Is it ok to use ATF+4 transmission filter in a 93 or 94 XJ? I'm getting ready to do my fluid filter changes and have a case of that here I had bought for my brothers Caravan. If not in the transmission itself how about just the transfer case?

 

Only use Dex/Merc 3 in Aw4 transmissions. Aisin Warner specified Dex/Merc 3 for the Aw4. If you use ATF 4 you risk causing your transmission to slip.

The only reason Chrysler said ATF 4 was so that they did not have to stock or pay for Dex/Merc 3. Conveniently they made that decision after all Aw4 warranties had expired.

So who are you going to trust? Aisin Warner, the manufacturer, or Chrysler?

Transfer case, you can use either.

 

You should use only Dex III/Mercon or compatible. It is what the AW4 was designed to use. While some people have not had a problem with ATF+4, most people have had their transmission start slipping with it.

 

Use the +4 in the TC and stick with D/M in the trans.

 

I know it's not the right fluid, but we've been running ATF+4 in my brother '89 with the AW4 for a few years now. I'm not trying to say it works just fine because I've read what it can do, but only saying our experience. We may end up staying with it since we don't have any problems, although we'd like to put the RIGHT fluid in sometime.

Now here's a question I'm sure has been answered many times before....Will putting the Dex/Merc in after draining the transmission be okay? We drained it today for removal to replace the flexplate. We already have ATF+4, but would it hurt it to just fill it with D/M when we get it back together?

 

No.

 

So, it's fine to just leave the little bit that's probably still in the system and just fill it with Dex/Merc?

 

That's your call. It's not like it's going to explode.

 

not a problem

 

I also have to believe that some of those transmissions that failed had already failed and had nothing to do with the type of fluid that was put in it other than the fact that it was clean. A trans that has pitch black fluid in it when checked may be better off having it stay in there. The new fluid does not have the contaminants in it that the old fluid has nor the friction coefficient, so if the bands/clutches are worn down they rely on the dirty fluid to provide the extra "grip" that new clean fluid does not provide. I have seen this happen to a handful of transmissions and is my experienced opinion. which is why it's so important to keep the fluid clean and not let it get that bad.. I also agree with what the manufacture of the transmission recommends to put in it. and agree that ATF+4 was chryslers way of being different and being able to charge more for it's "Special Factory Fluid".