What is the lightest/best cold flowing ATF?

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Johnny248

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I was wondering what is the best cold flowing ATF that is out there for use in a PS system. It has been anywhere from 0-15F here the last week or so, and I've noticed that after starting in the cold the PS is whines at startup, and figured a lighter atf (if there is such a thing) may help.

And is it ok to using something like Dexron 6 or another light viscosity fuel efficient type ATF in a p/s system that calls for ATF+4?

Thanks everyone
 
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what do you currently run as p/steering fluid?

Amsoil ATF covers Chrysler ATF+4.
 
Amsoil ATF is more like Dex/Merc; it doesn't really meet ATF+4. It would work in a PSF application though but I wouldn't use it in an ATF+4 transmission (some are heavily picky).

But semantics aside I did my research on this, the best I've so far found is, well, ATF+4. The cold flow characteristics of it are fantastic as its a full synthetic on its own. Its also thinner then Dex/Merc at operating temps, too.

Short of Pentosin fluids for Merc's and Euro's, which, are expensive and could be incompatible, least thats what I've come to hear.
 
Originally Posted By: RiceCake
Amsoil ATF is more like Dex/Merc; it doesn't really meet ATF+4. It would work in a PSF application though but I wouldn't use it in an ATF+4 transmission (some are heavily picky).

But semantics aside I did my research on this, the best I've so far found is, well, ATF+4. The cold flow characteristics of it are fantastic as its a full synthetic on its own. Its also thinner then Dex/Merc at operating temps, too.

Short of Pentosin fluids for Merc's and Euro's, which, are expensive and could be incompatible, least thats what I've come to hear.


I have Amsoil in my Jeep and soon in Dodge Ram. No problems. In my estimation, if its listed by Amsoil for your application, it will work in a superior manner.
 
Originally Posted By: Donald
I have Amsoil in my Jeep and soon in Dodge Ram. No problems. In my estimation, if its listed by Amsoil for your application, it will work in a superior manner.


Hoh, you have fun with that one. Find someone who owns a 41TE transmission then and tell them they don't need to use ATF+4 in it. You'll get an earful. Its impossible for an ATF suitable in a Dex/Merc application to somehow also suit the thinner, more friction modified ATF+4 specification.

But if you trust Amsoil, go for it, just warning you not to tell other people its going to be fine, there's tons of documented cases of Dex/Merc/Universal ATF's biting at Dodge transmissions in a bad way. Amsoil only makes blanket statements because their ATF is a jack of all trades: its not a licensed ATF+4.
 
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Could the fluid just be worn out? I was getting some noise at start up in my Caravan that also uses ATF +4 in the power steering. I changed out the fluid with Valvoline ATF+4 and the noise has gone away completely.
 
It looks like Say Castrol or Valv ATF+4 has a lower visc @ 40 than the ATF Multi Fluid, and the VI is higher than the Amosil Multi ATF. So in theory, either of this should be better in the cold? I'm not sure how much of a difference 33 compared to 38 visc means, or 206 vs 163 on the Vi??
 
Originally Posted By: fisher83
Could the fluid just be worn out? I was getting some noise at start up in my Caravan that also uses ATF +4 in the power steering. I changed out the fluid with Valvoline ATF+4 and the noise has gone away completely.


It only does it when it is very cold out, and only until it warms up a little bit. Normally there are no issues. Steering works great, It just has that sound of cold thick fluid trying to pump through the system when its very cold. Just bothers be a little bit. It has been below 10deg out lately and that's when I notice it. Say after sitting all night and starting it in the am.
 
In cold or hot temps Mobil 1 ATF is outstanding in PS pumps and trans. I nver hear PS whine in Fords. I have been using this ATF for 20 years or so and never had a pump failure. I do the turkey baster method every oil change. Works for me.
 
I believe that Red Line C+, D6, ATF, and D4 has everyone beat for cold flow, shear-resistance and durability (D6 would be my pick). It's definitely up to task for pretty much anything that's on the road.
http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=115&pcid=9

Following that I would look at Red Line power steering fluid, Amsoils' ATF/power steering fluid, Mobil 1 ATF.

A unique exception is the Pentosin CHF hydraulic fluids which have a truely amazing VI rating.
http://pentosin.net/f_hydraulicfluid.asp

The power steering fluid fluids from Red Line, Amsoil, etc should be superior for a power-steering application. I would prefer to have one fluid that would fill the ATF/power steering fluid role and for that I'd choose D6.

When was the fluid changed last? What fluid is in there now?

It could be that you just need to put a decent/fresh charge in there and I've been very happy with the results from Valvoline MaxLife ATF.
 
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Originally Posted By: tig1
In cold or hot temps Mobil 1 ATF is outstanding in PS pumps and trans. ... I do the turkey baster method every oil change.

+1 for both of these.

I prefer to do a complete flush of the PS and put magnets in the PS reservoir (pull & clean them w doing the flush) but that aside, the advice from 'tig1' is tops.
 
I would guess whatever is in the Mazda Skyactiv ATX would be the lightest/thinnest out there.
 
^That would be Mazda ATF-FZ. It is dyed blue instead of red and Mazda claims it to be ultra low viscosity. I have not seen it or anything equivalent in the aftermarket but I'm sure it's just a matter of time.
 
Looks like the Mazda ATF-FZ is their version of Dex6 type of fluid (ie, high-quality, low-shear). I very much doubt it has the cold-flow performance of the Red Line fluids. Here's a product that supports it but I don't read the language.
http://www.midlandoil.cz/

Google translate says this:

"
Midland Sensomatic ATF

Top modern low viscosity ATF fluid.
Midland Sensomatic is full synthetic low viscosity ATF fluid newest generation that fulfills specifications
and performance requirements of leading manufacturers of automatic převodovek. Má excellent thermal stability
and low temperature properties compared to conventional oils for automatic transmissions.

Benefits:
- Saves fuel efficiency due to the low viscosity (lower friction)
- Excellent thermal stability and oxidation resistance
- Soft and smooth gear changes with no jerking at all temperatures and loads
- Excellent performance at low temperatures
- No oil foaming thanks to anti-foam
- Friendly seal and simeringům over conventional oils
- Purity = no residue and sludge

Specifications:

• Dexron VI (GM)
• Hyundai/KIA/Mitsubishi SP-IV
• JASO 1A • Mazda ATF-FZ
• Mercon LV/Mercon SP (Ford)
• MB Approval 236.12, 236.14, 236.15
• Nissan Matic S
• Toyota WS (JWS 3324/NWS 9638)
"
 
Originally Posted By: badtlc
The OEM fluid looks to be about $10/qt online

That's a bit more than your typical Dexron VI type fluid but is about right for an OEM supplied bottle.
 
Originally Posted By: DBMaster
Where did you find that online listing for the Mazda OEM fluid?


Google the part # without the dashes.
 
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