1995 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L, I need to replace the pan gasket on the tranny. I have used ATF+4 to replenish the lost fluid. Is this type correct? I was informed by the dealership that it is, but I have read on here to use Dex/Merc III. Just wanted to be sure before I get the job going. Dealership also told me I needed to replace the bolts (14) when I do the gasket, true?

 

depends on your tranny type. if it is the AW4 mopar tranny which im guessing it is then ATF+4 is the newest equivilent to the old stuff your manual would say. I do know that the older 80's jeeps took the dex/merc. Im not guessing you have one of the old trannys with a 95. If you had given the dealer your VIN and they told you ATF+4 was correct i would believe them. To be sure find out what kind of tranny you have?

 

so called the dealership and gave them the last 8 numbers on my VIN and he said my tranny doesnt have a gasket and uses RTV as the sealent. As well, I should use ATF+4. Does this sound right?

 

Well if you have the AW4, which I assume you do, there is a gasket. Obviously RTV could be used in place of it. Here's one link to the gasket for it. Search around. But any auto parts store should have it.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...7697_0_0_26700

 

A while back, Chrysler issued a bulletin stating that ATF+4 is acceptable for the AW4 transmission. The only problem is that the AW4 is not a Chrysler/Jeep transmission, it is manufactured by Asin Warner.

There is some speculation (and it is purely that....speculation) that the Chrysler bulletin was motivated more by a logistic reason for the parts department (less transmission fluids to stock) and profit motives (Chrysler makes more on ATF+4), rather than on any study that showed that it is safe for the AW4. I am aware of no actual engineering study data.

Many AW4 transmissions can get by with ATF+4. BUT (and there is always a but, right?) some that have switched to ATF+4 have experienced "slippage" on transmission shifts. When the owners replaced the ATF+4 and went back to Dex/Merc III compatible fluid, the slippage went bye-bye. There are a NUMBER of threads on this. Search this forum, also Jeep Forum, Jeeps Unlimited and NAXJA for specifics.

Because of the above, and because the AW4 was originally specd by Asin Warner for Dex/Merc fluid, I am continuing to recommend Dex/Merc III compatible fluid. It is all the AW4 transmission needs for a long, long life if changed at a reasonable interval. I go 30k between changes where I drop only the fluid in the pan.

True, licensed Dex/Merc III is no longer available, so look for the word "compatible". Widely available at most any parts store.