Hello I'm a new poster and would like to thank you in advance for viewing my post. I stopped at a Valvoline yesterday and had my tranny (05 Ram SRT-10 QC /with 53k miles)flushed the technician and owner showed me the 55 gallon drum it read oem xl full synthetic the reciet say maxlife and they say its compatible with chrysler's requirement ..... I wanted Valvoline atf+4 . Well my question is anyone familiar with this brand ? is it good ?
Transmission Flush Question
- Thread starter BIGROB
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OEM XL Full Synthetic. Okay, that sounds nothing like MaxLife. MaxLife is Valvoline's favorite blend of Dexron/Mercon compatible fluids.
And the best part is, it definitely doesn't satisfy ATF+4 requirements at all, since its a Dexron/Mercon fluid.
Enjoy. Sounds like you got a bulk oil flush by people who don't know or care what ATF+4 actually is and its likely Dexron VI in your transmission now.
Which may or may not cause a problem but hey, some easlier Chrysler cars had complete transmission failure because of using improper fluids. Food for thought.
And the best part is, it definitely doesn't satisfy ATF+4 requirements at all, since its a Dexron/Mercon fluid.
Enjoy. Sounds like you got a bulk oil flush by people who don't know or care what ATF+4 actually is and its likely Dexron VI in your transmission now.
Which may or may not cause a problem but hey, some easlier Chrysler cars had complete transmission failure because of using improper fluids. Food for thought.
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Great!! will it kill the trans,should iget it flushed again with correct fluid.
Did you see him use the drum, or was he pointing at a drum. Not being a wise guy, but he knows you can't possibly know whats in the drum he's pointing at. Sounds like it may have been oil.
Kill it? I dunno. Older 41TE transmissions are notorious for bad shifting performance without ATF+4. I'm sure alot of people on this forum will chime in saying truck transmissions like yours run fine or are known to run fine on Dexron 6. What you should do is check your manual and figure out exactly what was put in the truck.
If the manual says Dexron fluids are fine and he used MaxLife, I wouldn't worry. If the manual specifically states ATF+4, then if its MaxLife in there well, you're up no mans creek.
And with a transmission thats a creek I definitely wouldn't wanna be up. If you were told its an ATF+4 compatible fluid, figure out what it is, because the regular MaxLife definitely isn't.
If the manual says Dexron fluids are fine and he used MaxLife, I wouldn't worry. If the manual specifically states ATF+4, then if its MaxLife in there well, you're up no mans creek.
And with a transmission thats a creek I definitely wouldn't wanna be up. If you were told its an ATF+4 compatible fluid, figure out what it is, because the regular MaxLife definitely isn't.
take it back and demand them put atf+4 you paid them to do your specific transmission. that means satisfying the amount of fluid and type. those trannys are picky nothing but atf+4 should be in it
Trans fluid is crucial. You can't mix and match, you need the proper stuff.
Seals, clutch band friction material, viscosity at various operating temps are all important, as well as the amount of slip the fluid is designed to give to allow the transmission to shift as designed etc etc...
If you can't do a few drain and fills yourself I think you are stuck to go to a proper mechanic and let them know what happened so they can get rid of the wrong fluid and get the right stuff in there.
And tommygunn is right... the wrong fluid can blow your trans. It can rinse away seals or not condition the properly, break apart friction material etc. The transmission requires the right fluid, period.
Seals, clutch band friction material, viscosity at various operating temps are all important, as well as the amount of slip the fluid is designed to give to allow the transmission to shift as designed etc etc...
If you can't do a few drain and fills yourself I think you are stuck to go to a proper mechanic and let them know what happened so they can get rid of the wrong fluid and get the right stuff in there.
And tommygunn is right... the wrong fluid can blow your trans. It can rinse away seals or not condition the properly, break apart friction material etc. The transmission requires the right fluid, period.
Profits come from universal fluids. So whatever it was, it was "almost" the correct fluid. No way they had a drum that was waiting for transmissions like yours. You might get lucky and its a match, another car, not quite.
Did a little research for you here. The transmission I'm taking a stab at it being is a 48RE transmission (05 SRT-10 standard it seems, though there are variations).
This is an all Chrysler transmission unlike some of the heavy duty transmissions out there, and a brief search online comes up with one real suggestion;
"ATF+4 only!!! If the transmission guy stuck Dexron III in it, he's buying another rebuild kit, plus flushing the entire system. "
So, I'd be finding out precisely what he used in that transmission, just be careful so you're not arbitrarily told it was ATF+4. If you're told its MaxLife, its Dexron, and I'd be asking for that thing changed over again to the proper fluid.
Transmission info: http://www.dieselpowernetwork.net/trans/48RE.html
This is an all Chrysler transmission unlike some of the heavy duty transmissions out there, and a brief search online comes up with one real suggestion;
"ATF+4 only!!! If the transmission guy stuck Dexron III in it, he's buying another rebuild kit, plus flushing the entire system. "
So, I'd be finding out precisely what he used in that transmission, just be careful so you're not arbitrarily told it was ATF+4. If you're told its MaxLife, its Dexron, and I'd be asking for that thing changed over again to the proper fluid.
Transmission info: http://www.dieselpowernetwork.net/trans/48RE.html
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yeah i did see them crank the pump i was pretty anxious but u didnt want to come off as a complete nuisance.so i did back off,i hate when im at work and folks stand over my shoulder. I was going to try to do it myself but the said it was only $159with tax i priced 12 quarts of valvoline atf 4 and it came to 144,plus they used 20 quarts to flush it .
Well, and at that price range difference, its pretty obvious they used a cheaper fluid then real ATF+4, which is fully synthetic and often more expensive then a Dex/Merc base fluid.
Since your receipt says MaxLife, and MaxLife meets:
Performance Levels/ Approvals GM Dexron IID, IIE, III, VI; Ford Mercon, Mercon V; Allison C-4, TransSynd*, TES-295; BMW LT 71141, LA 2634, MAN 339 type Z1, Z2, V1, V2, Mazda*, Mini Cooper* CVT EXL 799, Toyota T, T-11, T-IV; Chrysler* ATF+3; Mitsubishi* Diamond SP-II, SP-III; Honda ATF-Z1, MB Approval 236.1,2,3,5,6,7, 8,9,10,11, Nissan* D, J, K,-matic, Volvo 1161521, 1161540; Audi* G-052-0250-A2, GM9986195, ZF-TE-ML-14B, 16L, 17C, JWS 3309, Voith* G 607, 1363; KIA* SP-II, SP-III; Suzuki*, VW TL 52162
None of which are ATF+4, you have a legitimate [censored], because your mechanic installed a non satisfactory fluid.
I'd get them to change it. Guarantee they tell you its no big deal though.
Since your receipt says MaxLife, and MaxLife meets:
Performance Levels/ Approvals GM Dexron IID, IIE, III, VI; Ford Mercon, Mercon V; Allison C-4, TransSynd*, TES-295; BMW LT 71141, LA 2634, MAN 339 type Z1, Z2, V1, V2, Mazda*, Mini Cooper* CVT EXL 799, Toyota T, T-11, T-IV; Chrysler* ATF+3; Mitsubishi* Diamond SP-II, SP-III; Honda ATF-Z1, MB Approval 236.1,2,3,5,6,7, 8,9,10,11, Nissan* D, J, K,-matic, Volvo 1161521, 1161540; Audi* G-052-0250-A2, GM9986195, ZF-TE-ML-14B, 16L, 17C, JWS 3309, Voith* G 607, 1363; KIA* SP-II, SP-III; Suzuki*, VW TL 52162
None of which are ATF+4, you have a legitimate [censored], because your mechanic installed a non satisfactory fluid.
I'd get them to change it. Guarantee they tell you its no big deal though.
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thanks tommy gunn i appreciate that!!! what the difference in tranny fluids ? you have a link?
I don't really have a link and Valvoline's main website is down for maintenance right now. The site I did reference was;
http://www.valvolineeurope.com/english/products/transmission_oils/automatic_transmission_oils/cid%28666%29/maxlife_atf
The main difference is Dexron/Mercon is made to be a grippier fluid and has enjoyed its lifetime in Ford and GM transmissions. ATF+4 (and earlier specifications) were a Chrysler specification. They contain more friction modifiers, making it "slipperier" then Dexron/Mercon, primarily because the way Chrysler designed their transmissions to glide a little through gear changes. The wrong fluid often causes bad shifting, and has been known to "gum up" the valve bodies in transmissions.
If you have any questions though feel free to ask, this forum is littered with nerds who are happy to help
The fluid you would really want is ATF+4, as licensed by Chrysler. http://www.centerforqa.com/licensedatf4brands.html
Also, guy with a similar situation:
http://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen-dakota/216834-valvoline-max-life-atf.html
" I would throw a fit at the shop you got that changed at. Think of how many other people they've done that to, possibly leading to transmission failure. I certainly wouldnt pay for them to re-fill it with atf4 either, thats their fault."
http://www.valvolineeurope.com/english/products/transmission_oils/automatic_transmission_oils/cid%28666%29/maxlife_atf
The main difference is Dexron/Mercon is made to be a grippier fluid and has enjoyed its lifetime in Ford and GM transmissions. ATF+4 (and earlier specifications) were a Chrysler specification. They contain more friction modifiers, making it "slipperier" then Dexron/Mercon, primarily because the way Chrysler designed their transmissions to glide a little through gear changes. The wrong fluid often causes bad shifting, and has been known to "gum up" the valve bodies in transmissions.
If you have any questions though feel free to ask, this forum is littered with nerds who are happy to help
The fluid you would really want is ATF+4, as licensed by Chrysler. http://www.centerforqa.com/licensedatf4brands.html
Also, guy with a similar situation:
http://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen-dakota/216834-valvoline-max-life-atf.html
" I would throw a fit at the shop you got that changed at. Think of how many other people they've done that to, possibly leading to transmission failure. I certainly wouldnt pay for them to re-fill it with atf4 either, thats their fault."
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Originally Posted By: BIGROB
I stopped at a Valvoline yesterday and had my tranny (05 Ram SRT-10 QC /with 53k miles)flushed
Well that is your first mistake. I do it myself or have a dealer who will use the correct ATF do it.
I stopped at a Valvoline yesterday and had my tranny (05 Ram SRT-10 QC /with 53k miles)flushed
Well that is your first mistake. I do it myself or have a dealer who will use the correct ATF do it.
thanks again for info.....well i hope this tran fluid dont do any damage until next payday.
Originally Posted By: Doog
Originally Posted By: BIGROB
I stopped at a Valvoline yesterday and had my tranny (05 Ram SRT-10 QC /with 53k miles)flushed
Well that is your first mistake. I do it myself or have a dealer who will use the correct ATF do it.
IKR? trying to save a buck...
Originally Posted By: BIGROB
I stopped at a Valvoline yesterday and had my tranny (05 Ram SRT-10 QC /with 53k miles)flushed
Well that is your first mistake. I do it myself or have a dealer who will use the correct ATF do it.
IKR? trying to save a buck...
They need to remove all of the wrong ATF and replace it with ATF4. Not some equivalant nonsense, but ATF that says ATF4 on it. They're not going to have it in stock, so get a plan together that will force them to buy the right stuff for you.
I hope you've learned something from this.
After this is over, do not go back there, or to any quick lube place ever again.
Keith
I hope you've learned something from this.
After this is over, do not go back there, or to any quick lube place ever again.
Keith
Could also check with allpar.com - the definitive source for all "Mopar" (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, etc....). "Some" of the vehicles may have spec'd "Dexron" as an alternate if ATF+4 is not available....but you'd have to check your owner's manual....
Then again, I've read stories about people who say as long as "every bit" of previously filled atf is removed.....the change-over is "OK".....but history shows Mopar transmissions as being somewhat problematic......
I know my 88 Dodge (ya....farcry from your 2005 lol) specs Dexron II....per the dipstick....but Mopar ATF+ per the manual (which is now ATF+4....)
But have read accounts of nil-issues using Dexron / ATF+4, and vice-versa....some claim ATF+4 gives "smoother" or "slippery" shifts....
Then again, I've read stories about people who say as long as "every bit" of previously filled atf is removed.....the change-over is "OK".....but history shows Mopar transmissions as being somewhat problematic......
I know my 88 Dodge (ya....farcry from your 2005 lol) specs Dexron II....per the dipstick....but Mopar ATF+ per the manual (which is now ATF+4....)
But have read accounts of nil-issues using Dexron / ATF+4, and vice-versa....some claim ATF+4 gives "smoother" or "slippery" shifts....
you're not going to get a shop to *buy* the correct fluid to replace it with....not going to happen.
Your best bet, IMHO, take the truck to a dealership, have THEM flush it with the correct fluid; take the bill back to the shop....I personally wouldn't have them *retouch* the truck with a 10ft pole!
But that's me.
Your best bet, IMHO, take the truck to a dealership, have THEM flush it with the correct fluid; take the bill back to the shop....I personally wouldn't have them *retouch* the truck with a 10ft pole!
But that's me.
Go back there. Have them show you the spec sheet on whatever they used showing +4 compatibility.
If they can't, have them put real +4 in or refund your money. Either way, this won't cost you any more.
If they refund your money, consider flushing it yourself. If it has a transmission cooler and dipstick, it's a fairly easy proposition.
If they can't, have them put real +4 in or refund your money. Either way, this won't cost you any more.
If they refund your money, consider flushing it yourself. If it has a transmission cooler and dipstick, it's a fairly easy proposition.
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