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Originally posted by The Critic:
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Do you think Amsoil or Redline is better?
Neither Amsoil or Redline offers a Dexron-VI product. They only offer a synthetic Dexron-III(H) product, but it is not GM licensed.
While Dexron-VI is a part synthetic product, I would still use it over the last-generation Dexron-IIIH.
Think of it this way: I can buy a 95 Mercedes S-Class or a 06 Avalon.
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So even though my manual calls for Dexron III (h) whith is not semi synthetic but a regular ATF it is better to still use the Dexron 6 as opposed to using what was original from the factory? It is ok to use a synthetic over a transmission that came with regular ATF Dexron III (h)?
I am not sure if dealer will automatically put the Dexron 6 in if they have both fluids but I believe I read a bulletin that says Dexron 6 replaces all prior Dexron III fluids.
Licensing for Dexron-III(H) will stop on 12/31/06. As for how long Dexron-III(H) will remain in circulation, you are at the mercy of your dealer. They may have leftover Dexron-III(H) in their bulk tank for months. Supposedly, Dexron-VI should be the current Dexron service fill beginning in 2007, but you might have to "request" it given the high possibility of significant supplies of Dexron-III(H) on hand. But yes, Dexron-VI is backwards compatible with applications requiring older Dexron fills.
Yes, you can use a synthetic fluid, but it must be a minimum Dexron-III(H) fluid. There aren't any synthetic Dexron-VI fluids that I know of. But if I'd were you, I would save your $$$ and skip the synthetic Dexron-III(H) and use Dexron-VI instead for better low-temp performance and fuel efficiency.
The Dexron III (h) is a regular ATF fluid and I would think aftermarket brand name oil companies will continue to carry it after 12-06 if I still really wanted to use it.
Dexron 6 is semi-synthetic and this is the newest one to use instead of DEX III (h) for even more extended life.
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I would rather just do it in one change with only one visit to dealership. They said they can get all fluids out with machine, change filter and put whatever I want in but it maybe up to 14 quarts of fluid I will need to put in. The capacity on my auto trans is about 12 so if it is Dexron 6 it will be that x 12 quarts at least or if it is Redline or Amsoil 12X $8.00 to $10.00 a quart = $$$$$
You don't need to change out ALL of the fluid. Just do a pan drop and filter change. But if you'd like to do a complete change, by all means go for it. But I'd suggest skipping any cleaner/conditioners that the dealership may add.
Again, I'd use Dexron-VI. But that's just me. By the time you're ready for the fluid change, Dexron-VI should be no more than $4.00/qt, probably $3.00/qt. At that price, you shouldn't be spending more than $60 for 15 quarts (needed for thorough fluid exchange) of new fluid.
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But if it prolongs the life of the auto trans then it's worth it.
Nope. The fluid will have a minimal effect on the transmission's life. If its changed at the recommended interval (100K), it will be enough. Like I said, Dexron-III(H) will provide enough wear protection for the life of the unit. If you change it at all, the difference will be in improved shift quality; at best, there will be minimal improvements in the life of the unit.
If you REALLY want to extend the life of your transmission, drive gently and install an actual transmission cooler, if it doesn't have one already.
So all of these things I keep hearing that you should change your ATF fluid and rear end diff fluid. at the same time you break in your engine really isn't necessary? To get rid of those shavings floating around? I did this on my first engine oil change but not on rear end diff and auto trans and I'm at 11,400 miles now.
"Neither Amsoil or Redline offers a Dexron-VI product. They only offer a synthetic Dexron-III(H) product, but it is not GM licensed"
So does this void my GM warranty?
For shift quality this is on an automatic 4 spd. transmission I thought you could not tell the difference in an automatic like you can on a manual.
It is much easier to have the dealership do the transmission service anyway since they have all the fluid depending on which one they have sure I would probably go with the Dexron 6 and I know it won't void the warranty. But I don't think the Redline or Amsoil would void the warranty either and is probably the superior fluid to whatever GM uses??
. But just the same it's just easier since the dealership will have the fluid my car requires whether it be Dexron III (h) or Dexron 6 and who knows maybe they will have both and I will have a choice.
Also instead of me going out and buying the fluids and bringing them in and I'm sure they will write down "owner supplied fluids". But my concern would be for them to put down the owner supplied fluids meet GM specs for rear end diff and auto transmission so warranty will not be VOIDED.
"Dexron-III(H) will provide enough wear protection for the life of the unit".
What is the life of the automatic 4 spd. automatic transmission and rear end differential? I plan to keep this car a very long time.
"Neither Amsoil or Redline offers a Dexron-VI product. They only offer a synthetic Dexron-III(H) product, but it is not GM licensed?
So does this mean this will void my factory GM warranty using Redline or Amsoil?
Dexron 6 is probably too new right now but more companies will make it as time goes by. In fact I just read that Redline D4 ATF meets Dexron 6 specs but the licensing part I don't understand.
Amsoil I'm not sure and don't think they make a Dexron III (h) or Dexron 6 fluid so Redline will rule here if I don't use Dexron 6 GM fluid. Amsoil does make a 75W/90 Severe Gear synthetic fluid for rear end and sounds good if I didn't use GM fluid.
After 12-06 the dealership may stop using Dexron III (h) but it may still be available from other brand name oil companies. But again it is probably better to use the semi-synthetic Dexron 6 which is superior to the Dexron III (h). but Dexron 6 is new so it may take some more time for other companies to make it.
