Should I change out ATF?

[martinq]

Originally Posted By: V8man
Amsoil ATF meets the ATF+4 spec...

Correct, they do list ATF+4 in their 'recommended for' list. But unlike Valvoline, they do not have a licensed ATF+4 product, that costs extra. It would also make the application list a lot shorter.

 

[Deltona_Dave]

I also checked with Mobil 1 site and they do not have the ATF+4 spec listed. I think I will do a drain and fill (has a drain plug), and use Castrol Transmax ATF+4.

Dave

 

[Donald]

Add a Magnefine inline filter. You might consider adding the filter, it will catch most of the breakin debris and then wait on the ATF fluid change.

 

[dishdude]

Never use anything except ATF+4 in a Chrysler, especially an A604/41TE!

 

[martinq]

Originally Posted By: dishdude
Never use anything except ATF+4 in a Chrysler, especially an A604/41TE!

Fear all you want but that's simply not the best course of action.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: martinq
Originally Posted By: dishdude
Never use anything except ATF+4 in a Chrysler, especially an A604/41TE!

Fear all you want but that's simply not the best course of action.


Pure opinion, and fine with me if it's YOUR transmission.

As someone who has torn down a ton of slushboxes in the old days and actively maintains fleet vehicles I would strongly recommend the OP consider a factory approved fluid.

I have run Amsoil products and they are just fine in a Mopar slushbox IME, but there is significant risk every time you stray from the original spec as transmissions are far more selective of their fluids than engines are.

Maxlife is not automatically (pun intended) the best choice for all gearboxes.

 

[martinq]

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
I would strongly recommend the OP consider a factory approved fluid.

Oh yes, consider an approved fluid for sure. But to think it's the only thing you can use or ... "KAAABOOM!!!" is ridiculous. I would use, and recommend, an approved fluid unless there is a better option. ie, ATF+4 as a last resort.

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
I have run Amsoil products and they are just fine in a Mopar slushbox IME, but there is significant risk every time you stray from the original spec as transmissions are far more selective of their fluids than engines are.

I have not seen anything to suggest that, in a typical AT box, a typical multi-ATF is not a fantastic option. I have never found, or seen evidence of, any risk at all.

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Maxlife is not automatically (pun intended) the best choice for all gearboxes.

Hahaha.

I mostly disagree though.

 

[martinq]

Let me help paint a picture here. All the old, flabby and crusty formulas are in the upper-right. New hotness in the lower-left. Find the ATF+4 (it's soooo lonely).

 

[RF Overlord]

Originally Posted By: jhMalibu
how important is changing out the filter (if present) on a lower mileage unit?
It's actually more important in a low-mileage unit than in a higher mileage one, the reason being that most automatic transmission wear occurs in the first 10-15,000 miles from new. Change the filter at the first fluid change, then it really doesn't need changing after that.

 

[G-MAN]

Originally Posted By: martinq
Let me help paint a picture here. All the old, flabby and crusty formulas are in the upper-right. New hotness in the lower-left. Find the ATF+4 (it's soooo lonely).

This graph is wrong. Mercon V is not that heavy. It has about the same vis at 100C as DexIII and ATF+4.