Choosing ATF for 97 Buick Park Ave

[Carlostrece]

My 97 Buick Park Ave has 106K miles on it. It has no leaks. It has a new transmission pan gasket and new output shaft seals (where CV shafts connect to transmission).

Which Valvoline ATF would be the best choice for my transmission?

Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle Full Synthetic ATF

Valvoline Extended Protection Full Synthetic ATF

 

[PontiacHO]

Did it have synthetic Dexron in it? I’d be inclined to use a conventional Dexron fluid.

 

[cutnapath]

Either will be fine, especially for as low of miles you drive. I have been using Extended Protection in both my Camry and wife’s Acadia. So far no issues or differences have been felt, but they are both on first fill of Extended Protection. Only issue is trying to find Extended Protection on sale. Napa seems to be the only one that puts it on sale, and my local Napa doesn’t stock it, so it always has to be ordered in.

 

[Bottom_Feeder]

Personally, if it specs Dexron-III (and I'm assuming it does) I would use something Dex-III specific, not a universal fluid. It's probably cheaper too.

 

[ka9mnx]

Dex III or Mercon.

 

[BC1]

If you have to have Valvoline, consider the import version. It is closer in viscosity. I use it in my truck that specs Mercon.

https://sharena21.springcm.com/Publ...2d889bd3/56a3517a-e29c-e711-9c10-ac162d889bd3

 

[GSCJR]

Valvoline Extended Protection Full Synthetic ATF

This

 

[slacktide_bitog]

That transmission isn't picky at all. Just pick something and change it regularly. If you don't have a transmission drain plug, get an aftermarket pan that has one, which will make it much easier in the future.

The cheapest syntehtic LV ATF is a good choice. Maxlife is good stuff.

Personally, if it specs Dexron-III (and I'm assuming it does) I would use something Dex-III specific, not a universal fluid. It's probably cheaper too.

GM doesn't even sell Dexron III ATF anymore
They say to use Dexron VI on all previous Dexron versions.

 

[Carlostrece]

Did it have synthetic Dexron in it? I’d be inclined to use a conventional Dexron fluid.

It currently has in it Service Pro Global Full Syn Multivehicle ATF. My local transmission shop says that's equivalent to DEXRON 6.

They put that ATF in it in the past.

It's working fine.

In future my cousin will maintain my ATF using whatever ATF that I buy from Walmart, NAPA, or Oreilly.

 

[Carlostrece]

Personally, if it specs Dexron-III (and I'm assuming it does) I would use something Dex-III specific, not a universal fluid. It's probably cheaper too.

It does spec DEX 3, but surely there's better options available in 2025/6?

Edited in Later: I read someone said DEX 3 was replaced by DEX 6. My local transmission shop says the Service Pro Global Full Syn Multivehicle bulk ATF that's currently in it is a DEX 6 equivalent

 

[grasscutter]

The high milage Walmart brand is very good.

 

[Carlostrece]

I don't have to limit myself to Valvoline ATF. I'm also open to other brands suggestions too. I just said Valvoline because it's my usual go to brand, but I'm not married to Valvoline.

 

[Panda87]

I don't have to limit myself to Valvoline ATF. I'm also open to other brands suggestions too. I just said Valvoline because it's my usual go to brand, but I'm not married to Valvoline.

Amsoil ATL has been fantastic in any transmission I’ve put it in that specs an LV fluid.

 

[Carlostrece]

Amsoil ATL has been fantastic in any transmission I’ve put it in that specs an LV fluid.

What does LV mean?

 

[ripcord]

What does LV mean?

Low Viscosity.

 

[wlk]

Valvoline MV Import synthetic atf is closer to oem Dex3 visc and what i am using now for my C1500.

 

[Bottom_Feeder]

GM doesn't even sell Dexron III ATF anymore
They say to use Dexron VI on all previous Dexron versions.

Right, but Dexron III is an old spec, and it's also an old transmission. Dexron VI isn't necessarily the best choice just because it's newer especially if Dexron III is still available. Dexron VI isn't really a 'better' Dexron III, it's a different fluid with a lower viscosity and a few other differences.

Will it work? Sure, most likely. But if the correct fluid is still available, why not use it?

 

[tired]

Amsoil ATL has been fantastic in any transmission I’ve put it in that specs an LV fluid.

I've read universally good reports with AMSOIL's ATF. Valvoline MaxLife ATF seems to have really good reports too.

 

[4wd]

This is what folks used to run when AC Delco got cooked whilst towing heavy. It’s Grp3/Grp4 and can be run ESI …

 

[Sumboodie]

This is what folks used to run when AC Delco got cooked whilst towing heavy. It’s Grp3/Grp4 and can be run ESI …

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