My car requires Dextron II tranny fluid, but most of the new formulations are Dextron III including Mobile 1 and Valvoline Durablend. They say they will work for vehicles requiring IIe. Can I use these in my vehicle, or do I need to stick with those that are Dextron II? I would like to use Mobile 1 ATF, and it is IIe compatible.

Also, some of them are Mercon and Dextron III. Is it better to get one that is only Dextron, or one that is both?

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 27-Oct-02 AT 07:22 PM (EST)]Dexron 3 (III) supersedes (replaces, as in an up-grade) previous Dexron fluids. You CAN use it in any vehicle that was designed for previous Dexron specs - but I do hope you are not speaking of a late model Ford (?) - These require Mercon or Mercon V - ONE OR THE OTHER - NOT MIXED - check the owners manual of the vehicle in question.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 27-Oct-02 AT 10:31 PM (EST)]Thanks for the info. I know my '02 Explorer takes Mercon V. My '91 takes Mercon, it's my Toyota that takes Dextron II. It gets confusing when one fluid meets so many specs, it makes you wonder how different they really are, and if it is better to just have one that is specialized in the Mercon or Dextron requirement of the vehicle rather than one that meets them all.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 27-Oct-02 AT 11:37 PM (EST)]Anytime I can be of any assistance I am happy to do so . . . and I agree, modern auto's and the specs involved can be VERY confusing . . . and by the way, any good quality trans fluid SHOULD list somewhere on the bottle EXACTLY what fluids it mixes with (and doesn't mix with) and EXACTLY which vehicles it applies to (and doesn't apply to - Honda's are VERY particular about their fluids!) - transmissions are pretty complex and can be very temperamental - it's excellent that you asked for some help rather than just pour any old thing in - be very careful as well NOT to over-fill. In reference to your question though the Dexron 3 (III) is a superior product to the previous Dexron grades. You should do very well indeed with the Mobil 1 ATF - but you MIGHT want to consider that Valvoline makes a new "Max-Life" ATF product that may, considering your Toyota is what, over 10-11 years old (don't know the mileage - but I'm guessing 100 - 150,000) be more beneficial to your particular application - not to mention - LESS EXPENSIVE - if that's an issue for you (and isn't it with everyone these days?!). Though I'm not a big Quaker State fan, they too have a product called "Special Import ATF" (less expesive as well) that may suit your fancy. If you've used Mobil 1 though, and can afford it, I'd stick (stay) with it - just food for thought, from my EXTREMELY humble opinion . . . Best of luck, Glenn . . .

 

Since you broght it up, what does the Max Life product do that the regular formulation doesn't? Is it mostly about conditioning the seals or is there more to it than that? I don't have any leaks, and it is a '93 Toyota with 100k on the V6 engine.

The Mobile 1 and Valvoline products I looked at claim to be compatible with other ATF's that meet the car's specs, so should be safe for blending.

Any suggestions for trying a fluid for my '91 Explorer with 89,000 miles on it? I have more concerns about that one than the Toyota as it seems to slip when cold.

Thanks!