Firmer Shifts with Dexron-VI

[The Critic]

Two weeks ago, I performed a routine transmission service on my '96 Saturn SL2. I drained the case, installed a new spin-on filter and refilled with 4.5 quarts of Dexron-VI. The transmission holds 7.4 quarts, which means that I now have a 60% mix of Dexron-VI to 40% of Dexron-III(H).

Prior to the fluid change, I was about 1/2 qt low on fluid, thanks to the idiot mechanic who replaced the radiator. As a result of the low fluid, it caused a slightly noticeable 1-2 shift in the morning.

Now, after the fluid change, the first few 1-2 shifts are very solid and firm, but smooth. Strangely, I only get the firm shifts for the first few minutes after driving. After a few minutes, the shifts cannot be felt. In other words, the transmission now exhibits super firm (but smooth) 1-2 shifts for the first few minutes of driving, which is something that it did not do when it had a complete fill of Dexron-III(H).

Has anyone else noticed similar behavior with Dexron-VI?

 

[BimmerMan]

Originally Posted By: The Critic

Has anyone else noticed similar behavior with Dexron-VI?



no

 

[Johnny248]

transmissions usually shift a little harder when they and/or the fluid is cold still

 

[Nick R]

Absolutely, yes. I just drove a good 20 minutes after changing to Dexron VI, the shifts are exactly how you describe them. Firm but smooth. Under heavy throttle it doesn't "slip and slide" into 2nd. I love it. I used Valvoline Dexron VI Full Synthetic.

 

[JHZR2]

I think that is about right. I doubt 1/2 qt low makes any difference. How was the quality/age of the old fluid?

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
I think that is about right. I doubt 1/2 qt low makes any difference. How was the quality/age of the old fluid?


31k on the prior fill of Dexron-III(H). It looked and smelled brand new.

 

[unDummy]

TAPs or fuzzy logic reset might make it less noticeable.
Not sure how advanced TAPs is in 1996, but its definitely worth reading through the FSM to find out.

 

[PT1]

Noticed much smoother shifting in my Brother's 96 Suburban with a 50-50 mix if DexVI & DexIII.

 

[brian12]

I've got 2 1/2 quarts of Dex VI in my Corolla and it does give quick firm shifts.

 

[Loobed]

Several people on a truck forum claimed they felt better shifting when they switched from Dex III to synthetic ATF (Mobil 1 and Amsoil). Dex 6 is synthetic, or is more synthetic than the Dex III.

 

[mechtech2]

Any chance the change in operating characteristics are from a clean filter?
How about ANY clean fresh fluid?
I would integrate that into my conclusions.

 

[Loobed]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Any chance the change in operating characteristics are from a clean filter?
How about ANY clean fresh fluid?
I would integrate that into my conclusions.



I did not change mine to synthetic so I can not say, but it is possible the change was only in their head.

 

[Nick R]

I can vouch. The fluid in it before was new. It and the filter only had 6,000 miles on them. After driving alot more today, and its warmer, the shifts do the same thing, they smooth out to almost nonexistant.

 

[Cutehumor]

Originally Posted By: rudolphna
I can vouch. The fluid in it before was new. It and the filter only had 6,000 miles on them. After driving alot more today, and its warmer, the shifts do the same thing, they smooth out to almost nonexistant.


I was thinking of putting Redline D6 in my sunfire trans next year. Glad to hear, it's solved your shifting problems

 

[MegaCorp]

A fluid change to any new fluid will often result in firmer shifts.

Also butt-dyno effect comes in play