a one size fits them all automatic transmission fluid? Some shops think so.
So is Valvoline Max Life
- Thread starter Exhaustgases
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Not exactly but they have a very good product that covers many applications due to partnering with Lubrizol to have an advanced additive package that meets many criteria. It's as close to universal as any of the others.
The shop I talked to uses it for the 2002 Mercedes I was asking about and for Lexus etc. And they are a highly regarded place, I think they are skating on thin ice. I don't like the idea of changing types of transmission fluid after it has been run on one type.
For our Hondas.... I stick with Honda ATF.
Maxlife might not be good for everything, but it's done great everywhere I've used it. 2000 Camry trans, diff, ps. 2013 Corolla trans. Power steering in several vehicles, including 67 f250.
It's a one size fits most
There are four basic ATF types out there:
Low-vis type like Dexron VI/Mercon LV/DW1/WS/etc (these are backwards compatible with earlier specs)
CVT fluid
DCT fluid
ATF+4
There are four basic ATF types out there:
Low-vis type like Dexron VI/Mercon LV/DW1/WS/etc (these are backwards compatible with earlier specs)
CVT fluid
DCT fluid
ATF+4
Yep Maxlife works on most everything except for CVT, ATF+4, and DCT as mentioned above. It really shines in any Dexron/Mercon application for which it seems it's primarily formulated for.
So I have a trans spec'ed for mercon V. It's a performance built transmission, would this suffice? It's very hard to find a branded Mercon V fluid that's not killer expensive. If I'm going aftermarket/not a certified fluid, I'd like to use this... This is also Allison 295 spec'ed too,right? I've read yes but all I see online is no. Does anyone have a current bottle?
Originally Posted By: NattyBoh
So I have a trans spec'ed for mercon V. It's a performance built transmission, would this suffice? It's very hard to find a branded Mercon V fluid that's not killer expensive. If I'm going aftermarket/not a certified fluid, I'd like to use this... This is also Allison 295 spec'ed too,right? I've read yes but all I see online is no. Does anyone have a current bottle?
Mercon V isn't mentioned on the bottle but it mentions Mercon LV as well as many others. I happen to have a newer jug sitting here from earlier this year, i can show you the pic.
Also the bottle shows no TES-295, but TES-389 if you are interested.
So I have a trans spec'ed for mercon V. It's a performance built transmission, would this suffice? It's very hard to find a branded Mercon V fluid that's not killer expensive. If I'm going aftermarket/not a certified fluid, I'd like to use this... This is also Allison 295 spec'ed too,right? I've read yes but all I see online is no. Does anyone have a current bottle?
Mercon V isn't mentioned on the bottle but it mentions Mercon LV as well as many others. I happen to have a newer jug sitting here from earlier this year, i can show you the pic.
Also the bottle shows no TES-295, but TES-389 if you are interested.
Recommended by Valvoline. That is not the same as Recommended by Toyota, or Recommended by Mercedes. How can you use that same fluid in various transmissions built by various manufactures that are all going to use different friction materials and different shift maps - timing and pressures etc.? That is like specifying Ford type F in every transmission with the exceptions of the ones posted on that jug.
I still would like to see where my posted manufactures okay the use of this product in their transmissions.
I still would like to see where my posted manufactures okay the use of this product in their transmissions.
Collective 650k miles in the four transmissions I use it in: (I/immediately family own and I service):
a) Dex Vi spec'd GM 4l60E, 145k
b) Dex III Acura (GM) spec'd 4l30E, 163k
c) T-IV spec'd GM (Toyota) AW33, 101k
d) T-IV spec'd Lexus U151E, 250k
All run like new. Lowest has 100k on it, highest 250k. The these are ones I own/immediate family, not just neighbors or others. I have friends/ extended family cars I can add I have put it in that are all running great to 200k and zero of any cars with transmission issues. Anyone who says Maxlife has a better or is sub-par in Dex III, T-IV, or Dex VI applications, I will totally Bro-Down with. It works as advertised and as good on any objective measure as the mouse-milk [censored] like Royal Purple, Amsoil, etc.
Mealy-mouthed stuff cuts no ice with me, give me miles/units/usage and let's put real facts on the table. Nothing I have put MaxLife in and run to 1/4 million miles has failed. And the one unit i got that far runs like new. Show me real results that are different.
a) Dex Vi spec'd GM 4l60E, 145k
b) Dex III Acura (GM) spec'd 4l30E, 163k
c) T-IV spec'd GM (Toyota) AW33, 101k
d) T-IV spec'd Lexus U151E, 250k
All run like new. Lowest has 100k on it, highest 250k. The these are ones I own/immediate family, not just neighbors or others. I have friends/ extended family cars I can add I have put it in that are all running great to 200k and zero of any cars with transmission issues. Anyone who says Maxlife has a better or is sub-par in Dex III, T-IV, or Dex VI applications, I will totally Bro-Down with. It works as advertised and as good on any objective measure as the mouse-milk [censored] like Royal Purple, Amsoil, etc.
Mealy-mouthed stuff cuts no ice with me, give me miles/units/usage and let's put real facts on the table. Nothing I have put MaxLife in and run to 1/4 million miles has failed. And the one unit i got that far runs like new. Show me real results that are different.
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One transmission fluid not mentioned was ford type f. Maxlife isn't recommended for type f transmissions.
Works great in my Mustang.
Works great in our 2012 Civic and 2012 Hyundai Tucson.
I also used it exclusively in my previous vehicles - Chevy K30 & Ford F350.
I also used it exclusively in my previous vehicles - Chevy K30 & Ford F350.
MolaKule
Staff member
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Yep Maxlife works on most everything except for CVT, ATF+4, and DCT
I would simply add: Don't use it in CVTs, ATF+4 apps, DCT apps, and Type "F" apps.
Yep Maxlife works on most everything except for CVT, ATF+4, and DCT
I would simply add: Don't use it in CVTs, ATF+4 apps, DCT apps, and Type "F" apps.
I hear that the new 8-speed transmissions need something different, but maybe someone is using Maxlife and not having a problem.
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