfortunately the shop which was a "transmission shop" did not use ATF+4 but used DEXRON®-III/MERCON which I learned later that its for GM and Ford vehicles. I called the shop ( Marion , IA) to clarify but he does not admit that he did anything wrong.



I am pulling a fifthwheel (12000 lbs) all year long and lately traveling thru 11000 feet elevation montains in colorado.



What should I do ? Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[steved]

Well, I got transmission oil changed (along with filter and adjustment of bands) on my 2001 Dodge 3500 AT/88k miles, last month. Unfortunately the shop which was a "transmission shop" did not use ATF+4 but used DEXRON®-III/MERCON which I learned later that its for GM and Ford vehicles. I called the shop ( Marion , IA) to clarify but he does not admit that he did anything wrong.



I am pulling a fifthwheel (12000 lbs) all year long and lately traveling thru 11000 feet elevation montains in colorado.



What should I do ? Any suggestions are appreciated.

That's actually all dodge used (Dexron III) up until they started to get into the front wheel drive cars too... the ATF+X series oils were actually designed for the Front Wheel Drive cars (straight from a DCX tech), not specifically for our trucks, but it works... one oil is better than multiples...



I ran Dexron III in my 99's 47RE for well over 100k without one single issue... the only thing I did was change it every 15k and added a bottle of "LubeGuard"... I believe it was the black bottle that gives Dexron III ATF+X characteristics... but there were quite a few changes that I didn't even add that. It ran a few degrees (less than 10*) warmer than the ATF+ and would darken somewhat quicker, but the frequent changes kept that to a min.



steved

 

[Lsfarm]

You are OK

The only difference between Dexron III / Mercon and ATF4 or ATF3 is that the ATF3/4 have friction modifiers that make the ATF slipperier [sp?] . That is to say the ATF3/4 is modified to slip more when the clutches in your transmission engage.

The reason that ATF3/4 was created is that on Minivans, Intrepids etc the clutches, especially the Torque converter lock-up clutch can shudder as it is engaging. The ATF3/4 doesn't grab as much as straight Dexron III/Mercon, so the TC lockup engages smoother.



So, if you are not experiencing any shudder during shifts, I'd leave it alone. The ATF3/4 is a 'new' item, like in the last ten years, all the earlier Chryler transmissions were spec'd to use straight Dexron. The lubrication for gears/bushings/bearings from Dexron is the same as from ATF3/4.



Since DexronIII/Mercon is about 1/4 the price of ATF3/4, I'd suggest more frequent ATF and filter changes. Towing heavy is working your trans pretty hard, so frequent changes every 10-15K are suggested. I recommend buying and installing an aluminum pan with drain plug and changing the ATF every 10K [very easy with a drain-plug] and have the filter and bands serviced every 20K.



Hope this helps, and answers your concerns.

Greg L

 

[rweis]

NAPA carries the friction modifier if you decide you need it.



There is considerable discussion on this subject on the DTT forum as well.



I found that ATF+3 is no longer sold. Supposedly Dextron III + 1 bottle of RED friction modifier = ATF+3 or there abouts.



Bob Weis

 

[MLee]

I noticed that wal-mart is caring ATF+4 with the MOPAR label at $4. 50 or so a quart. I don't know how that compares with the dealers price.

I guess that Dexron III is no longer available??

just thought I'd throw that in.

Marv.

 

[steved]

I noticed that wal-mart is caring ATF+4 with the MOPAR label at $4. 50 or so a quart. I don't know how that compares with the dealers price.

I guess that Dexron III is no longer available??

just thought I'd throw that in.

Marv.

Dexron III is still widely available... DCX is the only one using the ATF+X series fluids... Dexron II (which is what the early 90s NP24X tcases call for) isn't available, but it was superceded by Derxon III anyway...



I just bought a couple quarts of "Full Synthetic ATF+4" made by Valvoline... I need to "change" the fluid in the powersteering...



steved