Transmission fluid
#16
Lexus Test Driver
using type t-iv gives me that warm feeling inside, although i've heard (on here from puredrifter i think) that type iv is just rebranded fluid that conforms to the JWS-3309 standard and that this for instance is literally the same thing
https://mobiloil.com/en/automatic-tr...fluid/3309-atf
it even says its a replacement for type iv but imma still get type iv
https://mobiloil.com/en/automatic-tr...fluid/3309-atf
it even says its a replacement for type iv but imma still get type iv
#17
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (4)
i use type 4 also..i get it right from the dealer.
but if u or anyone uses redline d4 or maxlife ur fine..trust me they would not put it on their bottles if it didnt have the correct additives in it.
http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=51&pcid=9
http://www.redlineoil.com/application.aspx
but if u or anyone uses redline d4 or maxlife ur fine..trust me they would not put it on their bottles if it didnt have the correct additives in it.
http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=51&pcid=9
http://www.redlineoil.com/application.aspx
#18
#19
I've found it interesting how obsessed people can be about "only" using OEM transmission oil. I have a Hyundai Santa Fe that I switched to Castrol multi-import about 5 years and 80,000 miles ago. I was warned by numerous people on it's board that my transmission would soon die. Well, its worked great and have noticed nothing but great shifting since the day I did it. My guess is that these manufacturers can make quite a bit of money by having in house brands and overpricing them. If you scare enough people into using only their brands, you stand to make a hefty profit. Just my guess.
#20
Over here Valvoline Maxlife ATF and Mobil 3309 cost practically the same. I have used Mobil 3309 and everything works nicely - come to think of it, it's about the time to change the 2+ litres.
#21
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
I have been reading on a Mercedes site about this. There is a fellow that has worked in the oil industry and at Mercedes that helped spec Automatic Transmission fluid, he gives a great description why there is not a one size fits all fluid. And that there is a problem if you feel a smoother shift with a change to a non approved fluid.
Personally I hope I don't buy a car or used transmission that had the wrong fluid in it. The fluid is a part just like the friction material is and they work together. And they both work together with the transmission control module. If there are smoother shifts the clutches are wearing and heating up more.
And a reason why some rebuilt automatic transmissions don't last long is because most rebuilders do not use OEM parts, and then of course non OEM fluid but still have an OEM calibrated valve body and an OEM controller. Nothing works in harmony. Max life can not be formulated for a GM car and still work in a Lexus or Mercedes unless Dexron is spec'ed for them all. The friction modifiers are added to comply with Dexron, not with type
IV or 134 for Mercedes. There are no FDA rules saying the label on trans fluid has to be accurate.(I know)
They just like a dealer would with an engine or trans failure, will weasel out of any claims that their product caused a problem.
Personally I hope I don't buy a car or used transmission that had the wrong fluid in it. The fluid is a part just like the friction material is and they work together. And they both work together with the transmission control module. If there are smoother shifts the clutches are wearing and heating up more.
And a reason why some rebuilt automatic transmissions don't last long is because most rebuilders do not use OEM parts, and then of course non OEM fluid but still have an OEM calibrated valve body and an OEM controller. Nothing works in harmony. Max life can not be formulated for a GM car and still work in a Lexus or Mercedes unless Dexron is spec'ed for them all. The friction modifiers are added to comply with Dexron, not with type
IV or 134 for Mercedes. There are no FDA rules saying the label on trans fluid has to be accurate.(I know)
They just like a dealer would with an engine or trans failure, will weasel out of any claims that their product caused a problem.
Last edited by dicer; 11-16-15 at 12:02 PM.
#22
Lexus Test Driver
dicer can you post the link to that website? i'm curious myself, and i'd like to be armed with more information in case someone tries to insist on using their one size fits all fluid
#23
I have been reading on a Mercedes site about this. There is a fellow that has worked in the oil industry and at Mercedes that helped spec Automatic Transmission fluid, he gives a great description why there is not a one size fits all fluid. And that there is a problem if you feel a smoother shift with a change to a non approved fluid.
Personally I hope I don't buy a car or used transmission that had the wrong fluid in it. The fluid is a part just like the friction material is and they work together. And they both work together with the transmission control module. If there are smoother shifts the clutches are wearing and heating up more.
And a reason why some rebuilt automatic transmissions don't last long is because most rebuilders do not use OEM parts, and then of course non OEM fluid but still have an OEM calibrated valve body and an OEM controller. Nothing works in harmony. Max life can not be formulated for a GM car and still work in a Lexus or Mercedes unless Dexron is spec'ed for them all. The friction modifiers are added to comply with Dexron, not with type
IV or 134 for Mercedes. There are no FDA rules saying the label on trans fluid has to be accurate.(I know)
They just like a dealer would with an engine or trans failure, will weasel out of any claims that their product caused a problem.
Personally I hope I don't buy a car or used transmission that had the wrong fluid in it. The fluid is a part just like the friction material is and they work together. And they both work together with the transmission control module. If there are smoother shifts the clutches are wearing and heating up more.
And a reason why some rebuilt automatic transmissions don't last long is because most rebuilders do not use OEM parts, and then of course non OEM fluid but still have an OEM calibrated valve body and an OEM controller. Nothing works in harmony. Max life can not be formulated for a GM car and still work in a Lexus or Mercedes unless Dexron is spec'ed for them all. The friction modifiers are added to comply with Dexron, not with type
IV or 134 for Mercedes. There are no FDA rules saying the label on trans fluid has to be accurate.(I know)
They just like a dealer would with an engine or trans failure, will weasel out of any claims that their product caused a problem.
#25
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Strook639, You will like it.
http://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class-...2-6-atf-2.html
Post 41 is one of them by Glyn Ruck
And aptoslexus, I just bought a quart last Saturday at a Toyota dealer, $5.61.
http://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class-...2-6-atf-2.html
Post 41 is one of them by Glyn Ruck
And aptoslexus, I just bought a quart last Saturday at a Toyota dealer, $5.61.
#26
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (4)
Strook639, You will like it.
http://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class-...2-6-atf-2.html
Post 41 is one of them by Glyn Ruck
And aptoslexus, I just bought a quart last Saturday at a Toyota dealer, $5.61.
http://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class-...2-6-atf-2.html
Post 41 is one of them by Glyn Ruck
And aptoslexus, I just bought a quart last Saturday at a Toyota dealer, $5.61.
#28
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Like the man says, If it works in a General Motors car or Ford, it will not work properly in a Mercedes Benz, did you look?
Automatic transmission fluid is Not like engine oil. The sole purpose of engine oil is lubrication, and I know it performs other functions too.
Automatic transmission fluid also lubricates and Max life will perform that function just fine. Its the friction modification is where it is lacking, if you used it did your transmission do one of these, shift smoother? shift harsher? If it did not shift and feel the same as it did with T-IV then the friction modifiers are not the same. A smoother shift means wear and heat.
python, Yeah local trans shop would use Max life, when I called a local Mercedes independent he laughed when I told him that and said "you don't want that" I guess he's seen a few Max lifes in his shop. Yeah the trans shop will stand behind it but for how long? Likely hoping it craps in a year or less for a nice rebuild. Plus the fluid is super cheap for them as they buy it bulk, so its all profit. Since it is a Dexron type fluid I really don't understand it. Will Valvoline pay for any problems arising from its use in the vehicles listed on the bottle? I think not.
Automatic transmission fluid is Not like engine oil. The sole purpose of engine oil is lubrication, and I know it performs other functions too.
Automatic transmission fluid also lubricates and Max life will perform that function just fine. Its the friction modification is where it is lacking, if you used it did your transmission do one of these, shift smoother? shift harsher? If it did not shift and feel the same as it did with T-IV then the friction modifiers are not the same. A smoother shift means wear and heat.
python, Yeah local trans shop would use Max life, when I called a local Mercedes independent he laughed when I told him that and said "you don't want that" I guess he's seen a few Max lifes in his shop. Yeah the trans shop will stand behind it but for how long? Likely hoping it craps in a year or less for a nice rebuild. Plus the fluid is super cheap for them as they buy it bulk, so its all profit. Since it is a Dexron type fluid I really don't understand it. Will Valvoline pay for any problems arising from its use in the vehicles listed on the bottle? I think not.
Last edited by dicer; 11-17-15 at 11:07 AM.
#29
Like the man says, If it works in a General Motors car or Ford, it will not work properly in a Mercedes Benz, did you look?
Automatic transmission fluid is Not like engine oil. The sole purpose of engine oil is lubrication, and I know it performs other functions too.
Automatic transmission fluid also lubricates and Max life will perform that function just fine. Its the friction modification is where it is lacking, if you used it did your transmission do one of these, shift smoother? shift harsher? If it did not shift and feel the same as it did with T-IV then the friction modifiers are not the same. A smoother shift means wear and heat.
python, Yeah local trans shop would use Max life, when I called a local Mercedes independent he laughed when I told him that and said "you don't want that" I guess he's seen a few Max lifes in his shop. Yeah the trans shop will stand behind it but for how long? Likely hoping it craps in a year or less for a nice rebuild. Plus the fluid is super cheap for them as they buy it bulk, so its all profit. Since it is a Dexron type fluid I really don't understand it. Will Valvoline pay for any problems arising from its use in the vehicles listed on the bottle? I think not.
Automatic transmission fluid is Not like engine oil. The sole purpose of engine oil is lubrication, and I know it performs other functions too.
Automatic transmission fluid also lubricates and Max life will perform that function just fine. Its the friction modification is where it is lacking, if you used it did your transmission do one of these, shift smoother? shift harsher? If it did not shift and feel the same as it did with T-IV then the friction modifiers are not the same. A smoother shift means wear and heat.
python, Yeah local trans shop would use Max life, when I called a local Mercedes independent he laughed when I told him that and said "you don't want that" I guess he's seen a few Max lifes in his shop. Yeah the trans shop will stand behind it but for how long? Likely hoping it craps in a year or less for a nice rebuild. Plus the fluid is super cheap for them as they buy it bulk, so its all profit. Since it is a Dexron type fluid I really don't understand it. Will Valvoline pay for any problems arising from its use in the vehicles listed on the bottle? I think not.
Last edited by aptoslexus; 11-17-15 at 05:04 PM.
#30
BahHumBug
iTrader: (10)
Everyone in this thread needs to tone it down a notch. Passionate discussions are allowed, mud slinging is not and will have dire consequences.
Final warning to everyone in this thread, show evidence, show data, but show any more personal jabs and you will not enjoy the result.
Final warning to everyone in this thread, show evidence, show data, but show any more personal jabs and you will not enjoy the result.