Chrysler automatic transmission fluids: 7176, ATF+3, ATF+4
ATF+4®
GM Frazier wrote:
Manufacturers can make ATF+4 fluids, but to use the trademarked ATF+4 name in their compatibility list, they must have their fluids tested and licensed by Chrysler engineers, and must use Lubrizol in their formulations. Licensed fluids are periodically sampled from stores to assure quality.
ATF+3
ATF+3 is a friction-modified, high-quality transmission fluid similar to the current fluid in most respects; but it wears out more quickly and has less desirable cold viscosity (to simplify: is too thick when cold). ATF+3 can be approximated by Dexron plus an additive but this does not save much money and is not as desirable as using the correct fluid to begin with.
Dexron itself is the General Motors-specified fluid from far back in automotive history. While it was once the standard for all American autos, that time has long passed, with Ford settling on Mercon and Chrysler on ATF+3 (and now ATF+4); other manufacturers also require their own fluids.
Engine oil has been used as an automatic transmission fluid, again in the antiquity of automatic transmissions; it is still used in manual transmissions, but generally a single-grade oil is used.
The Center for Quality Assurance, which Chrysler uses to run its ATF+4 licensing program, wrote: "The previous MOPAR ATF+3® formulation was discontinued in 2005 and ATF+4® is recommended for all transmissions filled with ATF+3®."
Several companies now sell "universal" fluids. If they state that they are compatible with ATF+4®, they may work well, especially for those unsure of which fluid to use. The Center for Quality Assurance warned us to check the label for Chrysler's license number, and to make sure the fluid is on their list of ATF+4® licensed and tested fluids.
Usage
You can use ATF+3 with all older Chrysler transmissions (except some Jeeps as noted below).
Chrysler is not the only company to require a unique transmission fluid. Dexron has long since passed its prime, and modern transmissions require modern fluids, which more refined properties. Toyota, Ford, Nissan, and other major automakers also require unique fluids.
Additives
David Castater noted: "I used Lucas transmission
additive on the
recommendation of my local Kragen
counterperson... What a mistake!!!! We started seeing shudder at 55+ mph. The dealership told us it
was the torque converter dropping out of lockup and
the tranny would fail and should be
replaced ($3,000). This was a dealer
purchased rebuilt transmission less than 4 years old! My local AAMCO manager changed the oil and filter, added a"friction modifier", and reprogrammed the computer. No problems since!"
Kristen Clark, marketing manager for Lubegard, wrote: "Lubegard has test data on its Lubegard Highly Friction Modified (HFM) ATF Supplement being used in Dexron III in place of Mopar ATF +3. Our packaging includes one of our tests - "Clutch Slip after engagement" - showing the torque curves on it. This compares Lubegard HFM ATF Supplement added to Dexron III vs. Chrysler's Mopar ATF+3. We have proof our products match the frictional characteristics of various other ATF fluids such as Mopar ATF + 4 as well."
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ATF+4®
GM Frazier wrote:
The paper noted that one alternative was to use synthetic Group IV base stock, which are even more expensive than the ATF+4 solution, which provided Group IV style performance from Group III stock. ATF+4 meets strict low-temperature, oxidation, and volatility performance requirements and relatively low cost - believe it or not.
Manufacturers can make ATF+4 fluids, but to use the trademarked ATF+4 name in their compatibility list, they must have their fluids tested and licensed by Chrysler engineers, and must use Lubrizol in their formulations. Licensed fluids are periodically sampled from stores to assure quality.
ATF+3
ATF+3 is a friction-modified, high-quality transmission fluid similar to the current fluid in most respects; but it wears out more quickly and has less desirable cold viscosity (to simplify: is too thick when cold). ATF+3 can be approximated by Dexron plus an additive but this does not save much money and is not as desirable as using the correct fluid to begin with.
Dexron itself is the General Motors-specified fluid from far back in automotive history. While it was once the standard for all American autos, that time has long passed, with Ford settling on Mercon and Chrysler on ATF+3 (and now ATF+4); other manufacturers also require their own fluids.
Engine oil has been used as an automatic transmission fluid, again in the antiquity of automatic transmissions; it is still used in manual transmissions, but generally a single-grade oil is used.
The Center for Quality Assurance, which Chrysler uses to run its ATF+4 licensing program, wrote: "The previous MOPAR ATF+3® formulation was discontinued in 2005 and ATF+4® is recommended for all transmissions filled with ATF+3®."
Several companies now sell "universal" fluids. If they state that they are compatible with ATF+4®, they may work well, especially for those unsure of which fluid to use. The Center for Quality Assurance warned us to check the label for Chrysler's license number, and to make sure the fluid is on their list of ATF+4® licensed and tested fluids.
Usage
You can use ATF+3 with all older Chrysler transmissions (except some Jeeps as noted below).
Chrysler is not the only company to require a unique transmission fluid. Dexron has long since passed its prime, and modern transmissions require modern fluids, which more refined properties. Toyota, Ford, Nissan, and other major automakers also require unique fluids.
Additives
David Castater noted: "I used Lucas transmission
additive on the
recommendation of my local Kragen
counterperson... What a mistake!!!! We started seeing shudder at 55+ mph. The dealership told us it
was the torque converter dropping out of lockup and
the tranny would fail and should be
replaced ($3,000). This was a dealer
purchased rebuilt transmission less than 4 years old! My local AAMCO manager changed the oil and filter, added a"friction modifier", and reprogrammed the computer. No problems since!"
Kristen Clark, marketing manager for Lubegard, wrote: "Lubegard has test data on its Lubegard Highly Friction Modified (HFM) ATF Supplement being used in Dexron III in place of Mopar ATF +3. Our packaging includes one of our tests - "Clutch Slip after engagement" - showing the torque curves on it. This compares Lubegard HFM ATF Supplement added to Dexron III vs. Chrysler's Mopar ATF+3. We have proof our products match the frictional characteristics of various other ATF fluids such as Mopar ATF + 4 as well."
Home •
Engines •
Reviews •
Chrysler 1904-2018 •
Upcoming •
Trucks •
Cars
Spread the word via <!--Tweet or--> Facebook!
We make no guarantees regarding validity or accuracy of information, predictions, or advice - .
Copyright © VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, Ram, and Mopar are trademarks of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.