Most special transmission fluids aren't very special, and many times different manufactures will share the exact same transmission and insist you must use their special fluid or else. For instance for the Mercedes 5G Tronic (aka Chrysler NAG1), in a Mercedes application they insist on special Shell ATF 134 while in a Chrysler application you must use ATF +4.
What makes lifeguard 8 special?
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I want to believe in Maxlife. I wish they could show the results of testing their fluids in different transmissionsExactly. Just like Lubegard Complete Synthetic Power Steering Fluid that's literally compatible with every single car except Honda/Acura. It also specifically states it works with cars that call for CHF hydraulic fluid. So, exactly how different are all these power steering systems? Well, who knows, I bet it would even work fine in a Honda/Acura... a power steering system is a power steering system.
At the end of the day these transmissions are all functionally similar and the fluid performs the same basic functions in the transmission. I believe that Valvoline would stand behind their product if you could PROVE it caused the failure. Keep in mind that the majority of people are changing or adding ATF because something isn't right with the tranny, so "my 300k 4l60e died 100 miles after I put in Valvoline Maxlife ATF" well there's a large chance the tranny died not because of the fluid, but because it's worn out. I would say the folks on here that are simply servicing their ATF on a regular basis for proper maintenance reasons are the MINORITY and for those folks, well, if you go on the Valvoline website and look at the complete listing for the types of ATF it can replace, if your fluid spec is on there, you're fine to use it. Most people either never touch it or take it to the shop. Oh, and guess what fluid the shops buy from me? Valvoline Maxlife
MB 236.10-236.14 are all dexron variants and ATF+4 is very different from them. the NAG1 apparently just doesn’t care, whereas a mopar designed transmission absolutely required ATF+4
I'd pass on Maxlife in the ZF unit and the NAG1. Opinions vary, and transmissions aren't cheap. For me the risk reward ratio is not worth it. I'd shop around for the recommended fluids and use them. JMO.
Yes I agree that ATF +4 is quite different from a typical Dexron variant, but the NAG1 is hardly a unicorn in just not caring what manufacturer specific fluid you run it on. There plenty of Jatco, Aisin, etc automatics out there used by multple OEM's that also just don't care if you use their specific special OE fluid. Also most Mopar designed automatics won't care if you don't use ATF +4, it's just the modern (and very fragile) FWD Ultradrive's and the RFE's that are picky.
Why didn't anyone except me give you a 'like' for this very useful contribution?
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Because we already know ZF says to only use their fluid??Why didn't anyone except me give you a 'like' for this very useful contribution?
what did we expect?
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So, I was wondering if Pennzoil's MultiVechicle ATF was recommended for ZF 8 speed. Do they just say this because they make the Lifeguard fluid? Hmm
Castrol does not have a reccomendation for the ZF 8 speed. They say that it's compatible for Euro 6 speeds.
Castrol does not have a reccomendation for the ZF 8 speed. They say that it's compatible for Euro 6 speeds.
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Liqui Moly sells a LG8 for $6/liter
not recommending MB 236.12-14 is obvious sales pitch for ATF 134 which they sell under their own brand.
LG8 isn’t a ULV fluid as they claim. its kv40 and 100 are identical to LG6. it does have a better pour point though
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The top tech 1800?
Ya. LM states it is suitable.
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Seems like another universal atf with dex vi and mercon lv.
I wouldn’t have any problem using other fluids if the fluid manufacturer recommends it.
I would go with Reline d6, Maxlife, and maybe LM 1800.
And there's me thinking ATF+4 and MB236.10 were basically the same fluid. Oh well, back to the land of confusion
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Ravenol ATF 8HP Fluid - proprietary ATF developed for ZF 8HP series 8HP45, 8HP55, 6HP26, 8HP70, 8HP90, as well as ZF 6HP series 6HP19X, 6HP19A, 6HP28AF, pourpoint -57°C/-71°F.
https://www.ravenolamerica.com/passenger-car-products/atf-fluid-ravenol-8hp-fluid/
https://www.ravenol.de/en/product-r...omatic-transmissions-1/ravenol-atf-8hp-fluid/
I find it still very useful and worth appreciating. There's more info than that included. No worries.
https://www.ravenolamerica.com/passenger-car-products/atf-fluid-ravenol-8hp-fluid/
https://www.ravenol.de/en/product-r...omatic-transmissions-1/ravenol-atf-8hp-fluid/
I find it still very useful and worth appreciating. There's more info than that included. No worries.
I am on team OEM.
I still would like to know how aftermarket can spec 1 fluid for all subaru CVT.. when subaru has 3 or 4 different ones and using the wrong one can blow them up(eventually). I guess they are just that good right? AMIRIGHT? /sarcasm
I suppose I would consider aftermarket alternatives that are JUST for LG8
I am not saying that they dont work in some just not convinced in the case of the LG8
It is extremely disappointing that its 30$/qt and only semi-syn.
I still would like to know how aftermarket can spec 1 fluid for all subaru CVT.. when subaru has 3 or 4 different ones and using the wrong one can blow them up(eventually). I guess they are just that good right? AMIRIGHT? /sarcasm
I suppose I would consider aftermarket alternatives that are JUST for LG8
I am not saying that they dont work in some just not convinced in the case of the LG8
It is extremely disappointing that its 30$/qt and only semi-syn.
I can verify that this is EXPENSIVE...really expensive. Especially if you are talking hundreds of thousands of miles durability and performance whether in vehicles or on dynamometers. That's why manufacturers establish fluid specs.
Now some manufacturers want to control the supply (and make the all profit) so they are reluctant to let the aftermarket in. I tend to avoid those manufacturers when I buy a vehicle.
Yep. Labeled as Mercon SP.
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OK, here's my conclusion and findings.
Many manufactures offer a low viscosity multi vehicle ATF which they recommend for ZF 6 and 8 speed - some being Dex VI and Mercon LV approved, and some not. I highly doubt that all of these manufactures would recommend an ATF that would not work correctly for the recommended application. However, let's look at what ZF tells you to use.
They want you to use Lifeguard 8 fluid.
FCP Euro has the ZF Lifeguard 8 for 24.09 a quart. On your second drain and fill - fill the old LG 8 containers with the old fluid and send the containers back. You can also send the old pan/filter back to them each time as well. Then, FCP will refund the cost.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/lifeguard-8-automatic-transmission-fluid-1-liter-s67109031201
https://www.fcpeuro.com/page/lifetime-guarantee
If you are still set on using another fluid, you have many options.
Here are the products that have a recommendation for the ZF 6 and 8 speed transmissions:
Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Synthetic - 16.09 qt/63.19 gallon/154.30 2.5 gallons
https://www.amsoil.com/p/signature-...tomatic-transmission-fluid-atl/?code=ATLQT-EA
Castrol Transmax MV - 7.94 qt
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Castrol-...utomatic-Transmission-Fluid-1-Quart/347996675
Liqui Moly TOP TEC 1800 ATF - 6.59 qts
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/top-tec-atf-1800-1-liter-liqui-moly-lm20032
Redline D6 - 13.79 qt/ 51.95 gallon
https://www.redlineoil.com/d6-atf
Pentosin ATF 8 - 16.69 qt/ 67.49 5 qts
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/atf8-automatic-transmission-fluid-pentosin-1058110#description
Motul VI - 7.95 qt
https://www.motul.com/us/en/products/atf-vi
Valvoline Maxlife - 4.46 qt/ 17.97 Ga
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Valvolin...utomatic-Transmission-Fluid-ATF-1-GA/15125768
Many manufactures offer a low viscosity multi vehicle ATF which they recommend for ZF 6 and 8 speed - some being Dex VI and Mercon LV approved, and some not. I highly doubt that all of these manufactures would recommend an ATF that would not work correctly for the recommended application. However, let's look at what ZF tells you to use.
They want you to use Lifeguard 8 fluid.
FCP Euro has the ZF Lifeguard 8 for 24.09 a quart. On your second drain and fill - fill the old LG 8 containers with the old fluid and send the containers back. You can also send the old pan/filter back to them each time as well. Then, FCP will refund the cost.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/lifeguard-8-automatic-transmission-fluid-1-liter-s67109031201
https://www.fcpeuro.com/page/lifetime-guarantee
If you are still set on using another fluid, you have many options.
Here are the products that have a recommendation for the ZF 6 and 8 speed transmissions:
Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Synthetic - 16.09 qt/63.19 gallon/154.30 2.5 gallons
https://www.amsoil.com/p/signature-...tomatic-transmission-fluid-atl/?code=ATLQT-EA
Castrol Transmax MV - 7.94 qt
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Castrol-...utomatic-Transmission-Fluid-1-Quart/347996675
Liqui Moly TOP TEC 1800 ATF - 6.59 qts
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/top-tec-atf-1800-1-liter-liqui-moly-lm20032
Redline D6 - 13.79 qt/ 51.95 gallon
https://www.redlineoil.com/d6-atf
Pentosin ATF 8 - 16.69 qt/ 67.49 5 qts
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/atf8-automatic-transmission-fluid-pentosin-1058110#description
Motul VI - 7.95 qt
https://www.motul.com/us/en/products/atf-vi
Valvoline Maxlife - 4.46 qt/ 17.97 Ga
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Valvolin...utomatic-Transmission-Fluid-ATF-1-GA/15125768
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