ATF+4 auto trans fluid finally available

[MX-5]

Until now, our only choices for ATF+4 for the PT auto tranny was the $8/quart from the dealer or Amsoil synthetic at the same $8.

Well...... Valvoline makes the ATF for Mopar.
They now have it available to the aftermarket.
It's part number VAL324 Valvoline MaxLife ATF.
Retail cost should be around $2.50 per quart.

I asked for ATF+4 confirmation from their engineers and received this:

THOMAS R. SMITH
Technical Director, Valvoline Brand
Phone: (859) 357-2766
Fax: (859) 357-7610
e-mail: trsmith@ashland.com

March 11, 2003

To Whom It May Concern:

Valvoline has received several inquiries regarding the topic of MaxLife ATF and its use in various vehicles beyond those requiring Dexron III or Mercon approved products. In response to these questions Valvoline has issued the following statements:
While MaxLife ATF is designed to meet the special needs of higher mileage transmissions, new transmissions can also benefit from its enhanced oxidation protection and antishudder protection and many consumers have chosen to take advantage of this level of performance.

Valvoline supports the use of MaxLife A TF in a broad range of transmissions beyond those requiring Dexron III and Mercon fluids including those where the following fluids are recommended:
o GM Dexron II
o FordMerconV
o Chrysler ATF+3 or ATF+4 fluids
o Toyota (and Lexus) Type T, T-Ill or T-IV fluids
o Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II or SP-Ill fluids
o Honda ATF-Zl fluid (except in CVTs)
o BMW LT7114l or LA2634 fluids
o Nissan J-Matic Fluid

Valvoline has conducted in-house testing to support MaxLife A TF performance in these transmissions. However, it is important to note that these vehicle manufacturers have neither evaluated nor approved MaxLife ATF .

Valvoline stands behind all of its products, including MaxLife ATF. Use of MaxLife ATF in transmissions where recommended by Valvoline WILL NOT void the vehicle's warranty .In the unlikely event that any transmission was to be damaged as a result of the use of MaxLife ATF, please contact Valvoline at 1-800-Team- VAL.

Thomas R. Smith
Technical Director
Valvoline Brand
THE VALVOLINE COMPANY. A DIVISION OF ASHLAND INC. .P.O. BOX 14000 EXINGTON, KENTUCKY 40512. (859) 357-7000

[MX-5]

I've been asked about fluid capacity.

Total system capcity is 9.3 quarts. From page 21-199 of the service manual.
A tranny flush machine would need that much.
If the pan is dropped and the filter replaced, page 21-77 calls for 4 quarts to fill and then top off as needed.

[kidturbofan]

Okay, I've been wondering about this. Is "ATF+4" a brand name of Mopar or Chrysler? Or is it an SAE or other industry label?

I've been thinking about changing to a synthetic fluid in the transmission and differential, such as Amsoil, Royal Purple, or Redline. I'm a big Valvoline fan, and exclusively use their synthetic motor oil.

I've been told, however, that the ATF+4 contains certain Chrysler-proprietary friction modifiers that the 41TE tranny needs. And that other, seemingly better, synthetic fluids may not have these. It was further asserted that use of non-ATF+4 fluid would likely lead to premature transmission failure, followed by a big repair/replacement bill.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

[MX-5]

quote:Originally posted by kidturbofan

ATF+4 contains certain Chrysler-proprietary friction modifiers that the 41TE tranny needs.

And Valvoline manufactures ATF+4 for Chrysler.
Chrysler assembles cars. They do not manufacture all the parts and fluids.

ATF+4 is the spec level.
There was Dexron, then Dexron II, then Dexron III, then ATF+3 and then ATF+4 for Mopar.
Ford went from type-F to Dexron/Mercon to Mercon V (read Mercon-5).

Motor oil is at SAE rating of SJ now.
They were at SG just a few years ago.
Each one is a step up from the last.