If dexron 3 technically no longer exists because it’s not licensed by GM, then wouldn’t ac delco type 3 which is still sold by gm be the closest thing to it? My old Toyotas call for dex merc 3 and id like to keep that fluid in them. So instead of valvoline dex merc, shouldn’t I purchase ac delco type 3 from the dealership? Thanks
Dex/merc 3 question
- Thread starter Shucks18
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This
is what you want. It's significantly better than AC Delco Dexron III.DEXRON-III fluid is inferior in every aspect compared to DEXRON-VI. Base stock, viscosity retention and oxidation resistance being the three most important.
This is truth ^^^
I agree with the Valvoline Dex/Merc. Another great option is Maxlife.This
I do not care, I’m going to use what my trans calls for, because my Toyota Lexus transmission that my vehicles have regularly go 400k+ miles no issue, and I know for a fact dex VI is a thinner fluid. Don’t want that. I do drain and fills every a couple times a year
I don’t want a trans fluid that is significantly thinner than the original spec. If it was truly so much objectively better, then why tf do new Toyota still spec dex merc 3 for their power steering systems? Maybe because they don’t want thin water fluid in their systems
This is my recommendation having used it since the 80's and still use it in my older GM Dexron III spec vehicles (94 Corvette, 87 Buick GN).
https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants...s/our-products/products/mobil-1-synthetic-atf
https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants...s/our-products/products/mobil-1-synthetic-atf
Not the same operating characteristics at all between a transmission and a power steering system. As for NEW Toyotas specifying Dex 3 is not true as they are ELECTRIC now. Besides nobody will spec a fluid that is NOT made anymore.
My co workers 2023 Tacoma says dex merc 3 on the ps reservoir cap, which is way after the fluid ceased being licensed
I should have been more clear, I've always used the Valvoline Dex/Merc (red jug), even on older Toyotas with no problems, ever.
Amsoil Multi vehicle has a viscosity above the old Dex3 spec - 7.5@100C , is Dex6 certified and full synthetic. If you can stomach the price. @Pablo maybe cuts you a deal?
I had a similar issue with both my old school Nissan transfer cases which spec Matic D which is pretty much just Dex3. Anyway I put Maxlife in it which is supposedly OK for everything, but much thinner, and neither case would shift well, was night and day. I change that fluid every 30K, and lucky I have 2 so I noticed it was both having issues with fluid change. I changed back to transmax Asian formula - chosen because it was cheap at walmart - which is also Dex3 approved and has a 7+ viscosity and the problem went away. All the experts here were adamant that Dex6 was superior and my Dex3 viscosity would be below Dex6 on use, but here I am almost time for another fluid change, and my transfer case still shifts perfectly
. Again, this is a very different application than an AT trans.
I will maybe go to Amsoil next and just run longer OCI.
I had a similar issue with both my old school Nissan transfer cases which spec Matic D which is pretty much just Dex3. Anyway I put Maxlife in it which is supposedly OK for everything, but much thinner, and neither case would shift well, was night and day. I change that fluid every 30K, and lucky I have 2 so I noticed it was both having issues with fluid change. I changed back to transmax Asian formula - chosen because it was cheap at walmart - which is also Dex3 approved and has a 7+ viscosity and the problem went away. All the experts here were adamant that Dex6 was superior and my Dex3 viscosity would be below Dex6 on use, but here I am almost time for another fluid change, and my transfer case still shifts perfectly
. Again, this is a very different application than an AT trans.I will maybe go to Amsoil next and just run longer OCI.
The closest you will get to original Dexron III is Valvoline Dex/Merc followed by Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF.
With that being said Dexron VI is backwards compatible with Dexron III and has been working flawlessly in my Toyota A541E transmission. While Dexron VI is thinner Dexron III shears down a lot more.
You cannot compare a transmission and a power steering pump. And your argument is flawed because if that was the case then why do they run Toyota WS in the transmissions? it is much thinner than Dexron III.
Here is the viscosity
Toyota WS 5.3
Dexron III 7.4
Dexron VI 5.83
With that being said I have warned people on this forum before about running Dexron VI in Toyota power steering systems before.
Actually Amsoil has the Dex III ATF: https://www.amsoil.com/p/amsoil-sig...c-automatic-transmission-fluid-atf/?zo=515729
And the Dex VI ATF: https://www.amsoil.com/p/amsoil-sig...c-automatic-transmission-fluid-atl/?zo=515729
And the Dex VI ATF: https://www.amsoil.com/p/amsoil-sig...c-automatic-transmission-fluid-atl/?zo=515729
You are actually 100% correct. I had did quick check on late model Camry and Corollas with my previous response.
I just checked the Tacoma and Alldata says what you say. That is weird but you are right all the way.
I think you hit the nail with the DEX3 shearing down whereas the better DEX6 will stay in grade. So you start with a thinner oil with D6 that stays in grade thru the use where as you start a little thicker with D3 only to shear down to what D6 already is and probably will shear some more and be thinner then D6 at the end of it's useful life.
Mobil 1 MV ATF is s very good fluid that is synthetic and thicker like og Dexlll and Mercon. I ran it in my 04 Expedition and it was smooth. Expedition called for MerconV and M1 ATF was highly recommended here. Another option would be Schaeffer All Trans Supreme, I just used the last of my M1 stash in my e4od trans but found a local Schaeffer dealer and will be using it going forward.
You have a fundamental misunderstanding of the license requirements for the two fluids. But if you wish to remain there rather than attempting to understand them then that is your prerogative.
Ya see, DexronIII/Mercon starts out thicker but shears down more quickly to a lower cSt, and closer to what DexVI will start out and stay at.
DexronVI starts out thinner but stays in grade waaaaaaay loooooonger.
DexronVI starts out thinner but stays in grade waaaaaaay loooooonger.
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