Pennzoil Synthetic ATF

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Don't forget about the WIS tech notification that states that
synthetic atf may cause issues with certain Aisin transmissions in SAAB and Volvo models!

Quote:
This is from the WIS (workshop information system) on the fluid(3309) for the 5-speed AW55:

"the friction coefficient of synthetic oil is not the same as that of mineral oil based fluid and must therefore not be used. Synthetic oil may cause malfunctions by means of abnormal wear"

This note is in the WIS for all 9-5s with the AW55 through model year 2010.
 
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Pepboys picture isn't accurate.
I ordered a couple cases. If its the synthetic, its mine. I don't use blends so won't buy it if its the synthetic blend.

Good to see that it is sold as a QS, Shell, and PZL product.

Saab/Volvo warning is useless info with no basis other than fear of the word 'synthetic'. Everyone else has moved past their antisynthetic fear.
 
Originally Posted By: Greasymechtech
Pepboys picture isn't accurate.
I ordered a couple cases. If its the synthetic, its mine. I don't use blends so won't buy it if its the synthetic blend.

Good to see that it is sold as a QS, Shell, and PZL product.

Saab/Volvo warning is useless info with no basis other than fear of the word 'synthetic'. Everyone else has moved past their antisynthetic fear.


Somehow I'd give the nod when it comes to recommendations to the
SAAB engineers rather than go on the word of a random
mechanic, after all the reputation of the auto repair and service industry is not good, actually it is awfully bad.

OTOH you may be great at the actual hands on repair work, but when it comes to fluid I'll stick with the instructions of the
guys that designed and built the units.
smirk.gif
whistle.gif




[/quote]
 
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I wonder if it works for Hyundai's? Hyundai SP-IV spec, I am going to swap the fluid in the Santa Fe when it hits 75K. If I remember right, Maxlife does.
 
Maxlife is a lot thinner than SPIII. I am hesitant, myself. And this fluid doesn't even specify Hyundai/Kia specs.
 
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Originally Posted By: Brons2
Maxlife is a lot thinner than SPIII. I am hesitant, myself. And this fluid doesn't even specify Hyundai/Kia specs.


Indeed.....the manufacturer engineers DO know what they are doing.
If the product doesn't state on the bottle that it is suitable for the application DO NOT USE IT! There are even occasions where even if an after market supplier claims their product is suitable for use it is NOT recommended by the car manufacturer. DO YOUR RESEARCH AND IF NEEDED CONTACT THE CAR MANUFACTURER TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY
CAUTIONS OR RESTRICTIONS ON USAGE OF CERTAIN NON APPROVED PRODUCTS... a good example is the SAAB or Volvo aisin transmission where the car marker urges owners NOT to use a synthetic fluid. Only to use a dino fluid. Sure you might need to replace every 30k vs 60k but the extra trouble is worth preventing a failure.
 
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FYI: MaxLife LV is about the same viscosity as SPIII after it has sheared 18 months later. MaxLife and Dex VI are very shear stable fluids, so they can have a lower viscosity value to begin with and not thinout much over time.
 
Originally Posted By: zach1900
Maxlife is even thinner than Dex VI.


Not really.

Dex VI averages 6.0 cSt while MaxLife ATF is 6.4 cSt.
 
Originally Posted By: 2010_FX4
I wonder how well this would work as Ford power steering fluid. It states that it can be used where Mercon and Mercon V is used.


I've been itching to switch my Fords over to synthetic transmission fluid in the P/S reservoir, especially on super-cold mornings when the steering is heavy - you just know that you're killing the pump. I picked up a few bottles of Valvoline full synthetic dex-vi for almost free that might work...
 
Originally Posted By: MolaKule
Originally Posted By: zach1900
Maxlife is even thinner than Dex VI.


Not really.

Dex VI averages 6.0 cSt while MaxLife ATF is 6.4 cSt.



That's interesting because the Maxlife PDS indicates it's 5.91 cSt @100ºC, but it's not a huge difference.

Is there a reason why your numbers are different than the PDS?

And also Maxlife atf has superior shear stability compared to DexronVI, so it might be a better choice especially if it's starting out above 6 cSt.
 
Originally Posted By: Greasymechtech
SOPUS has a synthetic 3309 fluid for all those AW Saabs, Volvos, and Toyotas.
PN on receipt was 550035073.

Thanks for the datasheet. Keep seeing the multivehicle "blend" and was surprised that a full synthetic ATF was available.

Was $5qt sale price at pepboys. Had them order me two cases. Hope the synthetic shows up.

RoyalPurple $15/qt
Mobil1 $10/qt
Valvoline Import $7-7.19/qt
Pennzoil Synthetic $4.90/qt

Ordered a case of 12 quarts for $4.90 minus 30% off 2 weeks ago, just picked up today at noon. The cost is $41.xx a case or $3.43 a quart.

It is full synthetic on the label, not as shown on their website. $3.43 a quart multi vehicles full synthetic ATF isn't bad. Thanks to OP.
 
Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
Originally Posted By: MolaKule
Originally Posted By: zach1900
Maxlife is even thinner than Dex VI.


Not really.

Dex VI averages 6.0 cSt while MaxLife ATF is 6.4 cSt.



That's interesting because the Maxlife PDS indicates it's 5.91 cSt @100ºC, but it's not a huge difference.

Is there a reason why your numbers are different than the PDS?

And also Maxlife atf has superior shear stability compared to DexronVI, so it might be a better choice especially if it's starting out above 6 cSt.


Don't forget that you have to allow for both blend and test variability.
 
Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
Originally Posted By: MolaKule
Originally Posted By: zach1900
Maxlife is even thinner than Dex VI.


Not really.

Dex VI averages 6.0 cSt while MaxLife ATF is 6.4 cSt.



That's interesting because the Maxlife PDS indicates it's 5.91 cSt @100ºC, but it's not a huge difference.

Is there a reason why your numbers are different than the PDS?

And also Maxlife atf has superior shear stability compared to DexronVI, so it might be a better choice especially if it's starting out above 6 cSt.


Regarding the shear stability comparison, I don't think that I have seen those results. If you have that information would you mind posting the test method used and the results?
 
Originally Posted By: ProtegeZ5
Would this be a suitable ATF in my 2006 Mazda 3 that calls for Mazda MV/M5?
Originally Posted By: Greasymechtech
The SOPUS datasheet pdf lists Mazda MV and Hyundai SPIII.



Thanks, this is good to know as you can see from my signature below!
smile.gif
 
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Originally Posted By: Greasymechtech
SOPUS has a synthetic 3309 fluid for all those AW Saabs, Volvos, and Toyotas.
PN on receipt was 550035073.

Thanks for the datasheet. Keep seeing the multivehicle "blend" and was surprised that a full synthetic ATF was available.

Was $5qt sale price at pepboys. Had them order me two cases. Hope the synthetic shows up.

RoyalPurple $15/qt
Mobil1 $10/qt
Valvoline Import $7-7.19/qt
Pennzoil Synthetic $4.90/qt

Bring back the old post !

Just changed ATF in my 15 years old E430 with 5-speed transmission 236.7. The last change was 45-50k miles/5-6 years ago with Shell ATF-134 I bought a last case from a Shell distributor for $6.xx/qt, dealer wanted more than $10/qt. Since I bought a case from Pep Boys 2 months ago for $4x.xx it was about 60-70% less than dealer price for OE fluid.

So far the transmission shifted much smoother than before. If Pep Boys has this ATF on sale again for less than $5/qt I will buy 2 cases for MB and Volvo transmissions.

Thanks Greasymechtech for posting this Pennzoil full-synthetic ATF and 901Memphis for posting PDS link. I feel confidence, after reading the PDS, that this ATF is suitable for ASIN transmission(JWS-3309) and MB transmission 236.7
 
I just put some of this in my Saab 9-5. I like it, too, as it is a little closer to the 3309 viscosity spec than the Maxlife I had been using.
 
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