MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF + Lubegard ATF Protectant?

[SkaT]

I put Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF in the family's Rav4 and Corolla that call for T-IV. Is there anything to be gained by adding Lubegard ATF Protectant, or is that redundant?

Currently, there are no obvious problems with either transmission.

 

[pbm]

I have added LG Red to every A/T I've owned for the past 10 years even when using Mobil 1 ATF.
Some would say it isn't needed when using a full syn. but I figure that it can't hurt (can only help) for $12.

 

[SuperDave456]

I've done exactly that on 2 Ford Taurus's, 1 Ford F-150, and a Nissan Xterra.

Don't know if it changed anything, but again, I don't think it hurt anything.

 

[yesthatsteve]

That seems to be the popular combo for a number of ATFs on this forum (and a few other forums, too!). A couple of weeks ago, I used them to replace the Honda ATF in the Ody's most recent rebuild. So far, so good.

 

[Highline9]

I drained refilled 2007 camery with maxlife atf . Been running great. No change, amsoil was in it prior.

 

[panthermike]

I'm also using this combo in our '03 Corolla. Seems great, been doing it for around 50K miles.

 

[SkaT]

Thanks guys. I have a follow up question.

BACKGROUND. A single drain and fill replaces a little more than 40% of my ATF. I plan to complete three drain and fills over the next few weeks for approximately an overall 80% renewal. Thereafter, I'll do a single D&F each year. On the 3rd D&F I will add 8 oz of Lubegard ATF Protectant to my roughly 8 qt capacity transmission for the recommended 1 oz per qt concentration.

QUESTION. When I do the subsequent annual D&F of 3.5 qt I will add 3.5 oz of Lubegard. Does that plan seem reasonable? That is, can I expect the residual Lubegard (that doesn't drain out) to remain functional over a period of 3 or 4 yrs?

 

[pbm]

Your plan sounds fine.
The only thing I would do differently is that I would add the entire 10 oz. bottle the first time (actually on your 3rd D&R).
The extra 2 ounces won't cause a problem. After that I'd add an ounce for each quart of ATF that I replaced.

I credit the LG Red (and Magnafine filter) for keeping the problematic BAXA A/T in my 2001 Accord trouble free until I sold it at 109K....

 

[yesthatsteve]

Originally Posted By: SkaT
Thanks guys. I have a follow up question.

BACKGROUND. A single drain and fill replaces a little more than 40% of my ATF. I plan to complete three drain and fills over the next few weeks for approximately an overall 80% renewal. Thereafter, I'll do a single D&F each year. On the 3rd D&F I will add 8 oz of Lubegard ATF Protectant to my roughly 8 qt capacity transmission for the recommended 1 oz per qt concentration.

QUESTION. When I do the subsequent annual D&F of 3.5 qt I will add 3.5 oz of Lubegard. Does that plan seem reasonable? That is, can I expect the residual Lubegard (that doesn't drain out) to remain functional over a period of 3 or 4 yrs?


Similar to my plan for the Ody.

 

[SOHCman]

You should be able to do a 100% fluid exchange with the cooler lines and clean 5 gal buckets.

 

[dwcopple]

First drain and fill I did on the Fusion (Aisin trans requiring T-IV) I used Toyota T-IV and LGR. This time I am using straight MaxLife as others that have used it report spectacular results. I picked up a gallon today after work at AutoZone for $15.99-less than $4/qt pre-tax, Nice.