Chrysler tranny and ATF+4???

DCopp · 10-12-04, 03:12

I have a 2001 Chrysler LHS 3.5L HO and it calls for ATF+4 in the tranny. Now, that fluid is only available at the dealer for about 7-8 bucks a quart. I recently e-mailed Quaker state about a compatible fluid and they replied by stating that their multi-vehicle ATF covers ATF+4 applications. There is such a stir about this damn fluid(OEM) on all the message boards I go to that I don't want to hurt the car but I can't post on those sites because they are EZ Board junk and the log-ins don't work.

Should I just pony up and pay the outrageous dealer price or get something in writing from Qstate/Pennsoil that they will be responsible for any tanny damage that their fluid causes? All I want to do is drop the pan and change the filter when my car hits 50K on the clock.

Please no responses about the Amsoil fluid either as I know that it has been proven to work but it costs more than the Mopar stuff!!!

QState/pennsoil has a PDF on the multi ATF. Page three shows the ATF+4 compatibility.

travisdecpn · 10-12-04, 03:16

I'd just go with the mopar fluid. At least you know they can't give you any grief if you have to take it in for service that way.

ExplEddieBauer · 10-12-04, 03:24

Definitely go with Mopar fluids. When we had our '94 Town & Country, I use to hear stories about other minivans' trannies blow up b/c they used something other than what Chrysler specified.

hirosh · 10-12-04, 03:26

maybe you can see if other auto oil companies make this ATF+4 trans oil. or maybe you should ask around about other car parts store selling this mopar oil. it seems highly unlikely that only the dealers sell it. maybe find a store that sells mopar parts and see if they can order it for you.

ram · 10-12-04, 05:40

The multuse ATFs are not a substitute for the correct fluid. The ATF manufacturers seem to focus primarily on the lubrication properties and viscosities, which is to be expected coming from chemical engineers and tribologists.

One of the most important properties for ATF is the friction characteristics which, especially in the case of Chrysler autos, is critical for shift function. If the clutch engagement and timing is altered by using the incorrect fluid, you will have problems with transmission life.

Although it seems like a scam, this is one area I would definitely not experiment for the sake of a few dollars.

LouisanaJeeper · 10-12-04, 08:42

get the real ATF +4 for from the dealer, if you are really in a pinch the only substitute i would even consider is ATF +3 since the +3 and +4 are reverse compatible

Corey Bit Spank · 10-13-04, 01:45

eeeehh just go with the mopar.

chrysler autos can be tempermental.

thump186 · 10-26-04, 09:00

go with atf+4 there is no substitute +4 !!!!! +3 is not interchangeable for +4. no after market oil co. can claim that thier atf meets atf+4 standards due to the fact that diamler chrysler owns the sole right to the additive package contain in atf+4 and will not release it for resale production it is still in court right now over the rights to allow it to be produced. there is no real "universal atf". alot of people on the oil sited have used redline syn. c+ and amsoil syn with great luck. even with additives added to a universal atf or mercon dexron you still stand a 95% chance of something going very wrong. in short break down and buy the proper fluid that has the proper friction modifiers in it and save 3000 on a new tranny.

titus · 10-26-04, 09:42

Another vote for the OEM stuff. My tranny takes some kinda weird ATF also, but if I gotta pay - I gotta pay.

I'm not giving the dealer an opportunity to nix the warranty.

.

txz28 · 10-28-04, 07:36

Chrysler makes some very picky transmissions. Don't risk it and pony up. I have and intrepid and have have had problems with the transmission.