If not made anymore, what is the replacement?
Dexron III made anymore?
- Thread starter Russell
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It's not licenced anymore, try Dex VI.
Thanks.
I currently use Castrol Dexron VI. Just curious about III as I knew the license had expired and I see several "multi purpose" trany fluids.
I currently use Castrol Dexron VI. Just curious about III as I knew the license had expired and I see several "multi purpose" trany fluids.
Originally Posted By: Audi Junkie
It's not licenced anymore, try Dex VI.
Really?
I thought Dex 'x' was just a GM spec, not a licensing system...
It's not licenced anymore, try Dex VI.
Really?
I thought Dex 'x' was just a GM spec, not a licensing system...
It works the same way as API's Engine Oil Service Categories. Oil must meet a certain specification to meet SH, SG, SF. However, API does not test and hand out licenses for these oils because they have been superseded and obsolete.
So to answer your question, it is a specification. But GM must test it approve that it meets their spec and grant a license. Basically nobody can slap a label on their bottle that says GM approved Dex III anymore without the license.
So to answer your question, it is a specification. But GM must test it approve that it meets their spec and grant a license. Basically nobody can slap a label on their bottle that says GM approved Dex III anymore without the license.
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Back to the original question from the title of the thread "Dexron III made anymore?".
That would be a yesno.
Companies still make a fluid that they claim "meets the requirements of" or "for use where Dexron III is specified" so in that manner, yes.
General Motors no longer licenses Dexron III so technically it no longer exists. In that manner, no.
That would be a yesno.
Companies still make a fluid that they claim "meets the requirements of" or "for use where Dexron III is specified" so in that manner, yes.
General Motors no longer licenses Dexron III so technically it no longer exists. In that manner, no.
Originally Posted By: Russell
Thanks.
I currently use Castrol Dexron VI. Just curious about III as I knew the license had expired and I see several "multi purpose" trany fluids.
My understanding is that those multi purpose ATFs that "meets the requirements of DIII" are not the same as GM approved DIII. You will only find those hybrid multi purpose ATFs that meet Dex III in stores. However, these ATFs are tested/approved by the same ATF producer and not GM. They put their multi purpose ATF in transmissions that call for Dex III run it and make sure nothing broke.
If you are looking for a straight GM approved Dexron III no its not made anymore. But the multi purpose ATFs can be used in its place if you are comfortable with the ATF manufacturer testing/approving their own products.
Thanks.
I currently use Castrol Dexron VI. Just curious about III as I knew the license had expired and I see several "multi purpose" trany fluids.
My understanding is that those multi purpose ATFs that "meets the requirements of DIII" are not the same as GM approved DIII. You will only find those hybrid multi purpose ATFs that meet Dex III in stores. However, these ATFs are tested/approved by the same ATF producer and not GM. They put their multi purpose ATF in transmissions that call for Dex III run it and make sure nothing broke.
If you are looking for a straight GM approved Dexron III no its not made anymore. But the multi purpose ATFs can be used in its place if you are comfortable with the ATF manufacturer testing/approving their own products.
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So let me get this straight. You are recommending he use Dex VI because that's the current spec. But let's say that next week GM comes up with a new spec that supercedes Dex VI. Now all of a sudden Dex VI is not the stuff to use?? Back in the 90's, Dex III was the GM approved fluid and back then you probably said it was perfectly fine to use. Now all of a sudden your transmission will explode if you use it. Do you really think the oil companies completely changed the formulation after GM obsoleted Dex III? Give me a break. It's the same stuff, use it with confidence.
If it's sold at Wal-Mart, it's likely it will work. Will it work as well as the latest and greatest? Maybe not. At least changing it is better than not changing.
I can't imagine that the formulation would have changed too much from when it was licensed Dex-III. It's a fixed cost to be churning out the same sauce instead of reformulating. And if all you have to do is slap a new label on the bottle and jack the price some to reflect the new, broader designation, why not?
I can't imagine that the formulation would have changed too much from when it was licensed Dex-III. It's a fixed cost to be churning out the same sauce instead of reformulating. And if all you have to do is slap a new label on the bottle and jack the price some to reflect the new, broader designation, why not?
MolaKule
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If not made anymore, what is the replacement?
It is still made (look at China-Mart and AZ, etc) and formulators can still get DexIII additive packs, just like they can still get type-F additve packs.
It appears however, that broad-spectrum (Multi-Vehicle) ATF formulations may replace any DexIII/Mercon fluids in the aftermarket.
DexVI is the backward compatible replacement.
If not made anymore, what is the replacement?
It is still made (look at China-Mart and AZ, etc) and formulators can still get DexIII additive packs, just like they can still get type-F additve packs.
It appears however, that broad-spectrum (Multi-Vehicle) ATF formulations may replace any DexIII/Mercon fluids in the aftermarket.
DexVI is the backward compatible replacement.
So Dex VI is safe to use in anything that calls for Dex III, or just for GM vehicles?
I have a Toyota truck that calls for Dex III, could I use the Dex VI in it? If so what would be the advantage of Dex VI over using one of the fluids that are "made for vehicles that used to require Dex III"?
I have a Toyota truck that calls for Dex III, could I use the Dex VI in it? If so what would be the advantage of Dex VI over using one of the fluids that are "made for vehicles that used to require Dex III"?
I've been running MerconV in my Dexron III/Mercon vehicle with no issues over 30k miles.
Well, according to certain strict proponents of the GM licensing scheme, you may no longer put atf into your 'Yota. Better hope that what you already have in there will last- 'cause the proper licenced stuff is no longer made. Perhaps you can go to the junkyard and scavenge some genuine licensed (when it was produced, anyway) Dex III. But I don't know if that'll work either... 'cause it no longer exists on paper.
When Dex VI came out, millions of transmissions all over the world were suddenly empty and had to be refilled- because Dex III ceased to exist. Thousands were stranded during their commutes, but luckily transmissions using other specs still functioned. But just imagine the carnage when all the ATF in a transmission disappeared with the vehicle at 70mph... not pretty.
Seriously, though... there are manufacturers who specifically say not to use Dex VI in older transmissions designed for Dex III, claiming a seal compatibility issue. Allison came out with a service bulletin on this about a year ago. Don't know about automotive manufacturers.
When Dex VI came out, millions of transmissions all over the world were suddenly empty and had to be refilled- because Dex III ceased to exist. Thousands were stranded during their commutes, but luckily transmissions using other specs still functioned. But just imagine the carnage when all the ATF in a transmission disappeared with the vehicle at 70mph... not pretty.
Seriously, though... there are manufacturers who specifically say not to use Dex VI in older transmissions designed for Dex III, claiming a seal compatibility issue. Allison came out with a service bulletin on this about a year ago. Don't know about automotive manufacturers.
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Well, according to certain strict proponents of the GM licensing scheme, you may no longer put atf into your 'Yota.
I have no idea what you are trying to say? Dexron is used in Toyota's PS. Toyota T-IV or WS goes in the transmissions.
Well, according to certain strict proponents of the GM licensing scheme, you may no longer put atf into your 'Yota.
I have no idea what you are trying to say? Dexron is used in Toyota's PS. Toyota T-IV or WS goes in the transmissions.
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True enough. But Dexron III no longer exists- it's just a fading memory. And since Yota has not approved Dex VI, there simply exists no ATF that you may put into your trans or p/s... there's just no such thing as Dex III anymore. All the stuff on the store shelves simply vanished the second that Dex VI was rolled out.
And was largely replaced by "universal" atf which may not be put into anything. Ever. Don't believe me? Just look in your manual!
It's a wonder they sell it at all. I mean... sure, it may WORK. But you wouldn't dare defy your manual...
So I reckon all of ya'll who own non-GM vehicles requiring Dex III are just out of luck. I hear that the price of scrap is pretty high, though... so it won't be a total loss.
And was largely replaced by "universal" atf which may not be put into anything. Ever. Don't believe me? Just look in your manual!
It's a wonder they sell it at all. I mean... sure, it may WORK. But you wouldn't dare defy your manual...
So I reckon all of ya'll who own non-GM vehicles requiring Dex III are just out of luck. I hear that the price of scrap is pretty high, though... so it won't be a total loss.
Dex III IS still sold. It's VERY common. And I'm not talking about the universal stuff. Just because GM doesn't acknowledge the Dex III spec anymore, doesn't mean that it isn't still being produced. I find it funny how you guys strongly oppose Dex III and "universal" ATFs, yet you all swear by that Amsoil [censored] that meets Dex III, IV, Mercon V, T-IV, ATF +4, and who-knows-what-other-specs-all-jammed-into-one-bottle.
onion, your sarcasm isn't lost on me and I agree with what you're saying. All the companies did was change their label, the stuff inside is the same Dexron III that it always was.
My 91 Yota specifies Dex II for the Auto tranny, so I used Dex III when it was around, and now use the stuff that says "for vehicles that formerly called for Dex III", or whatever it says on the bottle.
Was just wondering if Dex VI would be any better, but I'll stick with the "Dex III alternative" that's out there for now.
I don't see any mention in the manual for Toyota T-IV or WS, would either of them be better in this tranny? It even specs Dex II for the transfer case.
Any input on those "High Mileage" ATF's, are they worth anything they claim? I have almost 200K on my tranny, wondering if these fluids would do it any good or just make me a sucker.
My 91 Yota specifies Dex II for the Auto tranny, so I used Dex III when it was around, and now use the stuff that says "for vehicles that formerly called for Dex III", or whatever it says on the bottle.
Was just wondering if Dex VI would be any better, but I'll stick with the "Dex III alternative" that's out there for now.
I don't see any mention in the manual for Toyota T-IV or WS, would either of them be better in this tranny? It even specs Dex II for the transfer case.
Any input on those "High Mileage" ATF's, are they worth anything they claim? I have almost 200K on my tranny, wondering if these fluids would do it any good or just make me a sucker.
Personally, I wouldn't worry at all about running Dex VI in just about any application that calls for Dex III. And I'm sure that any name-brand "for use where Dex III is specified" or universal ATF would work fine. Mercon V would also be an option. But none of these will technically satisfy the design specifications of your trans or p/s... so you'll be taking your chances.
I mentioned that Allison service bulletin to demonstrate that some manufacturers have not jumped on the Dex VI bandwagon. Can't say if this is a legitimate concern or politics... but I suspect politics, considering that Allison has a real incentive to avoid Dex VI when they're trying to sell their $$Tran$ynd$$ ATF (even more expensive than Amsoil, if you can believe that!).
Whitewolf, our local Dex VI expert, told me that the seal compatibility issue that they're referring to isn't a big deal and that the same issue existed with Dex III. No details beyond that, so take that it for what it's worth.
Maybe Whitewolf will grace us with his presence and elaborate?
I mentioned that Allison service bulletin to demonstrate that some manufacturers have not jumped on the Dex VI bandwagon. Can't say if this is a legitimate concern or politics... but I suspect politics, considering that Allison has a real incentive to avoid Dex VI when they're trying to sell their $$Tran$ynd$$ ATF (even more expensive than Amsoil, if you can believe that!).
Whitewolf, our local Dex VI expert, told me that the seal compatibility issue that they're referring to isn't a big deal and that the same issue existed with Dex III. No details beyond that, so take that it for what it's worth.
Maybe Whitewolf will grace us with his presence and elaborate?
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