About "syn ATF+4"

[lars11]

I own a 02 Grand Cherokee with the RE42 automatic gearbox. The manual states ATF+4, and I've used the Mopar fluid this far.
Will I gain something from using some synthetic ATF+4 equivialent? Like what?
Have read somewhere about the amsoil stuff or was it Red Line? The Mopar is cheap and the competitors are expensive here.

 

[unDummy]

Since the availability of ATF+4 from multiple suppliers, I just don't see the need for the boutique equivalents in ATF+4 applications anymore.
Just practice reasonable ATF change intervals, with ATF+4, and the transmission will last a long time.

Benefits of the boutique fluids are their tolerance for extreme cold, excessive heat, and extended OCIs. You'll have to decide yourself if cost outweighs benefits, or vice versa, in your application.

 

[Dick in Falls Church]

AMSOIL made a synthetic ATF+4 for a while. They dropped it when they determined that the ATF would do just fine in ATF+4 applications- they may have reformulated, or at least tweaked, the ATF.

 

[G-MAN]

Quote:

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AMSOIL made a synthetic ATF+4 for a while. They dropped it when they determined that the ATF would do just fine in ATF+4 applications- they may have reformulated, or at least tweaked, the ATF.

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No, I think they dropped it when the lawyers at Chrysler sent them a demand letter threatening legal action for copyright and trademark infringement. In addition they pointed out that "ATF+4" is inextricably tied to a proprietary additive package and base oil blend, which at that time had not been released to anyone other than Chrysler's OEM ATF+4 suppliers. Use of "ATF+4" on a non-licensed fluid constituted commercial fraud, BTW.