(TRANSMISSION) Automatic transmission fluid specifications

 
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Old 03-16-07 | 06:43 PM
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(TRANSMISSION) Automatic transmission fluid specifications

I changed my trans fluid and filter and I had some quarts of Type F trans fluid so I used them(which is what the manual calls for)...Now DexronIII has taken it's place correct? Well I didn't have quite enough Type F but wondering if I should pour in some dexIII w/it to get me to the fill line? Or drain it again and use dexIII? I burned the trans out of my Escort by using the wrong fluid, it instantly started acting up and then started shifting late and hard, by the time I got back home it was toast so I want to be sure about my RX7 tranny cause I hated my escort, I love my 7.
Old 03-16-07 | 06:51 PM
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Well I didn't run it long just barely warm but I would say it's about 1 quart down

Last edited by Rx-7Doctor; 03-17-07 at 12:49 AM.
Old 03-16-07 | 06:53 PM
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Is it at the cold mark with just barely warm?
Old 03-16-07 | 07:03 PM
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Originally Posted by FirebirdSlayer666
Is it at the cold mark with just barely warm?

There is no cold mark... There's a "L" mark and "F" mark and a "H" mark(low,full,high?)...it is just below the "L" mark. Just didn't want to mix type F w/DexIII if it would cause any possible problems, any at all.
Old 03-16-07 | 07:10 PM
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Warm it up to operating temp and check it. I'm not real familiar with the FB auto trans stick but I check auto trannys all day long and if you feel uncomfortable adding the dex just make sure the fluid doesn't go below the L mark when fully warmed up. You can check with your local lube shop to have them look through their computers and proper manuals to see if the fluids can be mixed safely
Old 03-16-07 | 07:14 PM
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Originally Posted by FirebirdSlayer666
Warm it up to operating temp and check it. I'm not real familiar with the FB auto trans stick but I check auto trannys all day long and if you feel uncomfortable adding the dex just make sure the fluid doesn't go below the L mark when fully warmed up. You can check with your local lube shop to have them look through their computers and proper manuals to see if the fluids can be mixed safely

Yeah I'll check it out, I got the type F from my dad, I went to auto zone earlier and the guy was a moron(I like autozone but I didn't like that retard)...BTW they didn't have any type F...do they still make it? I know the F type that my dad gave me was old
Old 03-16-07 | 07:25 PM
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Last I knew, type F was still available. I haven't looked in about a year, though....
Old 03-16-07 | 07:32 PM
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type F was used in fords many years ago and is still available. dexron III with mercon replaced dexron II which was used in the RX-7 in the 80's. obviously chrysler atf +3 was used in earlier chrysler and jeep vehicles. as a note, a lot of power steering systems also take dexron III.
Old 03-16-07 | 08:00 PM
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My clymer says type F(1979-1985), Autozone computer said dextron III. And dextron took place of most everything so I just accepted the info as fact. but now I'm worried about mixing them or even running Dextron III
Old 03-16-07 | 08:09 PM
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I'm just not positive about mixing Dex and Type F. mazdaverx713b is right though, most power steering systems take Dex excpet Honda's. They have their own power steering fluid.

Last edited by Rx-7Doctor; 03-17-07 at 12:51 AM.
Old 03-16-07 | 08:15 PM
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[I'm just not positive about mixing Dex and Type F. mazdaverx713b is right though, most power steering systems take Dex excpet Honda's. They have their own power steering fluid.[/QUOTE]


1) Mixing the two is exactly what I'm worried about.
2) I'm aware of PS using ATF but power steering systems are nothing like transmissions
No offense but I think I've found a question that noone can answer.
I called 4 autoparts stores late this afternoon and Mazda and noone knows anything.

Last edited by Rx-7Doctor; 03-17-07 at 12:53 AM.
Old 03-16-07 | 08:30 PM
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you're best bet is calling a transmission shop and asking the the specific differences and why you can or cannot mix the two fluids. i personally wouldn't mix the the fluids unless you have a definitive answer on whether its safe to mix the two. i don't know the answer, as i'm not an auto trans expert. i only own vehicles that have a manual trans. i despise auotmatics.
Old 03-16-07 | 09:16 PM
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but for now I need to know about the type F v/s dexIII
Old 03-17-07 | 12:44 AM
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Ok guys, sorry I was not home today to see this.

Type F which is now type FA and DexronIII are 2 entirely different formulas.
1). They should never be mixed.
2). They should never be substituted for either one.

Type F or FA as it is now called has a higher temperature rating and a Friction agent in it. DexronIII does not have this and obviously has a lower temp rating.

Valve bodies in all A/T transmissions are a very sensitive component. Internal pressures that are regulated by various check *****, shift valves, and a whole bunch of other precise metering components generate different internal temps depending on how it is engineered. Also the type of clutches that are in the transmission require certain types of additives to be compatable with not only the clutch material but the overall function of the hydraulics in the trans. This is why you have a variety of fluids today such as the ATF+3, Ap3,AP4, BMW's own type, and alot more including Honda's own which is basically a Motor oil.

Moral of story, use what is intended for the car.
The best additive for a A/T that you can add is Lubegards A/T fluid protectant which is one of the few additives that is OEM approved from the manufacture.
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Old 03-17-07 | 09:03 AM
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Originally Posted by rx7doctor
Ok guys, sorry I was not home today to see this.

Type F which is now type FA and DexronIII are 2 entirely different formulas.
1). They should never be mixed.
2). They should never be substituted for either one.

Type F or FA as it is now called has a higher temperature rating and a Friction agent in it. DexronIII does not have this and obviously has a lower temp rating.

Valve bodies in all A/T transmissions are a very sensitive component. Internal pressures that are regulated by various check *****, shift valves, and a whole bunch of other precise metering components generate different internal temps depending on how it is engineered. Also the type of clutches that are in the transmission require certain types of additives to be compatable with not only the clutch material but the overall function of the hydraulics in the trans. This is why you have a variety of fluids today such as the ATF+3, Ap3,AP4, BMW's own type, and alot more including Honda's own which is basically a Motor oil.

Moral of story, use what is intended for the car.
The best additive for a A/T that you can add is Lubegards A/T fluid protectant which is one of the few additives that is OEM approved from the manufacture.
Doc you make it look so easy...stop it, you make us feel dumb
Ok that is exactly what I need to know...type F it is!
Old 03-17-07 | 08:14 PM
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Originally Posted by FirebirdSlayer666
Actually I wouldn't be so quick to jump. Checked with the lube gods and it is okay to mix the two. Dexron III replaced the Type F fluid and was made to be safely used in transmissions that used Type F. Since it was made to be compatible it is safe to mix, especially since it is only a quart or less.

Shouldn't matter if it was only "one quart or less" or 3 quarts if it's compatible. right?
I found out that they do still make Type F, so I'll have to get a few.
You know that makes me wonder why do they still make type F if DexIII replaced it? Especially if DexIII is "better".

Dextron-III Mercon says approved for use in transmissions requiring:
DextronIII
Dextron IIE
Dextron IID
Dextron
Mercon
Ford M2C166-H
Ford M2C138CJ
G.M. Dextron III approval #H-36174
Ford Mercon Approval #M041124
Allison C4 Approval #C4-30882004
(I just don't see where it says," type F"...the DexIII w/"Mercon" was made to replace type F in Fords.

It also says: Always consult your owners manual for specific recommendations.

And my manual says type F and it was updated in Dec.1987 so I don't know what all is or is not compatible?
I worked all day today on the car(finally got my carb fixed)so I guess I'll have to wait until monday to do some more research on it. I've already changed tranny filter and modulator and spent about 2 hours on the whole deal, did the pan perfect(won't be any tranny leaks)...I would just hate to have to pull that pan again. But since type F is still made I'll get some but I still want to know for sure, it has become the principal of the thing at this point you know?
I hope the lube gods that you're referring to don't work at a Jiffy Lube? That's like asking a water-softner salesman how many parts-per-million of iron will the system remove, what Ph level can I expect and should I install a sodium carbonate pump into the system?
Old 03-17-07 | 08:35 PM
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And if I write Dextron instead of Dexron one more time I'm gonna punch myself.
Old 03-17-07 | 08:43 PM
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Found this interesting info on google...(still searching)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID

Selecting the right protection for your automatic transmission. Selecting the proper quality of ATF is not as easy as it once was. In the past, ATF came in two types; DEXRON/MERCON or ATF Type F. However, as transmissions become more advanced, automobile manufacturers have introduced fluids specifically designed for their transmissions. Always check your owners' manual for the required type of ATF.

Here are the most commonly specified ATFs:

DEXRON-III. This is a specification for General Motors vehicles, but many foreign manufactures specify a DEXRON approved ATF as well. DEXRON-III can be used in transmissions that call for DEXRON-IIE or DEXRON-II.

MERCON. Most late model Ford vehicles specify a MERCON ATF. Most ATF's that meet DEXRON-III also meet the MERCON requirements.

Type F. Type F is specifically designed for all pre-1977 Ford vehicles and some makes between 1977 and 1981. Effective March 1997, Ford discontinued administration of approvals for Type F fluids. However, there are still many vehicles on the road that use Type F. Type F and MERCON fluids are not interchangeable.

ATF+3. Although Chrysler has always had their own ATF specifications for many years, it wasn't until 1997 that Chrysler owners' manuals no longer listed DEXRON as an acceptable replacement. ATF+3 is suitable in any application calling for ATF PLUS, ATF+2 or a Type 7176 fluid. Some Mitsubishi and Hyundai transmissions also call for a Type 7176 fluid.

MERCON V. Beginning in 1997, Ford began building transmissions for some of their large cars, trucks and vans that require a MERCON V fluid. MERCON V generally can not be used in transmissions that call for a MERCON ATF.

CHEVRON'S AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS. CHEVRON SUPREME AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID IS DEXRON-III AND MERCON approved and is formulated with special base oil for Supreme protection from heat, oxidation and wear.

Chevron ATF+3 is specially formulated to optimize performance of Chrysler transmissions and transaxles.

Chevron ATF TYPE F is a high friction ATF for older Fords that specifically call for a Type F fluid.
Old 03-17-07 | 08:51 PM
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This is from National car maintainance guide;

NOTE: Some newer vehicles with electronically-controlled transmissions require Dexron IIe or Dexron III fluid. GM says its new long-life Dexron III fluid can be substituted for Dexron II in older vehicle applications.

CAUTION: Using the wrong type of fluid can affect the way the transmission shifts and feels. Using Type F fluid in an application that calls for Dexron II may make the transmission shift too harshly. Using Dexron II in a transmission that requires Type F may allow the transmission to slip under heavy load, which can accelerate clutch wear.
Old 03-17-07 | 09:02 PM
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Type CJ -- Special Ford fluid for C6 transmissions. Similar to Dexron II. Must not be used in automatics that require Type F.

Type H -- Another limited Ford spec that differs from both Dexron and Type F. Can be replaced with Mercon.

Mercon -- Ford fluid introduced in 1987, very similar to Dexron II. Okay for all earlier Fords except those that require Type F.

So Mercon is Ford specific and is sold as DexIII Mercon in most auto parts stores...DexIII can replace DexII...DexII can NOT be used in automatic transmissions that require type F...that tells me DexII or III can not be combined, added to, or substituted for type F. (I guess unless it's a Ford and it contains Mercon)hmm
Man I should've googled yesterday.
You better go talk to those lube gods teach 'em a thing or two...Man I would have hated to rebuild a perfectly good tranny(72,00 original miles).
 




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