I am nearing the service window for the transmission fluid and filter on the AW4 transmission in my 2000 Jeep Cherokee. The more I read on the Jeep forums the more I discover people blaming transmission failure on running synthetic ATF. Is there validity to this, should I skip a Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF, or Redline Synthetic ATF fill and just go with a decent non-syn Dexron?
Can synthetic ATF ruin a transmission
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Can't speak for Jeep or Redline, but I've been using M1 Synthetic ATF in my Pontiac Grand AM for the last 95k (110k on the clock right now) without any issues. Works great. Changed it 3 times during that period. No issues whatsoever. My brother in law has been using M1 Syn ATF in his Corolla for the 120k - no issues either.
On that note. I last time I had ATF changed I probably should have used a good Dexron IV from Pennzoil, Castrol, or Mobil. But decided just to stick with the regular M1 Syn Dexron III ATF which I used for the previous 2 fills. Next time I would probably use Dexron IV.
some transmissions should not use syn atf, my escape for one.
Originally Posted By: unixguru
On that note. I last time I had ATF changed I probably should have used a good Dexron IV from Pennzoil, Castrol, or Mobil. But decided just to stick with the regular M1 Syn Dexron III ATF which I used for the previous 2 fills. Next time I would probably use Dexron IV.
No such animal as Dexron IV. There is the new Dexron VI.
Does the Jeep not recommend ATF+4. If it does, that is a synthetic based product.
On that note. I last time I had ATF changed I probably should have used a good Dexron IV from Pennzoil, Castrol, or Mobil. But decided just to stick with the regular M1 Syn Dexron III ATF which I used for the previous 2 fills. Next time I would probably use Dexron IV.
No such animal as Dexron IV. There is the new Dexron VI.
Does the Jeep not recommend ATF+4. If it does, that is a synthetic based product.
Originally Posted By: spasm3
some transmissions should not use syn atf, my escape for one.
I thought your Escape is supposed to use Mercon V? It's semi-synthetic minimum.
some transmissions should not use syn atf, my escape for one.
I thought your Escape is supposed to use Mercon V? It's semi-synthetic minimum.
Originally Posted By: Johnny
Originally Posted By: unixguru
On that note. I last time I had ATF changed I probably should have used a good Dexron IV from Pennzoil, Castrol, or Mobil. But decided just to stick with the regular M1 Syn Dexron III ATF which I used for the previous 2 fills. Next time I would probably use Dexron IV.
No such animal as Dexron IV. There is the new Dexron VI.
Does the Jeep not recommend ATF+4. If it does, that is a synthetic based product.
he is talking about the xj with the aw4. it originaly came with dexron III.
Originally Posted By: unixguru
On that note. I last time I had ATF changed I probably should have used a good Dexron IV from Pennzoil, Castrol, or Mobil. But decided just to stick with the regular M1 Syn Dexron III ATF which I used for the previous 2 fills. Next time I would probably use Dexron IV.
No such animal as Dexron IV. There is the new Dexron VI.
Does the Jeep not recommend ATF+4. If it does, that is a synthetic based product.
he is talking about the xj with the aw4. it originaly came with dexron III.
In that case, use Dexron VI.
Or Valvoline Maxlife ATF. I've had great luck with it so far in the Buick. It shifts better than Dex-VI did. I lauded Dex-VI highly when it was in the Buick. Maxlife shifts better, in this application.
Originally Posted By: sciphi
Or Valvoline Maxlife ATF. I've had great luck with it so far in the Buick. It shifts better than Dex-VI did. I lauded Dex-VI highly when it was in the Buick. Maxlife shifts better, in this application.
Have had great results with smooth but positive shifts and downshifts with Maxlife in the GF's '05 V-6 Mariner. The stick on it says Mercon, so I used Maxlife instead of the Mercon V. Very happy with the results.
Or Valvoline Maxlife ATF. I've had great luck with it so far in the Buick. It shifts better than Dex-VI did. I lauded Dex-VI highly when it was in the Buick. Maxlife shifts better, in this application.
Have had great results with smooth but positive shifts and downshifts with Maxlife in the GF's '05 V-6 Mariner. The stick on it says Mercon, so I used Maxlife instead of the Mercon V. Very happy with the results.
The answer to your question is NO, synthetic atf isn't going to ruin your transmission. The base oil/s are not the factor here. Making sure the specification is proper is the essential part of choosing an ATF. Many transmissions last a very long time when even the wrong spec is utilized. Case in point, many people have used Dexron VI in place of WS. Is it a good idea in the long term? Who knows. From data we know many have done this without issue thus far.
I for one have used Redline D6 in my WS specd tacoma going on 50k miles without any issues. Im switching to Amsoil ATL most likely as the D6 is no longer recommended in place of WS by redline. Keep in mind this recommendation was not spurred on by failures. D6 isnt as good in the clutch packs as a product like D4 even though it does not match up with the low viscosity spec of WS. I love redline ATF's and have used them for years in GM/Ford applications, but would like to stick to the WS low visc spec as I have a Tacoma and a Lexus IS250. Having one good WS substitute only makes sense.
In summary, pick an ATF regardless of base oil(conventional or synthetic) first by required spec and then look at your use, and if a synthetic variant makes sense for you(ie heavy towing, long drain intervals etc.....) then go with it. People not maintaining transmissions is very prevalent. Waiting 100k to service a transmission is asking for a failure. It's peoples ignorance that kills most things in a vehicle. But blaming a synthetic atf is a much more convenient line of reasoning. Pick a good atf, install a good inline filter along with a cooler if not already equipped. Service the ATF early (30k is a good rule of thumb). Your transmission should live a long happy life barring any know mechanical/electronic problems.
I for one have used Redline D6 in my WS specd tacoma going on 50k miles without any issues. Im switching to Amsoil ATL most likely as the D6 is no longer recommended in place of WS by redline. Keep in mind this recommendation was not spurred on by failures. D6 isnt as good in the clutch packs as a product like D4 even though it does not match up with the low viscosity spec of WS. I love redline ATF's and have used them for years in GM/Ford applications, but would like to stick to the WS low visc spec as I have a Tacoma and a Lexus IS250. Having one good WS substitute only makes sense.
In summary, pick an ATF regardless of base oil(conventional or synthetic) first by required spec and then look at your use, and if a synthetic variant makes sense for you(ie heavy towing, long drain intervals etc.....) then go with it. People not maintaining transmissions is very prevalent. Waiting 100k to service a transmission is asking for a failure. It's peoples ignorance that kills most things in a vehicle. But blaming a synthetic atf is a much more convenient line of reasoning. Pick a good atf, install a good inline filter along with a cooler if not already equipped. Service the ATF early (30k is a good rule of thumb). Your transmission should live a long happy life barring any know mechanical/electronic problems.
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Originally Posted By: rshaw125
Originally Posted By: spasm3
some transmissions should not use syn atf, my escape for one.
I thought your Escape is supposed to use Mercon V? It's semi-synthetic minimum.
nope no mercon v in my 01. several blogs on other forums about not using it in the escape.
Originally Posted By: spasm3
some transmissions should not use syn atf, my escape for one.
I thought your Escape is supposed to use Mercon V? It's semi-synthetic minimum.
nope no mercon v in my 01. several blogs on other forums about not using it in the escape.
Originally Posted By: rshaw125
Originally Posted By: spasm3
some transmissions should not use syn atf, my escape for one.
I thought your Escape is supposed to use Mercon V? It's semi-synthetic minimum.
I just saw where ford is now saying use Mercon V in cd4e transmissions. A few years a go a tsb was sent out by ford engineers to use mercon only, not mercon V. In fact i think they recalled some with incorrect dipsticks that said mercon V. Now they say its okay hmmmmmm.
I change my transmission fluid every other oil change ( 15k miles) due to the fact there is no filter on the escape transmission, so i won't be using mercon V anyway.
Originally Posted By: spasm3
some transmissions should not use syn atf, my escape for one.
I thought your Escape is supposed to use Mercon V? It's semi-synthetic minimum.
I just saw where ford is now saying use Mercon V in cd4e transmissions. A few years a go a tsb was sent out by ford engineers to use mercon only, not mercon V. In fact i think they recalled some with incorrect dipsticks that said mercon V. Now they say its okay hmmmmmm.
I change my transmission fluid every other oil change ( 15k miles) due to the fact there is no filter on the escape transmission, so i won't be using mercon V anyway.
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Pardon me if I seem to be swilling a bit of Kool-Aid, but...
There are inexpensive filtration options for the transmission that are fairly easily added. I have inexpensive filters on both the cars in my signature.
There are inexpensive filtration options for the transmission that are fairly easily added. I have inexpensive filters on both the cars in my signature.
Originally Posted By: Colorado_S14
I am nearing the service window for the transmission fluid and filter on the AW4 transmission in my 2000 Jeep Cherokee. The more I read on the Jeep forums the more I discover people blaming transmission failure on running synthetic ATF. Is there validity to this, should I skip a Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF, or Redline Synthetic ATF fill and just go with a decent non-syn Dexron?
Best bet for you could be to use a ATF+4 lube. Not only is it a very good lube, its what is specified for your car (technically your trans is factory filled with ATF+3, but ATF+4 replaced +3 in 2001 and is backwards compatible). More reading here https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/sae-paper-on-chrysler-atf-4.139679/
I am nearing the service window for the transmission fluid and filter on the AW4 transmission in my 2000 Jeep Cherokee. The more I read on the Jeep forums the more I discover people blaming transmission failure on running synthetic ATF. Is there validity to this, should I skip a Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF, or Redline Synthetic ATF fill and just go with a decent non-syn Dexron?
Best bet for you could be to use a ATF+4 lube. Not only is it a very good lube, its what is specified for your car (technically your trans is factory filled with ATF+3, but ATF+4 replaced +3 in 2001 and is backwards compatible). More reading here https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/sae-paper-on-chrysler-atf-4.139679/
Originally Posted By: BBDartCA
Originally Posted By: Colorado_S14
I am nearing the service window for the transmission fluid and filter on the AW4 transmission in my 2000 Jeep Cherokee. The more I read on the Jeep forums the more I discover people blaming transmission failure on running synthetic ATF. Is there validity to this, should I skip a Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF, or Redline Synthetic ATF fill and just go with a decent non-syn Dexron?
Best bet for you could be to use a ATF+4 lube. Not only is it a very good lube, its what is specified for your car (technically your trans is factory filled with ATF+3, but ATF+4 replaced +3 in 2001 and is backwards compatible). More reading here https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/sae-paper-on-chrysler-atf-4.139679/
Spot on!
Originally Posted By: Colorado_S14
I am nearing the service window for the transmission fluid and filter on the AW4 transmission in my 2000 Jeep Cherokee. The more I read on the Jeep forums the more I discover people blaming transmission failure on running synthetic ATF. Is there validity to this, should I skip a Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF, or Redline Synthetic ATF fill and just go with a decent non-syn Dexron?
Best bet for you could be to use a ATF+4 lube. Not only is it a very good lube, its what is specified for your car (technically your trans is factory filled with ATF+3, but ATF+4 replaced +3 in 2001 and is backwards compatible). More reading here https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/sae-paper-on-chrysler-atf-4.139679/
Spot on!
I had the AW4 in my ZJ. It runs a little hot so I suggest a syn. I tried a few different kinds in mine. Frankly, if you want to stick with ATF+4, I really like BP's flavor. It's a syn, a little thinner than valvoline and runs better than whatever came in my WK (presumably valvoline).
I used maxlife atf in the ZJ (mine did have the AW4) but it seemed a little sluggish to shift with it, like it was a little thick. I later used valvoline dex VI and that was like holy [censored] wow! shifts were snappy, didn't lag, and it went into R quicker. SO... if it were me, I'd go with Dex VI, Castrol ATF+4, or, of course, Amsoil. I really like their ATF-- just won't run it in my WK due to warranty.
(jeep wave)
M
I used maxlife atf in the ZJ (mine did have the AW4) but it seemed a little sluggish to shift with it, like it was a little thick. I later used valvoline dex VI and that was like holy [censored] wow! shifts were snappy, didn't lag, and it went into R quicker. SO... if it were me, I'd go with Dex VI, Castrol ATF+4, or, of course, Amsoil. I really like their ATF-- just won't run it in my WK due to warranty.
(jeep wave)
M
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Originally Posted By: spasm3
Originally Posted By: rshaw125
Originally Posted By: spasm3
some transmissions should not use syn atf, my escape for one.
I thought your Escape is supposed to use Mercon V? It's semi-synthetic minimum.
I just saw where ford is now saying use Mercon V in cd4e transmissions. A few years a go a tsb was sent out by ford engineers to use mercon only, not mercon V. In fact i think they recalled some with incorrect dipsticks that said mercon V. Now they say its okay hmmmmmm.
I change my transmission fluid every other oil change ( 15k miles) due to the fact there is no filter on the escape transmission, so i won't be using mercon V anyway.
They changed Mercon V to be more backwards compatible. That is why.
Originally Posted By: rshaw125
Originally Posted By: spasm3
some transmissions should not use syn atf, my escape for one.
I thought your Escape is supposed to use Mercon V? It's semi-synthetic minimum.
I just saw where ford is now saying use Mercon V in cd4e transmissions. A few years a go a tsb was sent out by ford engineers to use mercon only, not mercon V. In fact i think they recalled some with incorrect dipsticks that said mercon V. Now they say its okay hmmmmmm.
I change my transmission fluid every other oil change ( 15k miles) due to the fact there is no filter on the escape transmission, so i won't be using mercon V anyway.
They changed Mercon V to be more backwards compatible. That is why.
I have a 01 blazer that for the most part ran M1 synthetic ATF for apx 150k miles and it did very well. I change it every 50k. The last run i used valvoline dex 6 and now at 190k my fluid looks very dark to almost black when it is in the drain pan. It used to look almost new when i changed it. Im not blaming the dex 6 but it is just an observation. Maybe the transmissions going, i dont know. After flushing it out and putting the ST dex 3 it shifts nice and firm and seems to be doing okay. Im very reasonable and realize that a 200k mile auto trans can go bad but im not sure what would cause this so quickly. Maybe the clutches didnt like dex 6 or maybe there just going bad. I dont know but there both possible. Dex 6 is made to be completely backward compatible so more than likely its not that but you never know.
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