Transmission Fluid
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Transmission Fluid
I know this might seem like a silly question for some of you, but i don't know. SO, what is the difference between TYPE a and Dexron III/Mercon??? And what if you mix them in your Tranny---OOPS!!!
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!
Ummmm......I don't think you want to do that. I could be wrong though. If they are not compatible then you need to do a fluid change. You mine as well do a filter change too. I wouldn't drive it until you get other opinions.
-Matt
-Matt
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From: Chicago Area
Not familiar with type A, but generally speaking, it is very important to use the ATF that your owner's manual specifies. However, if the amount involved is a quart or less, it'll probably be O.K.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: So Cal
I would still recommend changing the fluid to be safe. I was aware of only Mercon/Dexron and type F fluids. Type A is either news to me or lost in my foggy mind since you rarely if ever see it, be my guess.
The fluids have different characteristics and have different friction modifiers. If the modifiers in type A are wrong for your tranny they would lessen the effectivemness in the Mercon and could lead to subtle increased wear. A lot would also depend on how much mixing you have, 1 qt might be no cause for alarm, half the total fluid might be a problem.
Also depends on whether you have a manual tranny or auto. On autos the fluid is fairly picky. On manuals you can get away with a lot more.
This is all wild, slightly educated guessing on my part. But I would change out the fluid and maybe the filter. The filter holds an insignificant amount of fluid as compared to what remains left behind in the cooler, torque converter, tranny passages and valve body. Fluid is cheap compared to a rebuild.
Of course if one of the tranny experts or shop owners speaks up I would believe their opinion far more than my own, like I said I am guessing here.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
The fluids have different characteristics and have different friction modifiers. If the modifiers in type A are wrong for your tranny they would lessen the effectivemness in the Mercon and could lead to subtle increased wear. A lot would also depend on how much mixing you have, 1 qt might be no cause for alarm, half the total fluid might be a problem.
Also depends on whether you have a manual tranny or auto. On autos the fluid is fairly picky. On manuals you can get away with a lot more.
This is all wild, slightly educated guessing on my part. But I would change out the fluid and maybe the filter. The filter holds an insignificant amount of fluid as compared to what remains left behind in the cooler, torque converter, tranny passages and valve body. Fluid is cheap compared to a rebuild.
Of course if one of the tranny experts or shop owners speaks up I would believe their opinion far more than my own, like I said I am guessing here.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Last edited by jim henderson; Dec 26, 2003 at 09:03 AM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!
We have a *cough* GMC *cough* bucket truck at work that uses Type 'A' transmission fluid for the power steering reservoir. Never have seen anywhere to buy it. Oh well, guess we are fine until we spring a leak! 
-Matt
-Matt
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From: Southern California
Type A is an obsolete fluid formerly specified for Chrysler automobiles. It has no friction modifier or detergent qualities. Where on earth did you find it? Did you discover Grandpa's stash?
Oh wait on second thought, the companies that sell the SA grade motor oil to the convienience stores may also be marketing Type A fluid. It may also be sold as expensive racing fluid. In any case, if you have any, I would just give it to someone you didn't like.
Oh wait on second thought, the companies that sell the SA grade motor oil to the convienience stores may also be marketing Type A fluid. It may also be sold as expensive racing fluid. In any case, if you have any, I would just give it to someone you didn't like.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!
Originally posted by horsepuller
Type A is an obsolete fluid formerly specified for Chrysler automobiles. It has no friction modifier or detergent qualities. Where on earth did you find it? Did you discover Grandpa's stash?
Oh wait on second thought, the companies that sell the SA grade motor oil to the convienience stores may also be marketing Type A fluid. It may also be sold as expensive racing fluid. In any case, if you have any, I would just give it to someone you didn't like.
Type A is an obsolete fluid formerly specified for Chrysler automobiles. It has no friction modifier or detergent qualities. Where on earth did you find it? Did you discover Grandpa's stash?
Oh wait on second thought, the companies that sell the SA grade motor oil to the convienience stores may also be marketing Type A fluid. It may also be sold as expensive racing fluid. In any case, if you have any, I would just give it to someone you didn't like.
-Matt
