I’m soon due to replace the ATF in my Montero, which is equipped with an Aisin-Warner unit. I’m not sure what model the transmission is, although the vehicle service manual lists V4AW2 and V4AW3 as the available transmissions. The unit is all original and hasn’t had anything done to it other than fluid and filter changes over the past 330,000 km (206,250 miles).
As far as maintenance habits go, I replace all the fluid through a cooler line flush every 40,000 km (25,000 miles). It's also got a screen filter, which I replace every second ATF change along with all the gaskets. Roughly half way, at the 20,000 km (12,500 mile) mark, I also do a simple drain and refill (replacing roughly 3 liters). The total capacity (including the torque converter) is 7.2 liters.
Whilst I realize my maintenance habit is probably overkill, considering the temperatures it operates in, I feel it’s cheap insurance – fluids being much cheaper to replace than the transmission. Considering the mileage of the unit and being all original, I must be doing something right anyway.
Shifts are as smooth as day one, and I’ve got no problems with the transmission.
The recommendation in the owner’s manual is Dexron II or Dexron III. The recommendation in the service manual is the same, except it additionally lists Mitsubishi SP-II and SP-III. In the past, the dealership has used Gulf Dexron III/Mercon in this unit whilst I have used Motorcraft Mercon V, Mitsubishi SP-III and ACDelco Type III (H). I’m not too big on the SP fluid, due to recent experiences. Whilst the performance of the unit doesn’t change, SP-III comes out like used engine oil and smells really strong. Obviously this means nothing without a laboratory analysis, but having another fluid in there will help me sleep better.
I realize a lot of people recommend ATF +4 in place of Mitsubishi SP-III. Whilst looking around at all the ATF options available to me, I saw bottles of Pennzoil ATF +3 and ATF +4. It explicitly states not to use in transmissions requiring Dexron III specifications. Being unsure, I’d rather not push my luck and gamble. Mopar ATF +4 on the other hand I'm not sure on, but it certainly is marked up as far as price goes ($15 a quart).
I’ve narrowed my search down to the following options, and would very much appreciate some input as to which particular one would be a good choice.
- ACDelco Type III (H)
- Motorcraft Mercon V
- ACDelco Dexron VI
- Pennzoil Multi-Vehicle ATF
- Liqui-Moly Top Tec ATF 1200 (Group III base stock)
I will also be adding a bottle of LubeGard Red to the ATF. Thanks!
As far as maintenance habits go, I replace all the fluid through a cooler line flush every 40,000 km (25,000 miles). It's also got a screen filter, which I replace every second ATF change along with all the gaskets. Roughly half way, at the 20,000 km (12,500 mile) mark, I also do a simple drain and refill (replacing roughly 3 liters). The total capacity (including the torque converter) is 7.2 liters.
Whilst I realize my maintenance habit is probably overkill, considering the temperatures it operates in, I feel it’s cheap insurance – fluids being much cheaper to replace than the transmission. Considering the mileage of the unit and being all original, I must be doing something right anyway.
The recommendation in the owner’s manual is Dexron II or Dexron III. The recommendation in the service manual is the same, except it additionally lists Mitsubishi SP-II and SP-III. In the past, the dealership has used Gulf Dexron III/Mercon in this unit whilst I have used Motorcraft Mercon V, Mitsubishi SP-III and ACDelco Type III (H). I’m not too big on the SP fluid, due to recent experiences. Whilst the performance of the unit doesn’t change, SP-III comes out like used engine oil and smells really strong. Obviously this means nothing without a laboratory analysis, but having another fluid in there will help me sleep better.
I realize a lot of people recommend ATF +4 in place of Mitsubishi SP-III. Whilst looking around at all the ATF options available to me, I saw bottles of Pennzoil ATF +3 and ATF +4. It explicitly states not to use in transmissions requiring Dexron III specifications. Being unsure, I’d rather not push my luck and gamble. Mopar ATF +4 on the other hand I'm not sure on, but it certainly is marked up as far as price goes ($15 a quart).
I’ve narrowed my search down to the following options, and would very much appreciate some input as to which particular one would be a good choice.
- ACDelco Type III (H)
- Motorcraft Mercon V
- ACDelco Dexron VI
- Pennzoil Multi-Vehicle ATF
- Liqui-Moly Top Tec ATF 1200 (Group III base stock)
I will also be adding a bottle of LubeGard Red to the ATF. Thanks!
