ATF+3 vs Dextron/Mercron : What is the difference?

[BlazerLT]

I know there is a line where you can't use one in the other.

Why is this? What is the real difference in additives?

 

[Kestas]

Based on my readings from Allpar, I believe the ATF+3 has friction modifiers not available in Dexron. Hopefully somebody can give more concrete information.

 

[gtx510]

Only info I've seen is the Allpar site and useless oil manufacturer fodder.
www.allpar.com/mopar/transmissions/fluids.html
ATF+3 can replace Dexron/MerconIII?

tiny bit of info here: www.aa1car.com/library/atf.htm

 

[Ken2]

Yep...the difference in the fluids is primarily the friction mofidiers. Stick with either the licensed products or use one of the conversion supplements...in this case Lubegard Black-bottle supplement in Dexron-III works in DaimlerChrysler transmissions. Or, use an unlicensed ATF that is "recommended" for your transmission by the ATF maker.


Ken

 

[G-MAN]

ATF+3 is much more shear stable than the typical Dexron III or Mercon fluid. ATF+3 uses the same shear stable VI improver that Lubrizol developed for ATF+4. (In fact, that is the only difference between ATF+2 and ATF+3. ATF+3 is ATF+2 with the VI improver that was developed for ATF+4.)

In tests done by Chrysler while developing ATF+4, they noted the following vis loss with use:

Dexron III - 40% loss
Mercon V - 19% loss
ATF+2 - 32% loss
ATF+3 - 14% loss
ATF+4 - 10% loss

 

[gtx510]

But can ATF+3 really replace DexronIII?
What about ATF+4?

 

[G-MAN]

quote:

---

Originally posted by gtx510:
But can ATF+3 really replace DexronIII?
What about ATF+4?

---

I wouldn't use either one in a transmission calling for Dex III. Chrysler never intended these fluids to be used in Dexron applications.

If you want the latest and greatest Dexron, use Dexron VI.

 

[gtx510]

the newer Dexron's are backwards compatible?
So DexV would work? That's the newest stuff that I can find.

 

[G-MAN]

quote:

---

Originally posted by gtx510:
the newer Dexron's are backwards compatible?
So DexV would work? That's the newest stuff that I can find.

---

There is no such thing as Dexron V. The latest Dexron before the new Dexron VI was Dexron III(H). There is, however, a Mercon V.

Supposedly, all newer versions of Dexron are backwards compatible with all previous versions.

 

[gtx510]

doh, mercon, I was thinking dexron was still the same stuff.
Who makes DexronVI? other than Petro Canada.

interesting ATF info

MerconV might work?
more Dexron IV info.

 

[The Critic]

Pennzoil launched their Dexron-VI product not too long ago, but I've yet to see it on the shelves.