M1 ATF OK in a Saturn SL1?

[faramir9]

Hi to all auto fluids wizards.

For the 2000 Saturn SL1 in my sig, I plan to drain and refill the auto tranny fluid soon. I am thinking about synthetic M1 ATF, as I use M1 HM engine oil, which has worked great thus far.

Would M1 ATF work in my Saturn? Note that the Saturn S-series was one of the car lines -not- approved for Dexron 6, as I understand it---but I am no expert.

All advice appreciated. Thanks.

 

[901Memphis]

Isn't that a dex 3 spec? Should work fine but it's kinda over kill unless your getting it on sale. Try maxlife atf instead which should be cheaper per quart.

 

[faramir9]

Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
Isn't that a dex 3 spec? Should work fine but it's kinda over kill unless your getting it on sale. Try maxlife atf instead which should be cheaper per quart.


Yep, it's a Dex-3 spec. Moreso, it's one of the few cars with OE Dex 3 spec that was not approved for Dex 6---or so I understand. I am no expert on this. My question is whether M1 is OK to use for a car that specs Dex 3 but 'not' Dex 6.

The M1 Web site indicates it should be fine. There are even posts on saturnfans saying it's fine. As much good info as I've gotten from that site, though, when it comes to fluids I come here....

 

[ram_man]

good stuff itll be fine. the reason for the spec difference is because all other gm transaxles were your conventional band style automatic. the Saturn auto is a lot like a manual.

 

[901Memphis]

Is there any particular reason your wanting to use the M1 ATF? Are you getting it on sale at AAP by using a coupon code?

I would rather buy the gallon of Maxlife at wally or autozone for a cheaper price per quart. M1 ATF quarts are like $10+ around here.

 

[MONKEYMAN]

I used it for 150k in my 99 SL2 and just put in Amsoil Torque-Drive. I like the Torque-Drive better and is similar price.

Why use these? At 80,000 miles my Saturn had reverse slam. Mobil 1 was recommended after I did a procedure to clean things (un-stick valve body). Transmission has been flawless since running Mobil 1. I expect similar to better results from the Torque-Drive.

 

[faramir9]

Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
Is there any particular reason your wanting to use the M1 ATF? Are you getting it on sale at AAP by using a coupon code?

I would rather buy the gallon of Maxlife at wally or autozone for a cheaper price per quart. M1 ATF quarts are like $10+ around here.


As Monkeyman said, these cars are prone to reverse slam and funky tranny issues. I have not had any problems in the 17 months since I bought the beast---and want to keep it that way. M1-HM has worked wonders all but stopping the oil consumption---which was not that bad for a Saturn S, but now it's down to a few drops. The M1 ATF also has a good rep, from what I've read, so I figured it was worth the extra $$$.

That assumes it's compatible with a Dex-3/non Dex-6 vehicle. So far it seems unanimous it should be fine.

Thanks for all the advice, gents.

 

[David1]

Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
Isn't that a dex 3 spec? Should work fine but it's kinda over kill unless your getting it on sale. Try maxlife atf instead which should be cheaper per quart.



Seems like lots of people really like Max Life ATF, in all Transmissions even in Transmission that a picky about the ATF.. Like Honda.

That must be some good stuff.

Ill have to try it

 

[BISCUT]

No reason NOT to use M1 in your trasns. Sure no go for Dex VI but yours isnt Dex VI so go to town. I have been using a lot of MaxLife and can also recommend that fluid but M1 is a great fluid also.