2002 Montero Transmission Fluid

[spk2000]

Vehicle calls for Diamond SP-ll /SP-lll. This fluid is supposed to be changed every 30,000 miles. I had a used transmission installed a few years back and they told me they put a Global Synthetic Fluid in it. I was concerned as this was not what the vehicle specification calls for. I must says it has been fine but I am now wanting to do a partial fluid change and not sure what I should use.


I am considering the Amsoil Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid and have heard only great things about this fluid. I would definitely rather spend more money on a great fluid than to repair / replace another transmission.

Also Castrol makes a transmission fluid called "Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle ATF" this fluid can also be used.

Anyone else used these in a Montero with success?
Thanks.

 

[StevieC]

My Santa Fe called for the SP-III spec and I used Amsoil ATF Multi-vehicle formula with great success as you can see by the mileage I ran my Santa Fe to in my signature.

A friend of mine had an Endeavor and he used the Amsoil ATF as well with 0 issues.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Castrol Import Multi is good stuff, and so is their Full Synthetic ATF.

Maxlife is also a good choice

The Diamond SP-II/III is probably just Dexron II/III

 

[StevieC]

SP-III is similar to Dexron III but the SP-III contains more friction modifier than the Dexron. It's not advisable to use Dexron III in place of SP-III. This was listed in my Hyundai manual when I had the Santa Fe.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Originally Posted by StevieC
SP-III is similar to Dexron III but the SP-III contains more friction modifier than the Dexron. It's not advisable to use Dexron III in place of SP-III. This was listed in my Hyundai manual when I had the Santa Fe.


But still, any modern multi-vehicle ATF will be just fine. Castrol and Maxlife will be better than the original SP-III

 

[StevieC]

So long as the multi-vehicle formula says it meets the SP-III specification.

 

[Saul]

Eneos makes a SP III fluid for Mitsu/Kia that is relatively cheap at Napa.