Mopar 8&9 Speed ATF vs. Honda ATF 3.1

[stchman]

It appears that these two fluids are the same since both Honda and Chrysler use the same ZF9 transmission.

The Honda fluid is about $30 a quart while the Mopar fluid is about 1/2 the price. If they are indeed the same, it would be a no brainer to use the Mopar fluid.

Any thoughts?

 

[The Critic]

Rumor on the street is that Mopar 8/9 speed is Lifeguard 8, not 9.

Then again, I filled my Ram's transmission with Lifeguard 8 and it doesn't seem completely happy. Shifts are clunky when cold.

I would personally use the Honda fluid.

 

[stchman]

Rumor on the street is that Mopar 8/9 speed is Lifeguard 8, not 9.

Then again, I filled my Ram's transmission with Lifeguard 8 and it doesn't seem completely happy. Shifts are clunky when cold.

I would personally use the Honda fluid.

So there is a difference between the Mopar ATF and the Honda ATF?

 

[martinq]

It appears that these two fluids are the same since both Honda and Chrysler use the same ZF9 transmission.

The Honda fluid is about $30 a quart while the Mopar fluid is about 1/2 the price. If they are indeed the same, it would be a no brainer to use the Mopar fluid.

Any thoughts?

I believe that Valvoline MaxLife ATF covers both specs and 90+% of AT/CVT applications (like many multi-ATFs do) so I would agree. Mfgs like to have their own part #s and specs for their applications, for many reasons. One reason is, it's another SKU for a profitable markup along with the option to market brand-loyalty.

 

[Sloppy_Snood]

Rumor on the street is that Mopar 8/9 speed is Lifeguard 8, not 9.

Then again, I filled my Ram's transmission with Lifeguard 8 and it doesn't seem completely happy. Shifts are clunky when cold.

I would personally use the Honda fluid.

Might be worth trying Valvoline Restore and Protect transmission fluid.

Hopefully you followed the ZF 8HP70/8HP75 specific fill procedure. Overfilling is a common DIY mistake.

 

[stchman]

I believe that Valvoline MaxLife ATF covers both specs and 90+% of AT/CVT applications (like many multi-ATFs do) so I would agree. Mfgs like to have their own part #s and specs for their applications, for many reasons. One reason is, it's another SKU for a profitable markup along with the option to market brand-loyalty.

Apparently Valvoline Maxlife ATF and Amsoil Signature Series ATF are spec'd to be used where Honda 3.1 is used.