Multi-Vehicle ATF Fluids vs OEM?

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nobb

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I've always been using OEM automatic transmission fluids, but now I'm starting to read into cheaper multi-vehicle rated ATFs and I'm a bit confused.

Is the general consensus by the BITOG community that multi vehicle ATF products are acceptable replacements as long as the supplier states that it is compatible with the spec that you are trying to meet?

In the product spec sheets, sometimes I see them advertised with different terminology such as "meets requirements for" or "suitable for use in" all in the SAME spec sheet with the various specification lists broken out into either terminology group. Are these products sometimes misleading or do they really cover such a huge range of transmission applications?

In my case, I'm maintaining Ford and Dodge vehicles which call for Mercon V and ATF 4 respectively. I found a local supplier (Boss Lubricants) that I can good bulk pricing, but their product lineup for ATFs is a bit confusing. I see multiple products advertised as being suitable for the same spec.
http://www.bosslubricants.com/transmission-lubricants
 
Just be very careful with your choice. Although ATF is expensive it's nothing when compared with the cost of a rebuild or replacement.
 
Depends upon application. CVTs really should get the OEM transmission fluid. The Nissan CVT transmissions are very very particular about what fluid will work for them. CVTs fluid is based upon traction coefficient. Whereas other transmission fluids are based upon friction coefficient function. A HUGE difference in terms of how they operate correctly in their given application.

That being stated, if it is a general GM or Mercon fluid I would tend to agree with Donald in this. Ohh and Donald I hope you are doing good by the way.

Oneyejack is spot on here. Better to spend an extra 50-$100 vs a major problem. I believe my CVT NS-2 fluid is $15 a quart. But I would much rather spend $110 on the needed fluid than spend $60 and have the cars transmission stop working. Hope you're doing good too Oneyejack.
 
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I spoke with a Chrysler transmission engineer on an airport shuttle bus several years ago. His take was NEVER use anything other than the OEM certified transmission fluid, period. ATF +4 is supposed to be a very good spec. I would stick with it if I were you.
 
Been using Castrol Multi Vehicle Synthetic ATF - but it carries Dex VI credentials...
...have a few bottles left - but seems to be going away ...?
 
Originally Posted By: WillsYoda
I and others have used Maxlife ATF in our toyotas for years with good outcomes.

MaxLife Dex/Merc is a fantastic fluid for a Dexron II or III application.
 
For Merc V, Maxlife is an excellent fluid.
For ATF+4, I would stick with an ATF+4 specific fluid.

How good is bulk pricing? Walmart has their Supertech ATF+4 and Merc V for around $4.50/qt. Maxlife ATF is around $18 for a gallon jug.
I have no idea about Boss fluids.
 
All licensed ATF+4 is the same due to Chrysler's childish neurotic licensing program. In particular, every ATF on this list is the same. So just buy the cheapest ATF+4 on the list.

Even though it's not officially licensed, Redline C+ is the best fluid for Chrysler transmissions that require ATF+4. Redline cannot get the license because they use a Group V base oil (Chrysler will only allow a specific Group III), but Redline C+ does have the licensed ATF+4 add pack.

The synthetic multi-vehicle ATF's are fine for almost every other transmission (except CVT, DCT, Type F, and ATF+4 applications). Your Mercon V application will be fine with the low-visc full synthetic ATF. Of course, Maxlife is also very popular on here too.
 
I am going to change the trans oil in my Ford Edge 08 and it says to use Mercon V. I wanted to use Maxlife ATF and they told me at Autozone that I can't mix it with MerconV. Since you can't drain the torque converter and you can't get all the old oil out. Can I use Maxlife or not as some will mix with the old oil.
 
Originally Posted By: rideahorse
I am going to change the trans oil in my Ford Edge 08 and it says to use Mercon V. I wanted to use Maxlife ATF and they told me at Autozone that I can't mix it with MerconV. Since you can't drain the torque converter and you can't get all the old oil out. Can I use Maxlife or not as some will mix with the old oil.


Yes, you can use Maxlife with no problems
smile.gif
 
I switched over a few years ago, starting with Amsoil in my Trailblazer, which is working great 2 years later. i recently tried a group 4 multi ATF in my Ram as opposed to the usual ATF+4. So far with a few hundred highway miles unloaded and towing some heavy loads it is working great.

I think we at BITOG over think quite a lot on these subjects.
 
Originally Posted By: rideahorse
I am going to change the trans oil in my Ford Edge 08 and it says to use Mercon V. I wanted to use Maxlife ATF and they told me at Autozone that I can't mix it with MerconV. Since you can't drain the torque converter and you can't get all the old oil out. Can I use Maxlife or not as some will mix with the old oil.

You can use it just fine for Merc V.
Problem is the jug no longer has the Merc V "approval" on it, just Merc LV.
The PDF on Valvoline's site does show it is compatible with Merc V, and I had contacted them about it and they said even though it is not on the jug itself, it is recommended for use for Merc V applications.
I have had it in my truck for 10,000 miles so far with no issues.
 
What is the current thinking on ATF's for older Nissans (pre CVT Altima 2.5 2002-2005)?

Nissan has backspec'd this quite a few times to the point where I've lost track of which Matic they're at for these older cars, and anyway there'c a pretty good consensus that the backspec-ing was more about enabling Nissan and it's dealers to bottle and stock fewer types of ATF rather than any technical considerations, nor do they care the least bit about the welfare of transmissions that are long out of warranty.

If I want to refresh part of my sump, is there any compelling reason why I shouldn't use M1, Amsoil, Redline or JATCO-approved Castrol Import ATF?
 
Originally Posted By: Darris
What is the current thinking on ATF's for older Nissans (pre CVT Altima 2.5 2002-2005)?

Nissan has backspec'd this quite a few times to the point where I've lost track of which Matic they're at for these older cars, and anyway there'c a pretty good consensus that the backspec-ing was more about enabling Nissan and it's dealers to bottle and stock fewer types of ATF rather than any technical considerations, nor do they care the least bit about the welfare of transmissions that are long out of warranty.

If I want to refresh part of my sump, is there any compelling reason why I shouldn't use M1, Amsoil, Redline or JATCO-approved Castrol Import ATF?


Do a complete fluid exchange or drain and Refill 4 times with MaxLife. Nissan OEM fluids are not of the highest quality.
 
Originally Posted By: Darris
What is the current thinking on ATF's for older Nissans (pre CVT Altima 2.5 2002-2005)?

Nissan has backspec'd this quite a few times to the point where I've lost track of which Matic they're at for these older cars, and anyway there'c a pretty good consensus that the backspec-ing was more about enabling Nissan and it's dealers to bottle and stock fewer types of ATF rather than any technical considerations, nor do they care the least bit about the welfare of transmissions that are long out of warranty.

If I want to refresh part of my sump, is there any compelling reason why I shouldn't use M1, Amsoil, Redline or JATCO-approved Castrol Import ATF?


Those older Nissans used a thicker ATF that was closer in viscosity to DexIII. I'd personally stick with an ATF that is in the 7 to 8 cst range. Off the top of my head, I believe both Mobil 1 and Castrol Import would be a good match.
 
With the exception of my 2002 Toyota that uses Dexron III (I have used Mobil 1 ATF since new and have over 190K miles on it), I always tend to use OEM fluids. I've used Hyundai SPIII fluid in my 2003 Santa Fe since new and have almost 200K miles on it with no issues. I'm using Toyota WS in my 2012 Highlander and plan to stick with it. To me, going with the OEM fluid is a small price to pay unless it is a widespread standard like Dexron VI that gets license by reputable companies. I know Maxlife is "compatible" with lots of standards, but it doesn't give me a warm feeling. Obviously, many people use it with success in many different applications. I'll stick to OEM though.
 
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