I have a 91’ Infiniti G20 that had the automatic transmission rebuilt like 2 years ago, this transmission calls for a dexron lll or equivalent type atf. The mechanic that worked on the transmission told me to get Idemitsu TLS-LV atf and its been running with it for like 30k miles now. A few months ago I noticed a slight slippage when cold, also I noticed that the dipstick gets dirty with clutch material very often. I started to investigate and found out that the Idemitsu TLS-LV is a WS equivalent used for toyotas, and the viscosity is lower than the dexron lll. The atf that needed was Idemitsu Type S that works for Nissan matic J/D/S. Can I do a drain- fill with the atf that’s recommended for the transmission? mixing the two atf’s can cause further damage to the transmission?
Swapping WS with Dexron lll
You can get Dexron III in the Valvoline blue bottle Mobil makes a Synthetic version of Dexron III, Dexron VI is backwards compatible.
Chances are changing the fluid will not help as it sounds like the damage was already done but I would recommend doing multiple drain/fills with the correct fluid and pray.
If you have proof the mechanic recommended the incorrect ATF I would go back and try to get a rebuild or compensation.
Chances are changing the fluid will not help as it sounds like the damage was already done but I would recommend doing multiple drain/fills with the correct fluid and pray.
If you have proof the mechanic recommended the incorrect ATF I would go back and try to get a rebuild or compensation.
Does the trans have an internal filter? Sounds like it needs changing.
DexIII KV100 is in the 7's, and that fluid is in the low 5's. Not good.
I am assuming 2 years on your going to be out of luck regarding any warranty. However I would start by talking to them first.
I am assuming 2 years on your going to be out of luck regarding any warranty. However I would start by talking to them first.
I think this is a case of a 30 year old transmission at the end of its life and some finger pointing is going on. No wonder mechanics don’t like being the last one to touch an old transmission. Going back to the original question, Dex III is still available as Dex/Merc if you want to try that. But really, it needs a pan drop and a new transmission filter. Start from there. Another rebuild or used transmission might be next.
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I doubt the LV (low viscosity) fluid did any real damage.
But getting the wear debris out of there would help. Drop the pan, change the filter, add a magnet to the pan, do a cooler line flush.
Since it originally called for a DEX III, get a DEX III, just for peace of mind.
But getting the wear debris out of there would help. Drop the pan, change the filter, add a magnet to the pan, do a cooler line flush.
Since it originally called for a DEX III, get a DEX III, just for peace of mind.
It was rebuilt 2 years ago? If they didn't want to rebuild a 30 year old transmission they shouldn't have. Rebuilding these old automatics are childs play compared to the new ones and there is no reason it shouldn't last a long time.
For sure, but maybe the issue is the term “ rebuilt”. I wonder how far the rebuild went and whether some items were left out.
While my first call would be to the person who rebuilt it for advice on what to do next, there are wayyyy too many variables in 2 years to blame it just on the fluid.
I would use Valvoline Multi Vehicle IMPORT ATF. You can mix with the TLS -LV but would do at least 2 drain and fills or even better 3.
The Valvoline Import ATF is also dirt cheap on Amazon.
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