Dextron III or VI?

[clembrewer]

I know there are other posts on this. I've been reading through them, and now I'm thoroughly confused.
2005 Chevy Malibu Classic - 2.2L
Manual calls for Dextron III(H). I've read here that Dextron VI is the replacement for Dextron III(H) and is compatible in all III(H) applications.

I just bought a bunch of Dex III fluid to do a change this weekend. Btw at Wal Mart, ONLY the ST multivehicle fluid has the III(H) spec. Everything else was listed as Dex III.

I'm wondering if I should try out the VI fluid instead of the III stuff.

 

[Pablo]

So the DexIII fluid you bought is "H"? If so, you'll be fine. If not take it back.

Dexron VI is an improvement for MPG mainly. It's IS a better built, albeit thinner fluid. Your call.

 

[LubeMan]

Dex VI is NOT for MPG- please dont mislead customers...based on what ur saying 100,000 mile vehicle with have great fuel economy...so please just just buy used cars.

Buy Dex IIIh if its available..it will works just fine...and its cheap

 

[Pablo]

The Dexron VI change/version was mainly for fleet MPG. What is wrong with that? I'm not saying just slap in Dex VI and your MPG will go up in any old car.

 

[clembrewer]

So I could use either one.

Thanks

 

[LubeMan]

Yes you can use either one..Dex IIIH is cheap

Pablo - Dex VI was not maily for fleets...not sure who your information source is.

 

[Pablo]

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Pablo - Dex VI was not maily for fleets...not sure who your information source is.

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I didn't say Dex VI is mainly for fleets. Maybe "fleet" is not a good word choice. Dex VI is for MPG improvement across GM's entire range.

 

[Mike_dup1]

fyi

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Beginning with the design and development of GM's new Hydra-Matic 6-speed rear-wheel-drive transmissions, GM Powertrain engineers determined the need for a new transmission fluid to withstand the complexity of the clutch-to-clutch transmission operation. Additionally, GM engineers identified opportunities to improve viscosity, durability, and impact on fuel economy with a new fluid.

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re: FOR RELEASE: 2005-04-01

 

[hominid7]

The supertech multi-vehicle synthetic blend fuild is DexIII-H plus it is also rated MerconV, so it would be somewhat better than just regular old DexronIII(H)/Mercon. In other words, a slight step up from factory fill.

Regular Supertech DexronIII/Mercon is also "H" as well as "C-4" and "T-02" certified (according to the spec sheet).

The Penzoil DexronIII/Mercon, Pennzoil (yellow bottle)ATF, Pennzoil Multi Vehicle ATF (gray bottle), Castrol Domestic Multi-Vehicle, Castrol Import Multi Vehicle, and Castrol DexronIII/Mercon are all DexronIII(H)/Mercon or better.

You can use Dexron VI, but it is still pretty expensive. I would think in your application the orig factory spec should be sufficient.

Here is the spec sheet for the various ATF's sold under the Supertech name and made by warren performance (WPP on the bottom of the bottle).

http://www.wd-wpp.com/specsheet/atfspec.pdf

 

[cousincletus]

I just checked my 2004 Impala owners manual and it just says Dex-3. No "H" in there.

 

[The Critic]

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Pablo - Dex VI was not maily for fleets...not sure who your information source is.

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I didn't say Dex VI is mainly for fleets. Maybe "fleet" is not a good word choice. Dex VI is for MPG improvement across GM's entire range.

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Ahh..now now Pablo...don't get yourself into more trouble.

DexVI provides a possible fuel economy advantage in addition to providing roughly twice the durability and stability in friction tests.

http://www.gm.com/automotive/gmpowertrain/transmissions/DEXRON-VI-Service_Fill_Release.doc

 

[Pablo]

No GM couldn't just say it's a THINNER fluid, now could they? I'm not knocking anything here, you defensive fellows. I'm sure the new GM trannies are great. And the fluid designed to run in them is very good. The overarching theme is better efficiency.

Or maybe should look at what I wrote originally:

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It's IS a better built, albeit thinner fluid.

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[BobXRC]

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I just checked my 2004 Impala owners manual and it just says Dex-3. No "H" in there.

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I don't think IIIH is very old, may be that your owners manual was created when the spec was IIIe - which most people just called "III"

I believe the old IIIe license was dropped some time ago.

 

[BobXRC]

My Toyota Tundra's AW transmission shears IIIH vis from 7 to 4.8 in 10k. Holding 6.3 would be nice. 6.8 is even better.

Clembrewer, do a UOA. After I saw the shearing I was getting, dino IIIH was a turn-off.

 

[clembrewer]

Great information - Thanks!

I bought the Penzoil yellow bottle Dexron III/Mercon. Meets the H spec. Wal Mart didn't have any Dexron VI so, maybe next time

My 2005 Malibu manual specifically states to use the H spec fluid.

 

[hominid7]

Pennzoil DexronIII/Mercon is decent stuff IMHO. I am using the bulk Pennzoil DexronIII/MerconV + 1 bottle of lubeguard red and have no complaints.

 

[PT1]

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Pennzoil DexronIII/Mercon is decent stuff IMHO. I am using the bulk Pennzoil DexronIII/MerconV + 1 bottle of lubeguard red and have no complaints.

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I have used the same stuff for years....never a problem.

 

[Whitewolf]

You should use a DEXRON-VI.

 

[clembrewer]

Did it today. 3 qts of Maxlife Dexron III/Mercon and 4 quarts of Pennzoil Dexron III/Mercon.
The 1-2 shift is noticeably smoother than it was previously.

Won't have to do that for another 50K miles!

Actually I drained out about 6 quarts, and I added back about 7 quarts when it was full via the check plug. Thats a little fishy.

I'll most likely start doing a 1-2 quart drain and fill via the check plug every oil change. Maybe I'll start changing the fluid to Dexron VI like that.

 

[clembrewer]

I also changed the fluid on my wifes 01 Focus (spi engine). That is one tiny little tranny pan, with about 20 bolts around it!
This was one good reason to stay with the Dexron III/Mercon fluids too. Most of them (the ones I used) are also Mercon V compatable.