SP III - Anyone tried anything else?

[Winston]

For those with automatic transmissions requiring SPIII (Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Kia). Has anyone tried anything other than genuine SPIII? I have heard that regular Dex III causes poor shifting.

However, there are alternatives that claim compatibility. Amsoil, Pennzoil Multi-vehicle, others...

I don't really want to argue as to whether or not to use them. (been done many times) I am just trying to gather anecdotal experiences with other than genuine SPIII fluids.

 

[Ray H]

Someone awhile back posted that he was told by a Hyundai stealership's parts manager that Chrysler ATF+4 is virtually the same thing as Mitsubishi Diamond/Hyundai/KIA SP III and their service department just used bulk ATF+4 as service fill at the unnamed dealership. Given that ATF+3 was considered compatible with SP II, it kinda makes sense, though I'm not personally quite ready to accept the claim of ATF+4/SP III compatibility at face value yet. (There is that 10/100,000 Hyundai powertrain warranty I have to keep in mind in my case, too...) Now that Valvoline is selling its own fully licensed ATF+4 through normal retail channels for less than $4.00/qt., it's a tempting thought, though.

 

[The Critic]

I actually posted about this a while back, but no one seemed to notice.

I introduced one of the guys I met on another forum to Amsoil. He drained/filled his transmission twice with Amsoil ATF (65%) after running the SP-III fluid in his 2003 Montero 5AT for 35,000 miles.

He has noticed a significant improvement in shift quality so far.

On the other hand, my neighbor noticed significant shudder on their Kia Sedona (03) after a fluid exchange with Pennzoil Mutli-Vehicle. I thought they had the transmission serviced once before using the same fluid without issues, so I'm not sure what happened there. Could've been a coincidental torque converter failure.

They ultimately traded the van.

 

[wileyE]

Not sure if this helps but it's a clip from a hyundai TBO off their service web.

USE OF NON-APPROVED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS:

Only Hyundai SPIII is approved for use in Hyundai vehicles beginning with the 1996 model year. Use of aftermarket additives or other types of ATF, such as Chrysler/Mopar ATF+3, Dexron and Mercon, are not approved for use in Hyundai vehicles and may affect driveability or damage the transaxle. Damage caused by a non-specified fluid is not covered by your new vehicle limited warranty.

SERVICE INFORMATION:
WARNING
SPIII has a red color when new; however, the ATF may change color to a dark brown after 10,000 to 25,000 miles in service. This change is normal for this type of ATF and does not indicate an internal transaxle condition.

 

[Winston]

I found your comment.

Montero with Amsoil

I have the exact same vehicle. I just did a fluid change (drained via the drain plug then drained 6 more quarts through the fluid cooler line). The truck shifted great before and after changing the fluid. I cant imagine it actually shifting any better with different fluid. Hmm.. The Mitsu fluid was very expensive - $7.50 per qt. So, it cost me $75 just for the fluid.