If an oil manufacturer data sheet displays a manufacturer code for a lubricated component, does the display of that manufacturer code in the oil data sheet mean that the manufacturer of the component approves of the use of that particular oil that is displaying the compliance code? So, in other words, is it safe to use this data sheet published code compliant oil if the code specification is required? Lets pick on ZF and AMSOIL. Two manufacturers. ZF manufactures an 8 speed transmission. Owner's manual says "use only ZF Mopar 8/9 speed ATF or equivalent". ZF also has an oil code for that transmission. AMSOIL has a data sheet. It displays that oil code and says 'use this oil if code specifications are required'.
Should ZF agree with the oil lab findings that the equivalent oil is actually "equivalent"? What if ZF does not agree nor approve? Is it right for AMSOIL to sell their oil as code compliant to ZF Mopar 8/9 Speed ATF? Is it right to display codes in their data sheet if the manufacturer doesn't approve and what if, in the very rare off chance your warranty is restricted because you used an equivalent oil and code clearly displayed in the data sheet?
Should ZF agree with the oil lab findings that the equivalent oil is actually "equivalent"? What if ZF does not agree nor approve? Is it right for AMSOIL to sell their oil as code compliant to ZF Mopar 8/9 Speed ATF? Is it right to display codes in their data sheet if the manufacturer doesn't approve and what if, in the very rare off chance your warranty is restricted because you used an equivalent oil and code clearly displayed in the data sheet?