Dexron II/III Alternatives
- Thread starter Charmet37
- Start date
Yep. It’s not an “alternative” but the correct one. It’s worked fine in my old Sienna with nearly 450,000 miles and it worked well in my 26 year-old BMW.
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2013
- Messages
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TES-295...
Same viscosity as Dexron III, but a full synthetic...
https://www.allisontransmission.com/parts-service/approved-fluids/on-highway-fluids
Same viscosity as Dexron III, but a full synthetic...
https://www.allisontransmission.com/parts-service/approved-fluids/on-highway-fluids
Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage ATF would be a great choice. Full synthetic and Pennzoil says it meets the JWS-3309, TW-II, TW-III, TW-4 Toyota specs. It is not a low viscosity fluid and matches the viscosity of the original Dex/Merc/TW fluids.
https://shell-livedocs.com/data/published/en-US/2bdca849-3af5-4013-8d68-71117bfcddd3.pdf
Edit: added link
https://shell-livedocs.com/data/published/en-US/2bdca849-3af5-4013-8d68-71117bfcddd3.pdf
Edit: added link
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Valvoline or Castrol Dex/Merc. I'm always leery adding synthetic to an older transmissions. Specd for Dex III and millions of Toyotas have gone millions of miles using it. And it's cheap so frequent changes is on the table. I have an 03' Matrix and use Castrol Import MV with no problems.
Maxlife makes an awesome synthetic ATF at a great price 
Castrol Full Synthetic is also good.
Like others said, Dexron VI can be used in older transmissions calling for Dexron III
Castrol Full Synthetic is also good.
Like others said, Dexron VI can be used in older transmissions calling for Dexron III
I think I would stick to a Dex III type fluid. Dex VI might be too thin in that vintage with high mileage but hopefully our very knowlegeable member @clinebarger will chime in.
The old DEXRON-III specification was not required to retain its viscosity like DEXRON-VI fluids. It may start out thicker but DEXRON-VI is guaranteed to retain the viscosity better. That is a key aspect of the upgraded specification along with superior oxidation resistance. DEXRON-VI is a superior specification in every aspect.
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Any universal multivehicle ATF
I'd use Mobil 1 ATf
If that is out of your budget, then find some Asian/Import/HM Castrol/Pennzoil/Valvoline ATF
Any Mercon-V is a great choice too
I'd use Mobil 1 ATf
If that is out of your budget, then find some Asian/Import/HM Castrol/Pennzoil/Valvoline ATF
Any Mercon-V is a great choice too
I agree with your statement and you certainly have proof to back up you up based on your signature alone. I would still like too see what input @clinebarger might have especially when the OE fluid was plain old Dex III.
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There are lots of Dex III clones out there if you wan't something on the cheaper end of the spectrum. They'll work fine for your application.
I've used Maxlife and Mercon V successfully in older vehicles that originally spec Dex III. Valvoline Mercon V specifically lists Dex III as one of the compatible applications.
I've used Maxlife and Mercon V successfully in older vehicles that originally spec Dex III. Valvoline Mercon V specifically lists Dex III as one of the compatible applications.
I do agree kschachn ^^^^^^^^
One side thought... No one legitimate blender forgot how to blend a Dex/Merc fluid. There are those fluids out there that can work just fine. I have Warren oil Dex/Merc III in the 98 Camry that has been excellent.
And of course the old Mercon or Dexron III license is no longer current. It is a matter of trust in the manufacturer of the product one uses. There is no doubt about that.
Your local Castrol imv shill is here. Castrol import multi vehicle would be another good choice.
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- Nov 9, 2020
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I was thinking about using walmart supertech mercon V, The label says it's compatible with Dexron II and III...
And this would be a better choice than Supertech DEXRON-VI how?
This is full syn: