Upgrading to Dexron 6

[Realtech214]

Hi all, I have used dex3 in my two chevys without problems, I wanted to know if anyone has had an older vehicle that is spec'ed for dex3 and has upgraded to dexron6 has had any problems. I know its a thinner fluid to start out. Im tempted to use supertech dex6 next time. I just wanted to hear some of your experiences, Thanks

 

[sciphi]

Maxlife ATF. Don't bother with Dex-VI, just run Maxlife ATF. My old Buick shifted better longer on Maxlife ATF than on Dex-VI.

 

[salv]

I didn't go the Dex VI route. Just flushed my 2003 Trailblazer's 4L60E using Gulfpride Universal ATF.
http://www.nu-tierbrands.com/pdfs/332023.pdf
Got it through our bulk oil supplier, case of 12 qts for $40.08. That is $3.34/qt. This fluid is semi-synthetic.
Flushed with BG Quick Clean and added BG ATC+ after flush.

 

[umungus1122]

I have Castrol Dex 6 in my 4L60 now. No discernible difference from the Pennzoil Dex 3 that was in it before.

 

[sw99]

I too just went with Maxlife ATF and did not look back. Under $17 a gallon at WM it was a no brainer for me.

 

[JR]

Didn't know supertech carried dextronVI. Ain't dextronVI a full synthetic. like merconV is?

Ken

 

[beast3300]

Originally Posted By: JR
Didn't know supertech carried dextronVI. Ain't dextronVI a full synthetic. like merconV is?

Ken


Those both are blends.

To the o p. I have used dex6 in older gm trans with good results.

 

[handyman]

Some Walmarts carry Maxlife ATF, most do not. None of my local Walmart carry it. I have to go to the Walmart in the next town to get it.

 

[JHZR2]

I put dex VI in my 98 S-10 4L60E and love it. No complaints.

 

[MetalSlug]

any problem with your currently fluid ? if not leave it alone.

 

[901Memphis]

I'm using Supertech Dex 6 in my Buick, 4T65E, and i think next time im going with maxlife since the shifts feel harder with the Dex 6, but it could just be my specific transmission. The fluid itself is high quality, but feel is important to me.

 

[martinq]

Originally Posted By: sciphi
Maxlife ATF. Don't bother with Dex-VI, just run Maxlife ATF.

Yes to this.

Dex6 is also good but it's usually priced higher and doesn't cover the same performance range as MaxLife. The more important thing is to get your transmission fluid cleaned up. This means paying attention to filters and magnets as well as the fluid quality.

 

[martinq]

Originally Posted By: MetalSlug
any problem with your currently fluid ? if not leave it alone.

You would never know unless you had it tested and included the particle count.

 

[dnewton3]

Generally Dex VI is backwards compatible with many older GM applications. The one caveat I'll warn about is the Allison 1000/2000 series trannies prior to 2007; they have seal compatibility issues that Allison specifically warns about, although GM ignores. Other than that, you'd likely be fine.

 

[WishIhadatruck]

I've run it in two vehicles, no issues at all. My Buick with the 4L60E trans, I started using it around 110k miles maybe? I don't recall exactly, it has 178k miles on it now with 8k miles of that towing my 5600 lb travel trailer.

I also ran Dex VI in my Grand Prix with the 4T65E trans from 90k to 180k with a better UOA than M1 ATF (Dex IIIh at the time) that was run before. Since 180k I've been running D4 and D6 from Redline as an experiment. No change from the Dex VI. A good running trans won't care. Dex III fluids shear down to less than the starting viscosity of the Dex VI fluids anyway.

Here is my UOA comparing M1 Dex III ATF to Dex VI ATF.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2705927

 

[Whitewolf]

Go to DEXRON-VI is my advice.

 

[oilmutt]

Made first atf change at 125k,from dexron3 to dexron6, at 135k trany shift real smooth on our 2005 Saturn