Valvoline MaxLife ATF now includes CVT applications (as of 2021, May), Date Codes

[martinq]

I just got through a rather frustrating chat with on this page:
Valvoline Multi-Vehicle (ATF) Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid

The question was regarding MaxLive ATF as it now supports CVT applications after a certain packaging date:

" * CVT recommendations for packaged goods (quarts, gallons, totes, ABB, Drums) are applicable if dated May 2021 or later. Bulk product may have been mixed with the previous formulation. Bulk fluid shipped after May 2021 has the new formulation, but the concentration of new formulation in a mixture with the previous formulation must be 95% or greater to meet the new CVT specifications. Do not use in CVT applications until 95% or greater formulation ratio is achieved."

The date codes I provided from the packaging were confirmed to be:
I2322C5 = September 23 2022
H1622C1 = August 16 2022

I hope this helps someone.

 

[The Critic]

Looks like Valvoline is now using Afton's HiTec 3488 DI pack?

One Universal ATF for CVT and Conventional Automatics

Found this during a google search: https://www.aftonchemical.com/Afton...TEC-3488/HiTEC-3488_PDS-web.pdf?ext=.pdf Using their new HiTech 3488 additive system, Afton claims it is possible to have one ATF fluid be compatible for both CVT's and traditional automatic transmissions. Currently, CVT...

bobistheoilguy.com

 

[martinq]

That's certainly one possibility.
Afton - HiTEC 3488 Multifunctional CVT / Step-AT Fluid Additive Package PDF

"HiTEC 3488 is a truly innovative Multifunctional CVT and Step Automatic
Transmission Fluid Additive Package designed to formulate transmission
f uids with group III base oil. HiTEC 3488 technology has been proven
in a comprehensive test program including vehicles, dynamometers
and rig test. Excellent performance data has been obtained in multiple
tests where CVTF or ATF specif cations or applications are called for or
referenced."

 

[JTK]

I don't see where Valvoline's online literature shows which CVT's Maxlife ATF covers, but it's just a matter of time before they offer a universal ATF/CVT fluid. We know Castrol already does offer this type of product.

 

[Trav]

Personally I wouldn't trust it anything as fragile as these cvt units, if I had one it would be OE fluid only. What is next with this stuff, can be used in place of Listerene mouth wash.
When they said it for use in dex III units with the half baked and bogus explanation that it will be when the dex III thins out from use because they red flagged for that claim. I never used it again, lack of trust in this company.

 

[justalubetech]

I'm sure it's been explained before, but I can't seem to wrap my head around how nearly every make/model/submodel specs a different fluid, yet maxlife can pretty much be used in everything

 

[KGMtech]

OEM NS3 or Idemitsu, or Eneos will be my choice, there is just too much anxiety in using one of these 'should be fine' solutions for a savings not much more than $25 per service on a CVT. Maybe I'm outdated or will be proven wrong soon, but for now I'm from Missouri.

 

[Sayjac]

I've used (and like) Maxlife MVFS ATF in multiple Honda vehicles with AT for a long time. That will continue.

That said, 'I would not use it in a CVT application, no matter what it says. Same goes for the Castrol AT and CVT fluid in one.

If 'I' was looking for a Valvoline CVT fluid, it would be the dedicated CVT fluid linked. In fact, I have used/am using it in a Nissan Rogue.

CVT Full Synthetic Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid - Valvoline™ Global

CVTs operate differently than automatic step transmissions, so they demand a different type of fluid. Valvoline Full Synthetic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Fluid is uniquely formulated for today’s CVT transmissions. Designed with premium synthetic base stocks, long life-friction...

www.valvoline.com

 

[BMW Dom]

BITOG is going to go crazy!!!

 

[RooflessVW]

When they said it for use in dex III units with the half baked and bogus explanation that it will be when the dex III thins out from use

That's what GM says about Dex VI though

 

[56Cummins]

"High steel on steel friction" for cvt performance. I won't use these mutt fluids.

 

[Hall]

I wonder what negative impact the addition of CVT compatibility will have on all of the various ATF applications

 

[Hall]

I just got through a rather frustrating chat with on this page:

What is frustrating ? If you're concerned about running across the old formulation, don't. If they've been shipping the new stuff for over 18 months now, anything on store shelves will be the new stuff. If they still have product almost 2 years old, shop elsewhere.

 

[xgmad]

man I just flushed my honda 5 speed amt trans with this stuff

 

[GSCJR]

I never used it again, lack of trust in this company.

Aw come on Trav! You sound like that guy that had his tranny let go in his Astro or Safari, and would bash ML any chance he'd get.

 

[Trav]

No I have used it in dex VI years ago applications but authentic dex VI is not much more. No blown tranny or damage.

That's what GM says about Dex VI though

I never read that. Any info other than it is backward compatible because they dont license dex III any longer. I use Amsoil ATF or Delvac 1 in dex III units, they don't thin down like the old stuff.

 

[CKN]

I'm sure it's been explained before, but I can't seem to wrap my head around how nearly every make/model/submodel specs a different fluid, yet maxlife can pretty much be used in everything

Put Maxlife in my wife's 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe that specs SP4. The Maxlife actually improved the shifting. The fluid has been in now for about 20,000 miles.

 

[MolaKule]

Hmm,
If applicable for CVT's, then why no reference to Nissan NS-3? NS-3 has been a flagship formulation for almost the whole industry in terms of CVT's.

Valvoline needs a new Techwriter.

I need more coffee!

US_Val_MLMultiVehicle_ATF_EN.pdf - DocuSign CLM

sharena21.springcm.com

 

[GSCJR]

If applicable for CVT's, then why no reference to Nissan NS-3?

It's there, I almost missed it too. CVTs are in the right column on the last page.

 

[BMW Dom]

Looks like this is the new packaging