Redline D4 ATF

[TheJabba]

Hi folks!

I'm looking at changing over my auto transmission fluid and also my power steering fluid to Redline D4 ATF... I drive a 2003 Mazda 6... any thoughts? Opinions?


Cheers,
Kev.

 

[Alan]

Does the transmission and PS system just call for Dex III?

 

[Ken2]

"D4 is suitable for use where Dexron III, Dexron II, or Mercon fluids are recommended." If the ATF your Mazda needs isn't on this list (Mercon-V is not on this list) or if you don't have the specific OK from the tech folks at Red Line, don't use it. Use the type of ATF needed in your transmission.


Ken

 

[TheJabba]

Well according to my owner's manual the ATX needs Dexron III. I checked with the Redline online fluid matching and it suggested the D4 for my operating range. Mine is the original Japanese built Mazda 6 (a 2003) with a 4 speed auto, not the new 2005/2006 with the 5 speed auto which apparently specifies Mercon-v.

Just wondering if anyone has any used the D4 and if it is worth the money? ie smoother shifts?

 

[bulwnkl]

I used D4 in a Toyota Tacoma V6 ('01), but I don't think that's very analogous. It worked well, but I won't claim a noticeable difference in shift quality.

 

[SilverGGA]

Just FYI, the 4-speed auto Mazda 6 4-cyl sold here recommends Mercon V in the manual too. Up to model year 2005. They will have a 5-speed for model year 2006, but I am not sure what fluid is recommended yet.

quote:

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Originally posted by TheJabba:
Well according to my owner's manual the ATX needs Dexron III. I checked with the Redline online fluid matching and it suggested the D4 for my operating range. Mine is the original Japanese built Mazda 6 (a 2003) with a 4 speed auto, not the new 2005/2006 with the 5 speed auto which apparently specifies Mercon-v.

Just wondering if anyone has any used the D4 and if it is worth the money? ie smoother shifts?

---

 

[thedawk]

I changed to the D4 ATF in my 2001 pathfinder. Like bulwnkl I didn't notice any difference in shift quality or performance. Maybe the benfits are long term.

 

[unDummy]

My US spec 2003 6i uses MV.

Any Dex-III ATF or better can be used in the PS reservoir.

For the transmission, I'd recommend any Mercon-V or MultiVehicle ATF. And, if in budget, I would definitely step up to a full synthetic.

Redline D4 will work well in both places.

And, this transmission is tough on fluid. An aftermarket cooler is recommended regardless of fluid chosen. Frequent drain/refills will also help with maintaining transmission life and shift quality.
The dealers(over here) also have software updates for the transmission to cure some of its known problems.

 

[SKUNKY]

I put the D4ATF in the trans of my 02 5 Speed Mustang at @ 30k and noticed a huge difference...shifts like a hot knife through warn butter..I'm real happy with it...

 

[AcuraSLX]

I used Mobil Syn ATF and Red Line D4 ATF in my 99 Acura SLX. The RL perforemd better than Mobil but my copped reading was high in both cases. Maybe it's something with my transmission.

 

[harrydog]

I switched to Redline ATF in my GMC Yukon and noticed a slight improvement in shifting, but as someone else said, the benefits are really the long term stability of the fluid.