Can ATF+4 be used in a DEX III fuild speced trans?

[Bullet]

The spare car is a 1996 Avalon and I have 5 quarts of the ATF+4 from when I had a Dodge truck. I would just empty the pan and refill. The wife had the car since new and we plan to drive it until it can't go anymore (probably two years).

The label on the gallon jugs of supertech say its compatable with Dex III, ATF+3, ATF+4, Mecon, etc, but then supertech had a seperate gallon jug just for the ATF+4. I'm wondering if the difference is the ATF+4 is jusr synthetic?

 

[SteveSRT8]

I can only relate my experience.

We once put 5 quarts of it into a 2004 GMC Savana 3500 with a 4L80-E automatic.

Couldn't even tell the difference.

 

[salesrep]

My guess is that the atf 4 label was formulated specifically for atf4, while the others are indeed multi-atf. I could not recommend mixing them, though for this small amount over this short of predicted time, many will say you'll be alright.

 

[unDummy]

I've used ATF+4 in my Camry, Corolla and Tundra. No issues yet. Eliminated the cold slow shift and IMO is several steps above DexIII/Merc fluid. Fluid also stays spotless; barely a shade change in 30k+miles. DexIII would turn to black ink in the same miles.

And, ATF+4 in the differential comes out spotless without even a spec on the diff drainplug with my 30k interval. With DexIII, the magnet would have an afro.

 

[Whitewolf]

If you plan to work it hard I would advise you not to do that. Depending on the test and materials used ATF+4 does not demonstrate the same level of friction characteristic and durability as DEXRON-IIIH did and even less so compared to DEXRON-VI. (Published information).

 

[sunfire]

Originally Posted By: Bullet
The spare car is a 1996 Avalon and I have 5 quarts of the ATF+4 from when I had a Dodge truck. I would just empty the pan and refill. The wife had the car since new and we plan to drive it until it can't go anymore (probably two years).

The label on the gallon jugs of supertech say its compatable with Dex III, ATF+3, ATF+4, Mecon, etc, but then supertech had a seperate gallon jug just for the ATF+4. I'm wondering if the difference is the ATF+4 is jusr synthetic?


Officially licensed and Chrysler approved ATF+4 must be a group 3 with a specific add pack from Lubrizol. Just put it in if you have shifting problems then do a full cooler line flush with something else.

At least you used the ATF+4 to circulate and clean out your transmission a bit.

 

[Ken2]

The main difference is the friction modifiers in the different flavors of ATF. The base oil contributes to the life of the fluid (and the life of the transmission parts), but the friction characteristics contribute to the daily operation and feel. ATF+4 is a highly friction modified fluid and might not operate right. I'd stick with a Dexron-III type fluid.

 

[wander2039]

I put 3 quarts of ATF+4 in my Festiva. It's spec'd for Mercon with a 5.6 quart capacity. The only reason it was left over otherwise I wouldn't have. So far it's shifting perfect... we'll see how it holds up over time. I bet you'd never know the difference in the 96. What is total capacity on the Avalon?

 

[mechanicx]

I've heard that ATF+4 friction modifiers were similar to DEXIII and DexVI. Others say it is not. but if you go by most ATF manufacturers' recommendations they suggest the FM are similar.