Maxlife ATF Compatibility

[Carlostrece]

OK. Thanks everyone for all the info and advice. You've given me a lot to consider.

 

[steve c]

Spec sheet says MB 236.17. Good enough for my Nissan 9 speed tranny

 

[Carlostrece]

Here's an update based on info from other forums and Youtube. Many people are using Maxlife Full Syn (FS) ATF, Valvoline EP FS ATF, and Idemitsu Type H Plus ATF for Honda ATF and report smoother shifting than with Honda DW-1 ATF.

The users of those ATF in Honda say they work better than Honda DW-1.

 

[Exhaustgases]

Maxlife is for transmissions that spec dexron. Hondas only do Honda or Idemitsu fluid nothing else.

Check out professor John Kelly with weber college on youtube, and his post on the supposed one size fits all automatic transmission fluids. Basically the label says it is compatible is not true and is a gimick to sell the product. Anyone could do the same with a jug of water.

 

[MolaKule]

Maxlife is for transmissions that spec dexron. Hondas only do Honda or Idemitsu fluid nothing else.

Check out professor John Kelly with weber college on youtube, and his post on the supposed one size fits all automatic transmission fluids. Basically the label says it is compatible is not true and is a gimick to sell the product. Anyone could do the same with a jug of water.

In my view Prof. Kelly is an excellent and affable transmission mechanic, but his lack of knowledge re. the formulations of ATF's shows what he doesn't know.

 

[Exhaustgases]

In my view Prof. Kelly is an excellent and affable transmission mechanic, but his lack of knowledge re. the formulations of ATF's shows what he doesn't know.

But he is correct there is no one size fits all Automatic Transmission fluid. The fluid is part of the basic design of the transmission, it needs the correct friction modifiers for the materials used, the pressures, the shift schedules, the required lubrication, and with CVT's the required coefficient of friction for pulley and belt grip. But then I suppose good chemists can copy those formulations.
The main issue is fluids like Maxlife do not have most transmission manufacuters licensed approval, they say they are compatible, but that is just talk, not approval.
I wonder how many dealers check for incorrect fluid before honoring a warranty? They sure should.

 

[MolaKule]

The main issue is fluids like Maxlife do not have most transmission manufacuters licensed approval, they say they are compatible, but that is just talk, not approval.

They never claim approval, only that the formulation can cover a wide range of transmission designs, as stipulated by the additive supplier.

I wonder how many dealers check for incorrect fluid before honoring a warranty? They sure should.

I doubt dealers want to fork out $700+ for a forensic analysis, which is the only way of proving that MaxLife or any other fluid is present.

 

[4329]

I would like to believe you, that your view of the professor is respectful.

The point is not about approvals but is all about meeting the specifications of so many fluids. Suitable for or recommended is of course not an approval nor is it meeting the specifications.

Perhaps you could provide approved documentation to support your claims that one ATF fluid can meet so many vehicle ATF specifications given that clutch pack, valve body pressures can be different.

I will try to make it simple for you. A manufacturer calls up 5w30 a3b4 or a c3 oil, are you suggesting that the vehicle owner can use any 5w30 oil? Following your logic that would be fine.

This would be an excellent opportunity for you to show leadership in this area and put this ATF issue to bed.

If you do reply please show the same respect I have afforded you.