Originally Posted By: AzFireGuy79
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.
Agreed. While I can't conclusively prove it caused transmission failures, I had an Iffy Lube type place (years ago before I knew better), change the fluid on a Dodge Colt (Mitsu), and if I remember, ATF +3 (7176) was spec'd, but who knows what they used. All I remember is a couple of weeks later, I had shift issues and the vehicle would become stuck in 2nd randomly. More recently, I believe I had Mercon V put into a Mazda Protege where type "M-V" was spec'd, which I only recently discovered was a different animal. I don't have that car anymore, but know the person who does, and it subsequently had to be rebuilt. That car was definitely babied by both myself and the subsequent owner.
Not proof conclusive that the wrong ATF caused issues, but a link for sure in my mind. I will not stray the slightest on this spec - if a manufacturer calls for the most obscure specification requiring a trek through the Andes mountains to get, then that's what I'm putting in.
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.
Agreed. While I can't conclusively prove it caused transmission failures, I had an Iffy Lube type place (years ago before I knew better), change the fluid on a Dodge Colt (Mitsu), and if I remember, ATF +3 (7176) was spec'd, but who knows what they used. All I remember is a couple of weeks later, I had shift issues and the vehicle would become stuck in 2nd randomly. More recently, I believe I had Mercon V put into a Mazda Protege where type "M-V" was spec'd, which I only recently discovered was a different animal. I don't have that car anymore, but know the person who does, and it subsequently had to be rebuilt. That car was definitely babied by both myself and the subsequent owner.
Not proof conclusive that the wrong ATF caused issues, but a link for sure in my mind. I will not stray the slightest on this spec - if a manufacturer calls for the most obscure specification requiring a trek through the Andes mountains to get, then that's what I'm putting in.
