Thinking about having my trans fluid changed this weekend (not flushed) and there are several places Im considering taking it to. My main concern is just whether its a standard Mercon/Dexron type thing, or whether its "special" fluid like the stuff in the Transfer case. If it is, Ill have to take it to the dealership or buy the fluid and take it somewhere.
What is the recommended fluid type for 02-06 Transmissions?
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
I believe the recommended fluid is Class "V" Mercon. I haven't changed the fluid in my '05 yet, but I always used synthetic tranny fluid in my '00. I used Red Line, Mobil1, and Valvoline. The synthetic will offer much grater temperature resistance than standard tranny fluid and extended drain intervals. The synthetic costs more, but is cheap insurance. I'm sure that others on the forum have favorite brands, but where I live the selection isn't always the best.
Ill use it so long as I can get a synthetic thats compatible outside of the dealer. One place I checked uses BG for example, another has their own brand.
Good. I wont worry about it too much then. Ill just go synthetic and get the most reasonable deal I can find. Just wanted to make sure it wasnt like the T-Case fluid.
Up to '06 uses Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid.
GM is using a new Dexron VI that is backwards compatible in the '07 and up 6L80. (Escalade, Corvette, STS-V and XLR-V)
Do not, for the love of Pete, use Dex III in one of those trannies or you'll be in big trouble!
I think they are using Dex VI in other transmissions too, but the one above I am 100% sure of.
GM is using a new Dexron VI that is backwards compatible in the '07 and up 6L80. (Escalade, Corvette, STS-V and XLR-V)
Do not, for the love of Pete, use Dex III in one of those trannies or you'll be in big trouble!
I think they are using Dex VI in other transmissions too, but the one above I am 100% sure of.
FYI, for those looking for an aftermarket alternative to the new Dexron VI, the AMSOIL ATF Carl mentioned above has been recently reformulated by AMSOIL and is now recommended for applications requiring Dexron III as well as the newer Dexron VI. I just put four quarts of this in my 06 CTS-V tranny this weekend.
Joined
·
5,329 Posts
According to GM, the Dexron VI is the fluid to use and it is compatible with the Dexron III and can be used in all GM trannies old and new. Go with either the Dexron VI (if you want to stick with the factory fluid as it isn't that bad), Mobil 1 ATF, Amsoil, etc. If you do go fully synthetic like with the Mobil 1 or Amsoil, make sure to go a complete flush and not just a drain and re-fill or you won't have a true synthetic fill.
SG
SG
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
