92DripCherokee
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Tampa, Florida
Comment on why you chose a fluid.
Last edited:
-
Welcome to the new NAXJA Forum! If your password does not work, please use "Forgot your password?" link on the log-in page. Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] if we can provide any assistance.
Trans Fluid Poll
- Thread starter 92DripCherokee
- Start date
xj88superjeep
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- NJ
ATF+4 Isn't that the recommended fluid?
92DripCherokee
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Tampa, Florida
yes, ATF+4 is the recommended fluid for the AW-4 as of 2007. That's a reversal, and a red flag.
since the earlier tsb from 2006 specifically excluded the AW-4 transmission from the compatible list.
Right after DC was bought by the Cerberus bean counters...they get stupid and try to
cull the jeep herd again.
Collective experience on the Naxja board says use Dex III, and change frequently any way you please.
I'm going for cheap Coastal Dexron III, at $11 a gallon. $2.75 per quart with no special additives. I expect it to be cooked right on time at 25k.
I'd love to try Dexron-VI in a winter freeze...anyone want to bet their transmission on a $6 per quart fluid?
since the earlier tsb from 2006 specifically excluded the AW-4 transmission from the compatible list.
Right after DC was bought by the Cerberus bean counters...they get stupid and try to
cull the jeep herd again.
Collective experience on the Naxja board says use Dex III, and change frequently any way you please.
I'm going for cheap Coastal Dexron III, at $11 a gallon. $2.75 per quart with no special additives. I expect it to be cooked right on time at 25k.
I'd love to try Dexron-VI in a winter freeze...anyone want to bet their transmission on a $6 per quart fluid?
Last edited:
playwithit
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Fairfield, CA
Before I read the "DO NOT USE ATF+4", I did a transmission service on a perfectly good AW4. Earlier on I installed a Tranny cooler and gauge. Temp was great. Rarely got above 155*. Changed filter, fluid (ATF+4).
Next day on the way to work, temp went to 180*+ coming down a grade and would not shift out of second. Thought I screwed up the simple filter change. Bought some cheap Dex III rated fluid and drained what I could and replaced at lunch.
Transmission was better, but still not good. Drained and refilled multiple times and now is good as new.
60 bucks in fluid later=lesson learned
Next day on the way to work, temp went to 180*+ coming down a grade and would not shift out of second. Thought I screwed up the simple filter change. Bought some cheap Dex III rated fluid and drained what I could and replaced at lunch.
Transmission was better, but still not good. Drained and refilled multiple times and now is good as new.
60 bucks in fluid later=lesson learned
JNickel101
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Alamogordo, NM
Recommended per who? Anyone who actually wants to keep their AW4 in operating condition will NOT use ATF+4.
But of course Chrysler knows that most (if not all) AW4s are in vehicles that no longer have a powertrain warranty....
So...of course Chrysler will recommend the wrong type of fluid. They know if you run it, it will make your AW4 shit the bed......then they can claim that your 8-20 year old tranny needs replaced/rebuilt for a few thousand $$$, OR, hey, we have this shiney new JK on the lot that you can drive away today....and they'll give you a "deal" on your "antiquated" XJ.
- Location
- Southern Maryland
It's Dexron VI (6) not Dexron-IV (4)
I use Dexron VI because it is licensed. Other stuff is what the vendor tells you is close enough to be "compatible" according to the vendor's standards and cost effective according to the vendor's standards. I also use VI because it is backwards compatible with Dexron III according to GM, who would have a whole shitload of trouble if the stuff was blowing up trannies.
I use Dexron VI because it is licensed. Other stuff is what the vendor tells you is close enough to be "compatible" according to the vendor's standards and cost effective according to the vendor's standards. I also use VI because it is backwards compatible with Dexron III according to GM, who would have a whole shitload of trouble if the stuff was blowing up trannies.
ParadiseXJ
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Paradise, CA 95969
Chilton's manual sez:
AW4
Use Dex II only. Dex II went to Dex III. So's I use Dex III. Simple enough.
AW4
Use Dex II only. Dex II went to Dex III. So's I use Dex III. Simple enough.
5-90
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Hammerspace
All of your readers (including me!) would very much like to know where you get the +3/+4 information - is it a TSB or something? Have you a copy? I know I'd like to see it...
ATF +3/+4 is a late-spec Chrysler fluid - which is all well and good, but the AW4 is a Toyota transmission. Until rather recently, all Toyota slushboxes used Dexron II/IIE/III, and the Mercon V and Dexron VI are supposed to be reverse-compatible with Dexron spec back to II. In fact, if you look at the drain plug, it has "DII" stamped into the surface!
So, if you have a TSB or something that shows the sudden shift to +4, please do post it - or at least email it to me so I can see it and host it somewhere temporarily for review. But, I know that the most of the AW4s used by Chrysler/Jeep were earlier than 2007, so the Dexron II/IIE/III/V/VI should still be in place - and, as mentioned, they're out of warranty now (which might explain the reversal. Most of a transmission overhaul is labour, and labour is where shops make money. Two hours out, two hours in, and eight to twelve on the bench!)
@88xjsuperjeep - Do Not Use ATF +3/+4! Especially if your rig is an 88, per your sig - use Dexron II/IIE/III/V/VI/Mercon (whatever you can find locally - probably Dexron III, Dexron V, or Mercon V) in your slushbox. The hassle about getting rid of the wrong fluid is due to the fact that a fluid change in an automatic gets about half of the fluid out at best - because there's at least a gallon that stays in the torque converter, and there's anywhere between a pint and a half-gallon staying in the hydraulics (depending on model. The AW4 holds four quarts in the TC and most of another quart in the hydraulics.) So you see what happens there - and why it would take several changes to get the concentration of the "wrong" additives down to where it's not a problem anymore. The problem with +3/+4 is that the friction modifiers - needed to make the clutches work - are all wrong for the composition used, and that leads to chatter, slip, and/or outright failure to grab.
Just about all of the FSMs I have say to use Dexron/Mercon fluid in the AW4, the AW4 itself sez to use Dexron II, and Toyota sez to use Dexron in the thing - so Dexron it is!
NB: your transfer case won't care, you can use +3/+4 in there if you have any left. Once you've run out, go back to DII in there, and simplify your logistical train. The transfer case doesn't have clutches in it, and you get all but about a couple of ounces of fluid out of there when you change it anyhow. It's there for lubrication, and that's pretty much it.
RCP Phx
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Phoenix,Az
I use Amsoil Synthetic!
- Location
- Antioch, CA
Yes Chrysler now recommends ATF+4 for the AW4 trans.
Why you ask?
Because of the fact that Dexron VI is now fully synthetic. As is ATF+4. There isn't much difference between the two now days, so why not recommend your own brand of fluid?
Personally I hate AW4 transmissions. So run whatever you feel like and hope for the best.
I would find some Dexron II or III and run that before anything else.
Why you ask?
Because of the fact that Dexron VI is now fully synthetic. As is ATF+4. There isn't much difference between the two now days, so why not recommend your own brand of fluid?
Personally I hate AW4 transmissions. So run whatever you feel like and hope for the best.
I would find some Dexron II or III and run that before anything else.
- Location
- NE Texas
hmm i just did a TC swap and drained the tranny. refilled BOTH with ATF+4. i have put about 100 miles on both the trans and TC since.
Im thinkin i might do a flush?
Im thinkin i might do a flush?
FordGuy
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- San Clemente, CA
Sweptco, why screw around with crap, if not Sweptco, Amsoil.
SanDiegoXJ
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- San Diego, CA
What he said....but it says the same thing in my FSM not a Chiltons.
5-90
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Hammerspace
Hm. As I understand it, it's not the carrier oil that is the problem (synthetic vice dead dinosaurs - it's viscosity 10 carrier oil either way.) It's the additive package - specifically, the friction modifiers for the wet clutches. The end result is kinda like running a clutch-based LSD without friction modifier - chatter, slip, bad operation, ...
As far as autos go, the AW4 is probably my favourite (I've dealt with many.) I still prefer to drive a manual in most cases, but that's just me. I learned to drive on a manual, I got my driver's license in a manual, and (since most kids can't drive manuals anymore!) it seems to add a little security to my vehicle. I still think it would be fun to have a twin-stick D300 behind a six-speed with a Lightning Rod shifter set (eight sticks! Kids would never be able to take off in that!) but that's more a dream than anything else...)
92DripCherokee
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Tampa, Florida
http://www.wkjeeps.com/misc/LX/TSB/TSB_2101006.pdf
There's the TSB from 2006. The clincher NOTE: This Service Bulletin DOES NOT apply to AW-4 transmissions.
A year later, the AW4 hadn't changed, the ATF+4 fluid spec was unchanged. But in 2007, it was suddenly time to make 1 fluid for all...sounds like a totalitarian scheme.
Ready to take an aspirin yet?
just get a case of Dexron III and forget the whole headache.
The Dexron and Mercon licenses expired in 06 and 07 respectively.
Now they are separately named, incompatible fluid specs, with another twist. A new abbreviation called "Dexmerc", satisfying both old specs.
There's the TSB from 2006. The clincher NOTE: This Service Bulletin DOES NOT apply to AW-4 transmissions.
A year later, the AW4 hadn't changed, the ATF+4 fluid spec was unchanged. But in 2007, it was suddenly time to make 1 fluid for all...sounds like a totalitarian scheme.
Ready to take an aspirin yet?
just get a case of Dexron III and forget the whole headache.
The Dexron and Mercon licenses expired in 06 and 07 respectively.
Now they are separately named, incompatible fluid specs, with another twist. A new abbreviation called "Dexmerc", satisfying both old specs.
Last edited:
- Location
- In the islands
Threading through the clutter and chatter :lecture: of this thread I find one brand of oil missing,...ie AMSOIL. :doh:
My XJ has about 170,000 miles on it. I have been using Amsoil for 135,000 miles. It still work perfect.
Sorry, this poll is not about brand but rather about type of oil. I think Amsoil is another type of oil.
My XJ has about 170,000 miles on it. I have been using Amsoil for 135,000 miles. It still work perfect.
Sorry, this poll is not about brand but rather about type of oil. I think Amsoil is another type of oil.
xj88superjeep
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- NJ
The reason I thought it was spec was because the bottle states "ATF+4 is specially formulated for use in ALL chrysler and JEEP automatic transmissions." I have only used it to top off my 97, but won't use it again after reading this thread. Thanks! On a similar note, I also only use thick dino for motor oil. no synthetic in my 4.0 for that same reason. They just were not built with the properties of the new additives in mind.
unclethumbtack
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Seneca MO
When I do a change I drain it through the drain plug refill, drive for 2 days, repeat, then drain and change filter, I figure I get all the old fluid out that way, I refill with the dexron/mercon. As far as oil I run rotella T 10w-30 due to the whole zinc removal in most oils.
squirrel80
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Prescott Valley, AZ
Swepco 714-20 I like to be different.
NorCalChris
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Central Coast, Ca
yea, i voted atf+4, but now that i actually think bout it. i used dextron
Similar threads
