Thanks, I have too many other things to lose sleep over.

 

OK, you guys have convinced me to get the ATF+4 out of my trans. A couple years ago I did three drain and fills over a short period of time. I did have a trans solenoid failure during that period, but seriously doubt if it was fluid related.

I did the switch to ATF+4 based on the Chrysler TSB, before I read all the posts that warned of the dire consequences of using ATF+4. I also did it because of the fact that synthetic fluid flows better at extreme low temps, and I was towing a fairly heavy popup camper about 1,000 miles once or twice per year.

It was -18F here last week and the trans shifted fine. I have no leaks or clutch chatter year round.

On this and two other forums I have read of the horror stories that "other people" have had using ATF+4, but don't remember reading a first hand account of problems.

I have read that ATF+4 and DexIII/Mercon is not compatible and am beginning to wonder if mixing of the fluids during the drain and fills is the issue. Or if these incidents involved extremely high mileage worn out transmissions.

Out of the respect that I have for several people (you know who they are) on this forum I will be going back to Dex/Merc fluid. I need to keep this rig running for a few more years.

If you have had a first hand account or can point me to one or more first hand accounts I would interested in reading them. I'm not interested in starting another trans fluid war (I'm getting too old for that crap), I'm just interested in adding to my knowledge base.

Thanks.

 

There are several first-hand accounts on here, if I see any I'll post them, or people who have had this problem may chime in.

The big issue with ATF+4 is that the friction modifiers required by Dex/Merc transmissions are not present. This is why they slip. Dumping D/M into ATF+4 transmissions, conversely, causes clutch chatter because there isn't enough slip. People do drain-n-fill changes all the time, I wouldn't worry about it in the AW4 because the consequences of ATF+4 are not like the reverse. Can get expensive though, try a fluid exchange for best results and least amount of tranny fluid bought.

 

Thanks Salad,

I just got back with enough DexIII/Merc for two drain/refills, that should do it.

 

Out of respect for other people!? That's an interesting reason to do proper maintenance lol.
Do it because i't's good for your trans and because that's what should be in there.

 

Dex/merc that's all

 

Yep. Especially with the chains that cater to the do-it-yourself crowd (Autozone, Advance, and the like).

NAPA is usually better, but ALWAYS do your own research first.

 

I run atf+4 in my aw4 and its fine. I did do a flush tho when I changed to it. 99, 2wd

 

Out of curiosity, how many miles were on the trans when you switched? AFAIK it's the units with some miles on them that sometimes dislike +4.

 

Truly the exception to the rule.

The fact that it worked for you is great, but should not be used to encourage others to do the same.

 

Well, I guess I should have said out of respect for some people's opinions (after doing a lot of reading) vs. Chrysler engineers, and my good experience with ATF+4, that I will dump all of the clean expensive ATF4 and put in DexIII/Mercon (which I started last night and finishing in about ten minutes). Oh, and BTW I'm a maintenance freak, whether my vehicle is 17 years or 17 months old, but I can take a good-natured shot.

 

lol engineers were not involved in that decision

 

bean counters.

 

Who we think write Chrysler TSBs:



Who actually writes Chrysler TSBs:

 

Excellent!!!