Before anyone gets in a panic over this TSB Bernd so kindly provided, those
of us with older vehicles that came from the factory with something other
than ATF+4 should note that while the TSB says ATF+4 is backward compatible
and can be used to top off vehicles that used ATF+3, ATF+2, or ATF+, nowhere
does it say one *must* use ATF+4 (unless originally so equipped). It also
does not say "OMG, we've been putting the wrong crap in our transmissions
all these years and you'd better get it all out of there now or your tranny
will self destruct."
When ATF+3, +2, etc. originally became available, they too were the
"recommended" fluid and were also backward compatible. Technology,
materials and tolerances improve over time and lubricants are developed to
support them.
Refilling with the same type of fluid as originally equipped will not
*create* a problem any more than a few quarts of the newer formula are
likely to *solve* any problems you may be experiencing. I've yet to find
magic in a bottle of anything.
Ray
1992 Dakota
2000 Jeep GC
+3 works fine for me.
http://www.dragtruk.com/ENTRIES/20KM1FD2KWBP.html
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bernd D. Ratsch
>
> 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 MS9602)
> MODELS:
<snip>
> 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+4R - (Type 9602) is being used as factory fill for Chrysler Group
> automatic
> transmissions. ATF+4R is recommended for all vehicles equipped with
> Chrysler
> Group automatic transmissions EXCEPT FOR THOSE NOTED ABOVE.
> NOTE: ATF+4R must always be used in vehicles that were originally filled
> with
> ATF+4R. DO NOT USE ANY OTHER FLUID.
> 21-010-06 -2-
> NOTE: ATF+4R 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+4R 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.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dale Schultz [mailto:d.schultz@sympatico_NOSPAM_.ca]
> Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 10:28 PM
> To: dakota-truck-moderator@bent.twistedbits.net
> Subject: Re: DML: RE: Auto Tranny Shifting problems
>
>
> Hmmm...my Chrysler Dakota service manual indicates ATF+3, type 7176 fluid
> for
> the 44RE transmission right here on page 21-80.
> As I indicated in a previous post, I have no history on the fluid changes
> in
> its
> past life.
> As I look at the invoice it states a "Transmission Tune up" was done.
> There's
> no indication that anything out of the ordinary was found when the filter
> was
> changed. This dealer usually will tell me what they find during their
> inspections and other work if it is of concern.
> Thanks.
>
> Bernd D. Ratsch wrote:
> > Yup...wrong fluid - ATF+4 is backwards compatible though and 5qts in a
> 16qt
> > system isn't going to cause that big of a problem at all.
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Sun Jul 01 2007 - 21:47:16 EDT