Why does EVERY parts store I've ever asked try and tell me that my Jeep Cherokee (AW4 tranny) uses ATF+4 because it's a Chrysler? I'm starting to wonder just how many of those transmissions have slowly met their demise because of these parts stores telling people that because their XJ (and some ZJs) is a Chrysler it therefore uses ATF+4? WRONG!!! The AW4 uses Mercron/Dexron III. I'm irritated about this again because my friend just informed me that he just picked up some tranny fluid for his XJ. I told him they would probably give him the wrong stuff - sure enough - he gets to go back and exchange it for the Dexron now. If this post will save even just one XJ tranny I'll be happy. Thank you, that is all.
Why!!! (AW4 Tranny Owners Listen Up)
- Thread starter yakinaked
- Start date
Devel
Just an Outlaw....
- Location
- North Salt Lake
being the parts person that i am, trying to defend myself
i always tell people to look at their dipstick 4 the correct tranny fluid
i always tell people to look at their dipstick 4 the correct tranny fluidbeing the parts person that i am, trying to defend myself
I've actually never seen an XJ tranny dipstick that states the fluid type to be used yet. However, the drainplug (go figure) if it hasn't been replaced will say "DII". So what happens is: you go to the parts store, they give you the wrong stuff and you then for some reason pay attention to the strange markings on the drain plug and interpret that to be Dexron. You then go back down and argue with the counter person and try to convince them to swap the ATF+4 out with the Dexron.
Attachments
Thank you for spelling Dexron correctly.
Your welcome. How do most people spell it - Dextron?
gripguru
Nate Davidson
- Location
- Meridian ID
Not that you saved mine, but good input. I dont even know what fluid I put in my tranny. It was at the end of a LOOOONG project and I cannot remember. I will think about it when I replace the fluid for sure.
waynehartwig
www.jeeperman.com
- Location
- Mead, WA
A/T - ATF+4 Fluid Usage/Applications
NUMBER: 21-010-06
GROUP: Transmission
DATE: April 14, 2006
THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 21-004-04, DATED MARCH 16, 2004, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. THIS IS A COMPLETE REVISION AND NO ASTERISKS HAVE BEEN USED TO HIGHLIGHT REVISIONS.
SUBJECT:
Automatic Transmission Fluid Usage ATF+4 (Type M59602)
MODELS:
1989 - 1995 (AA) Spirit/Acclaim/Lebaron Sedan
1989 - 2003 (AB) Ram Van/Wagon
1989 - 1993 (AC) Dynasty/New Yorker/New Yorker Salon
1989 - 1993 (AD) Ram Truck
1989 - 1994 (AG) Daytona
1989 (AH) Lancer/Lebaron GTS
1989 - 1995 (AJ) Lebaron Coupe/Lebaron Convertible
1989 - 1990 (AK) Aries/Reliant
1989 - 1990 (AL) Horizon/Omni
1989 (AM) Diplomat/Gran Fury/New Yorker Fifth Avenue
1989 - 2004 (AN) Dakota
1989 - 1994 (AP) Shadow/Sundance
1990 - 1991 (AQ) Maserati
1990 - 1993 (AY) Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue
1994 - 2003 (BR/BE) Ram Truck
2004 - 2007 (CS) Pacifica
1998 - 2003 (DN) Durango
2002 - 2007 (DR/DH/D1) Ram Truck
2007 (DC) Ram 3500 Cab Chassis
1995 - 2000 (FJ) Sebring/Avenger/Talon
1996 - 2000 (CS) Chrysler Voyager (International Market)
2004 - 2007 (HB) Durango
1995 - 2000 (JA) Cirrus/Stratus/Breeze
2007 (JK) Wrangler
2001 - 2006 (JR) Sebring Sedan & Convertible/Stratus Sedan
2007 (JS) Avenger/Sebring
1996 - 2000 (JX) Sebring Convertible
2002 - 2007 (KJ) Liberty
1993 - 2004 (LH) Concorde/Intrepid/Vision/LHS/New Yorker
/300M
2005 - 2007 (LX/LE) 300/Magnum/Charger
1996 - 2000 (NS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
1995 - 2005 (PL) Neon
2002 - 2003 (PG) PT Cruiser (International Markets)
2001 - 2007 (PT) PT Cruiser
1997 - 2002 (PR) Prowler
2001 - 2007 (RG) Chrysler Voyager (International Markets)
2001 - 2007 (RS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
1997 - 2006 (TJ) Wrangler
2001 - 2004 (WG) Grand Cherokee (International Markets)
Vehicles equipped with Gas engines
1999 - 2004 (WJ) Grand Cherokee
2005 - 2007 (WK/WH) Grand Cherokee
2006 - 2007 (XK/XH) Commander
1989 - 1995 (YJ) Wrangler
1996 - 1998 (ZG) Grand Cherokee (International Markets)
1994 - 1998 (ZJ) Grand Cherokee/Grand Wagoneer
NOTE :This Service Bulletin DOES NOT apply to AW-4 transmissions, Sprinter transmissions, Crossfire transmissions, MK/PM vehicles equipped with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and WG vehicles equipped with a diesel engine (sales code ENF) and a W5J400 or NAG1 transmission (sales code DGJ).
DISCUSSION:
ATF+4(R) - (Type 9602) is being used as factory fill for Chrysler Group automatic transmissions. ATF+4(R) is recommended for all vehicles equipped with Chrysler Group automatic transmissions EXCEPT FOR THOSE NOTED ABOVE.
NOTE :ATF+4(R) must always be used in vehicles that were originally filled with ATF+4(R). DO NOT USE ANY OTHER FLUID.
NOTE :ATF+4(R) is backward compatible with ATF+3, ATF+2, and ATF+. Additionally, ATF+4 can be used to top off vehicles that used ATF+3, ATF+2, or ATF+.
NOTE :If ATF+4(R) is used to service models originally filled with ATF+3, ATF+2, and ATF+ the fluid maintenance schedules listed for that model does not change. The service interval currently in effect for a given model should continue to be followed. Refer to the Service or Owners manual for maintenance schedule directions.
In general terms, If ATF+, ATF+2 or ATF+3 was the recommended fluid, it is now recommended to use ATF+4.
BENEFITS
^ Better anti-wear properties
^ Improved rust/corrosion prevention
^ Controls oxidation
^ Eliminates deposits
^ Controls friction
^ Retains anti-foaming properties
^ Superior properties for low temperature operation
FLUID COLOR
Mopar ATF+4(R) has exceptional durability. However, the red dye used in ATF+4(R) is not permanent; as the fluid ages it may become darker or appear brown in color. ATF+4(R) also has a unique odor that may change with age. With ATF+4(R) fluid, color and odor are no longer indicators of fluid condition and do not necessarily support a fluid change.
PARTS REQUIRED:
POLICY:
Information Only
Disclaimer :This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair.
NUMBER: 21-010-06
GROUP: Transmission
DATE: April 14, 2006
THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 21-004-04, DATED MARCH 16, 2004, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. THIS IS A COMPLETE REVISION AND NO ASTERISKS HAVE BEEN USED TO HIGHLIGHT REVISIONS.
SUBJECT:
Automatic Transmission Fluid Usage ATF+4 (Type M59602)
MODELS:
1989 - 1995 (AA) Spirit/Acclaim/Lebaron Sedan
1989 - 2003 (AB) Ram Van/Wagon
1989 - 1993 (AC) Dynasty/New Yorker/New Yorker Salon
1989 - 1993 (AD) Ram Truck
1989 - 1994 (AG) Daytona
1989 (AH) Lancer/Lebaron GTS
1989 - 1995 (AJ) Lebaron Coupe/Lebaron Convertible
1989 - 1990 (AK) Aries/Reliant
1989 - 1990 (AL) Horizon/Omni
1989 (AM) Diplomat/Gran Fury/New Yorker Fifth Avenue
1989 - 2004 (AN) Dakota
1989 - 1994 (AP) Shadow/Sundance
1990 - 1991 (AQ) Maserati
1990 - 1993 (AY) Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue
1994 - 2003 (BR/BE) Ram Truck
2004 - 2007 (CS) Pacifica
1998 - 2003 (DN) Durango
2002 - 2007 (DR/DH/D1) Ram Truck
2007 (DC) Ram 3500 Cab Chassis
1995 - 2000 (FJ) Sebring/Avenger/Talon
1996 - 2000 (CS) Chrysler Voyager (International Market)
2004 - 2007 (HB) Durango
1995 - 2000 (JA) Cirrus/Stratus/Breeze
2007 (JK) Wrangler
2001 - 2006 (JR) Sebring Sedan & Convertible/Stratus Sedan
2007 (JS) Avenger/Sebring
1996 - 2000 (JX) Sebring Convertible
2002 - 2007 (KJ) Liberty
1993 - 2004 (LH) Concorde/Intrepid/Vision/LHS/New Yorker
/300M
2005 - 2007 (LX/LE) 300/Magnum/Charger
1996 - 2000 (NS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
1995 - 2005 (PL) Neon
2002 - 2003 (PG) PT Cruiser (International Markets)
2001 - 2007 (PT) PT Cruiser
1997 - 2002 (PR) Prowler
2001 - 2007 (RG) Chrysler Voyager (International Markets)
2001 - 2007 (RS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
1997 - 2006 (TJ) Wrangler
2001 - 2004 (WG) Grand Cherokee (International Markets)
Vehicles equipped with Gas engines
1999 - 2004 (WJ) Grand Cherokee
2005 - 2007 (WK/WH) Grand Cherokee
2006 - 2007 (XK/XH) Commander
1989 - 1995 (YJ) Wrangler
1996 - 1998 (ZG) Grand Cherokee (International Markets)
1994 - 1998 (ZJ) Grand Cherokee/Grand Wagoneer
NOTE :This Service Bulletin DOES NOT apply to AW-4 transmissions, Sprinter transmissions, Crossfire transmissions, MK/PM vehicles equipped with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and WG vehicles equipped with a diesel engine (sales code ENF) and a W5J400 or NAG1 transmission (sales code DGJ).
DISCUSSION:
ATF+4(R) - (Type 9602) is being used as factory fill for Chrysler Group automatic transmissions. ATF+4(R) is recommended for all vehicles equipped with Chrysler Group automatic transmissions EXCEPT FOR THOSE NOTED ABOVE.
NOTE :ATF+4(R) must always be used in vehicles that were originally filled with ATF+4(R). DO NOT USE ANY OTHER FLUID.
NOTE :ATF+4(R) is backward compatible with ATF+3, ATF+2, and ATF+. Additionally, ATF+4 can be used to top off vehicles that used ATF+3, ATF+2, or ATF+.
NOTE :If ATF+4(R) is used to service models originally filled with ATF+3, ATF+2, and ATF+ the fluid maintenance schedules listed for that model does not change. The service interval currently in effect for a given model should continue to be followed. Refer to the Service or Owners manual for maintenance schedule directions.
In general terms, If ATF+, ATF+2 or ATF+3 was the recommended fluid, it is now recommended to use ATF+4.
BENEFITS
^ Better anti-wear properties
^ Improved rust/corrosion prevention
^ Controls oxidation
^ Eliminates deposits
^ Controls friction
^ Retains anti-foaming properties
^ Superior properties for low temperature operation
FLUID COLOR
Mopar ATF+4(R) has exceptional durability. However, the red dye used in ATF+4(R) is not permanent; as the fluid ages it may become darker or appear brown in color. ATF+4(R) also has a unique odor that may change with age. With ATF+4(R) fluid, color and odor are no longer indicators of fluid condition and do not necessarily support a fluid change.
PARTS REQUIRED:
POLICY:
Information Only
Disclaimer :This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair.
Some of the early Chrysler electronic trannies (read minivan 4 speeds) still had dipsticks that read use Dexron. Dexron will kill those transmissions. The fluid is to thick and just not slippery enough. ATF+ series fluids were also hard to come by so "friction modifiers" were additives some shops added to Dexron. But this proved nearly as bad as Dexron alone. Had a shop almost put Dexron in my 94 Concorde. After chewing the mech and manager out, I never went there again.
Funny, the 89 -96 minivans aren't even on the list above... Omni/K car/ and a couple others ON the list never had the electronically controlled trans, but Chrysler did recommended + series fluids for older purely hydraulic transaxles and some transmissions.
Um, not a mech myself. But a former minivan enthusiast...
Funny, the 89 -96 minivans aren't even on the list above... Omni/K car/ and a couple others ON the list never had the electronically controlled trans, but Chrysler did recommended + series fluids for older purely hydraulic transaxles and some transmissions.
Um, not a mech myself. But a former minivan enthusiast...
Brett
Meat-Hippy
- Location
- Salt Lake City Utah
timpanogos
Push to the Peak
- Location
- Heber
Dang, that wayne knows lots of stuff
waynehartwig
www.jeeperman.com
- Location
- Mead, WA
It's not knowing everything, but knowing how to FIND everything that is the true test.
GOAT
Back from the beyond
- Location
- Roanoke, VA
Different example but, rings true with the OP.
I wanted to replace the trans fluid in my F250 and everyone kept trying to sell me multi-use fluid. I went into a seasoned parts house and ended up buying Maxlife, as the parts guy pointed out that it was compatable with dexron/mercon III/V. I then read my owners manual and it clearly stated to not run trans fluid that was compatible with DIII/V. I took it back and bought regular old Mercon III and haven't had any problems yet (fingers crossed).
I wonder how many 4R100s have bit the dust because of this as well?
I wanted to replace the trans fluid in my F250 and everyone kept trying to sell me multi-use fluid. I went into a seasoned parts house and ended up buying Maxlife, as the parts guy pointed out that it was compatable with dexron/mercon III/V. I then read my owners manual and it clearly stated to not run trans fluid that was compatible with DIII/V. I took it back and bought regular old Mercon III and haven't had any problems yet (fingers crossed).
I wonder how many 4R100s have bit the dust because of this as well?