RED RIVER

94 4.0 AW4.

I say ATF mechanic saying DMIII.

Orlo

This forum has discussed this topic at length. Dex III/merc is the consensus correct fluid. Where are you getting the ATF information?

Martlor13

Dmlll

BlueRidgeMark

"ATF" just means "automatic transmission fluid". It's a non-specific term. It does not refer to any particular kind. It's like saying "engine oil"; it doesn't tell you what kind.

The correct fluid for your transmission is DEXIII/Merc, according to the designer and manufacturer (Asin Warner).

This is sometimes contradicted by Chrysler in some of their literature. This is why many parts houses and other people recommend the wrong fluid.

RED RIVER

Sorry about this stupid post but I have received conflicting info from previous posts and mechanics and auto parts places. I appreciate the help. What I am getting is

DexMerc III For a 94 AW4

Radi

You are getting the right stuff.

The confusion comes from Chrysler themselves.
The transmission manufacturer, Aisin Warner, recommended Dexron and that is what Chrysler also spec'd. Look at the drain plug...what do you see stamped on it?

As time passed, Cherokee production ended and Chrysler, by then using ATF+4 in all their other transmissions, wanted to save a buck standardize.
Testing showed +4 worked well enough in NEW AW4's, so Chrysler changed their recommendation.

Problem is none of us have NEW AW4's. If I did I might use +4.
Switching to it in a transmission that's done 100K+ miles on Dex/Merc can lead to issues like slipping. So.... If it grew up on Dex/Merc that's what you should keep using.

CCKen

Here's some Jeep AW4 ATF data compiled from FSM's I have access to. Note that Mercon was one of the first ATF's recommended, then shifted back and forth between Mercon and Dexron.




ATSG AW4 ServiceInformation Manual, c. 1987/88


Recommended fluid for the AW4 transmission is Jeep or Mopar Mercon automatic transmission fluid. Mopar Dexron II may also be used if Mercon is not available.


1988 Jeep Cherokee FSM


Both transmissions andtransfer cases use DEXRON-II ATF.


1989 (unknown FSM recommendations)


1990 Jeep Cherokee FSM


Use Mercon transmission fluid in transmission and transfer case. Mopar Dexron II may be used if Mercon is not available.


1991-1992 (unknown FSM recommendations)


1993 Jeep Cherokee FSM


Aisin Warner AW-4 transmissions and transfer cases use Mercon type ATF.


1994 - 1999 JeepCherokee FSM


Recommended and preferred fluid for the AW–4 transmission is Mopar DexronIIE / Mercon.


Mopar Dexron II may/can be used but only in emergency situations where Mercon fluid is not available.


2000 Jeep Cherokee FSM


Mopart Dexron IIE / Mercon is the recommended fluid for the AW-4 automatic transmissions. Mopar Dexron II can be used but only if Mercon is not available.


2001 Jeep Cherokee FSM


Mopart Dexron III / Mercon is the recommended fluid for the AW-4 automatic transmissions.


Dexron II fluid IS NOT recommended. Clutch chatter can result from the use of improper fluid.

RED RIVER

Thanks Ken, Dex/Merc IIE for my 94 it is.

CCKen

I don't think you'll find "Dex/Merc IIE" anywhere. It was replaced by Dexron III/Mercon.

67 GMC

I appreciate the information CCKen has provided.

So, I have a bottle of what is labelled ATF automatic transmission fluid from Walmart (their el cheapo Tune It!) brand.

On the label it reads:

..is suitable for North American cars specifying GM Dexron III, Dexron IIE, Dexron II, Dexron Type A, Suffix A or Ford Mercon.

I have a bottle of Valvoline Dex/Merc. It has on it's label, "exceeds performance requirements of GM Dexron III, all previous Dexron standards and Ford's MERCON fluid requirements...Recommended for vehicles requiring Dexron III/ Mercon fluid.

On a side note, my Toyota Sienna blew a transmission cooler line last year. Fluid all over the parking lot of an automotive parts place (coincidence?). Asked inside, "Oh, have to use Import ATF on Japanese stuff". So picked out Castrol Import Multi-vehicle ATF". On that label, it reads, "For use in Honda, Toyota, Nissan and other imported vehicles". "Meets JASO 1A performance standard created by Japanse Automobile Manutacturers". "Toyota Type T, T-III and T-IV. All good now but more expensive too. I bought and added it. No problems 1 year later.

As I read the label further it reads "Also meets the requirements of ATF+3, ATF+2, ATF +, Ford MERCON, MERCON V, GM 2005 models and prior (Not for use where Dexron VI is required).

So, this always makes me wonder: Did the internal parts of the transmission change over the years due to failures and this required better fluids, did they see failures but kept the internal parts the same but made improvements to the fluids or did they want better mileage, went with thinner fluids, which still met the original requirements but just worked better.

I would think that Import ATF (and any of the above) would be just as good for my 1987 AW4. My 1967 had some obsolete fluid as well. It's 2016 and I don't think it's worth hunting for period correct fluid. I'm not a transmission expert so just my $0.02.

This is starting to sound like "what brand of oil are you running" so I'll just stop now!

CCKen

I wouldn't fool around with trying to figure out all that magic ATFs you describe. Dexron III/Mercon is readily available out there. Just use it.

roadraje

I just changed the fluid and filter on my '99 with AW4 and used this:



not sure what the letters after the numbers mean but I'm pretty confident I put the right stuff in.

RED RIVER

Ok. That explains a lot. Thanks Ken.

BlueRidgeMark

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is all that needs to be said.

67 GMC

Ahh, come on, how about 10 more posts at least? The thread is still young.