Dex/Merc in 2003 Silverado 4WD?

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I scored some of the Castrol Transmax Dex/Merc in the recent AAP clearance for 65 cents a quart. I think this truck originally called for Dex III, and is replaced with Dex VI. My question is, is Dex/Merc safe to use? This is also a loaded question... this truck may not get a fluid swap at all if the owner has to pay full price to swap it. So is a swap with Dex/Merc at ~120K better than no swap at all?
 
No history, it was bought used about 6 months ago. All I know is it was definitely a farmer's truck. Evidence everywhere. Can't tell you how many handfuls of wheat I've removed from different holes and crevices underneath.
 
I believe the answer is pretty much yes! I don't think Dex 6 was formulated until 2005/2006. My wife's Cadillac is the first vehicle I changed the fluid on that required Dex 6. My 2002 Duramax/Allison came with Dex 3, but I flushed it out with Castrol Transynd, Allison's original TES-295 spec fluid.

It's fine, use it...Dex/Merc should be an equivalent to the old Dex 3. Read the back of the label really well, it probably reads as an equivalent, or replacement for Dex 3.
 
After reviewing Castrol's MSDS/PDS info, it appears that the newest spec it meets is Dexron III(H) which was introduced in 2003, and was the newest spec until Dexron VI was introduced in 2005/2006. Looks like it's perfectly fine.
 
Given the information provided, ie., original spec Dex III, I can't think of any reason why the Transmax Dex/Merc wouldn't be just fine. Basically you're matching the original spec. I don't see a problem with that.
 
Originally Posted by tony1679
I scored some of the Castrol Transmax Dex/Merc in the recent AAP clearance for 65 cents a quart. I think this truck originally called for Dex III, and is replaced with Dex VI. My question is, is Dex/Merc safe to use? This is also a loaded question... this truck may not get a fluid swap at all if the owner has to pay full price to swap it. So is a swap with Dex/Merc at ~120K better than no swap at all?



Yes you can use it.

Are you doing this as a favor or? Just be aware that if anything goes wrong with that trans you will probably be blamed..just how it works.

If it were mine yes i would do it in a heartbeat.. for someone else..no.
 
Yes, the Dex/Merc is safe to use
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It is what you want for your truck. Man, you stole that stuff. I use D-III in my 2002 4Runner as that is what it calls for. I don't use Dexron VI in it.
 
Originally Posted by krismoriah72
Originally Posted by tony1679
I scored some of the Castrol Transmax Dex/Merc in the recent AAP clearance for 65 cents a quart. I think this truck originally called for Dex III, and is replaced with Dex VI. My question is, is Dex/Merc safe to use? This is also a loaded question... this truck may not get a fluid swap at all if the owner has to pay full price to swap it. So is a swap with Dex/Merc at ~120K better than no swap at all?



Yes you can use it.

Are you doing this as a favor or? Just be aware that if anything goes wrong with that trans you will probably be blamed..just how it works.

If it were mine yes i would do it in a heartbeat.. for someone else..no.

No, I'm not doing it at all, I just bought it for someone else saying it was safe for their vehicle, and was second guessing it a bit. No worries.
 
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