good choices of ATF for 2002 Elantra GT

[Voltmaster]

First of all I want to say that this car has been very very very badly neglected by pervious owner.

I changed the ATF and after a week and less than 300 miles its already dark, I want to change it one more time at 2k and call it a day for now.

The car has 190k on the clock,
I dont want to over spend, i am actually worried the whole car will break down so I want bang for the buck.

ATF was speced SPIII from factory I believe.

My choices are
Castrol import, Valvoline MAXLIFE.

anything else I should be looking at?
I basicly plan on buying it in bulk from amazon or somewhere else instead of paying per qt.


Thanks

 

[Ramblejam]

Originally Posted By: Voltmaster
I basicly plan on buying it in bulk from amazon or somewhere else instead of paying per qt.


http://www.carquestprofessionals.com/cat...e%206.10.13.pdf

MaxLife ATF is recommended for your application, and is currently available at AutoZone for $13.50/gallon.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/3253627/

 

[mclasser]

I used to have an 05 Elantra. The transmissions aren't the strongest and I'd stick with SPIII.

 

[pandus13]

probably castrol import multi-vehicle: is a semi-synthetic.
valvoline max is a synthetic.
if going SPIII route, there is also Mistubishi diamond or Kia SKIII (same liquid).
please note that even if the same transmission was used in other Chrysler vehicles, was with a different fluid (ATF+4) and different programming.
did you replace brake and ps fluid?
how is the timing belt looking? coolant?

good luck. they could be pretty good cars

 

[soyeahiknow]

I used Maxlife on my 01 Elantra with 113K about 1.5 years ago. It has 122k on it and the transmission is still going strong.


Also, does the 02 GT have a transmission filter??? It should look like an oil filter under the hood.

 

[SatinSilver]

I'd wait another 200 miles before changing it again. For a slow, gentle cleaning.

 

[SevenBizzos]

I used MaxLife in the '04 and it was great.

 

[Wilhelm_D]

Originally Posted By: Voltmaster
The car has 190k on the clock, I dont want to over spend, i am actually worried the whole car will break down so I want bang for the buck.

ATF was speced SPIII from factory I believe.

My choices are Castrol import, Valvoline MAXLIFE.

The transmission is a Mitsubishi, the F4A42 version of the 4A4 transmission. They're a little weak and don't handle abuse.

You might want to see if it has the spin-on external transmission filter, Purolator P1290, WIX 51064, or equivalent. If it does, you probably ought to replace it while you're at it.

The SPIII ATF looks like Mercon V in an elemental analysis. Many dual-brand dealers use the Chrysler ATF+4 in them. I have experience with Mobil 1 and Red Line D4 in them and there were no problems at all.

MAXLIFE Dex/Merc ATF would be my choice over the Castrol.

 

[tommygunn]

If you're considering Amazon, check out Mag 1 Low-Vis Synthetic ATF. It's under $4/qt and is great stuff! Part number 64092

 

[Voltmaster]

Changed the PS fluid, break fluid , been doing 1k OCI since the engine is so freaking disgusting and varnished.

Both of us dont have or want to put that much money in there, as long as the breaks work and the car is in working order we are happy.

ATF is definetley something I want to keep going as the transmissions are not that great on these cars.

Going to go the Maxlife route as it seem to be the best thing for older engines unless I can find canstrol for cheaper.

Thanks all!