Using ATF +3 or +4 in a Dexron III application
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It might be too slippery, but it might work fine...it's a good product. I would just grab some Dex VI for the trans, since it's so rarly serviced, cost should not be an issue. Use the ATF+4 for the PSF.
Yes, I have a few qts. of Mopar ATF +4 that I would like to use. I also have a few qts. of ATF +3 left over from my old Hyundai that I would like to get rid of. That's why I'd use it in the Saturn M/T if it was at least as good as Dex III.
PS: A well respected BITOGer has already told me it would work OK but I want to hear other opinions too.
PS: A well respected BITOGer has already told me it would work OK but I want to hear other opinions too.
They say not to use Dex V1 in Dex III applications for manual shifted cars. Its back compatible for autos though.
I would only use dex III or MTL by redline. The D4 isnt much of an improvement.
I would only use dex III or MTL by redline. The D4 isnt much of an improvement.
I'm going to be very cautious here. Your results may vary.
ATF+3 and ATF+4 seem to be very much like Dexron III. The biggest difference seems to be the level of friction modifier.
Many Chrysler products with manual transmissions call for ATF+3 or ATF+4. Most generally, manual transmissions will function fine on a wide variety of fluids.
With this thinking in mind, I tried ATF+3 in my Ford Contour several years ago as a replacement for the factory installed Mercon/Dexron III. The higher level of friction modifier actually was a great improvement and it overcame the natural notchyness of my transmission.
I believe there is little or no risk in using the fluid for the application you have in mind, but I also stress that the risk is yours.
ATF+3 and ATF+4 seem to be very much like Dexron III. The biggest difference seems to be the level of friction modifier.
Many Chrysler products with manual transmissions call for ATF+3 or ATF+4. Most generally, manual transmissions will function fine on a wide variety of fluids.
With this thinking in mind, I tried ATF+3 in my Ford Contour several years ago as a replacement for the factory installed Mercon/Dexron III. The higher level of friction modifier actually was a great improvement and it overcame the natural notchyness of my transmission.
I believe there is little or no risk in using the fluid for the application you have in mind, but I also stress that the risk is yours.
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My understanding is that the additive package in ATF+4 is such that it is much more friction modified than Dexron-esque fluids, as well as as being more thermally stable.
This is why there are no multi-vehicle ATF's that include ATF+4 as one of the ATF's they can substitute for.
This is why there are no multi-vehicle ATF's that include ATF+4 as one of the ATF's they can substitute for.
I went ahead and changed it using regular Shell ATF which had verbiage stating "for use in vehicles previously serviceable with Dexron III/Mercon fluid".
I'll find a use for that ATF +3 eventually.
One thing I learned over at the Saturnfans forum is to fill the M/T so that the fluid is in the middle of the cross-hatched area on the dipstick (not to the top). That forum is full of useful info for Saturn owners.
Thanks again for your replies.
I'll find a use for that ATF +3 eventually.
One thing I learned over at the Saturnfans forum is to fill the M/T so that the fluid is in the middle of the cross-hatched area on the dipstick (not to the top). That forum is full of useful info for Saturn owners.
Thanks again for your replies.
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