Chevron ATF MD-3 spec for Dexron IIIG and earlier

[RustyH]

My wife found this 1990 Volvo 240 last year with only 19,000 miles and wanted it. We owned one in the past. I would have preferred something else, but it is her car. I've done quite a few things on this 23 yr old car to get it running "new" again. I purchased this ATF from Costco given the price and did 4 drain and fills last year and 2 this year after the dealer where we bought it did an initial pan drop and filter change. Probably overkill on the fluid exchange. Anyway, shifts nicely. When I read the product information online, Chevron states for Dexron IIIH and earlier but I recently looked at a bottle which reads Dexron IIIG and earlier. I don't know the difference between the two and both are improved compared to the Dexron IID specified in the Owner's Manual. I was not trying to be cheap and avoid a synthetic, I was just looking for a regular ATF and do a drain and fill or two each year. So, I was a bit disappointed when I saw the discrepancy. I have to temper that with my guess that there is no functional difference or transmission life difference between using a DEX IIIG vs a DEXIIIH. And, perhaps the bottle is not correct. I believe this AW70 transmission is fairly durable. I have been reading about the Allison TES-389 spec and will look for an ATF that meets that spec whenever I finish this case. Perhaps the Mobil DM3 product. Comments and insights are welcome. Thanks.

 

[JHZR2]

H was more shear stable for 105k OCIs. G was shorter-life, 60k or something?

You would be well suited to not go that long with either fluid.

My main concern is that it was old stock.

Id use the Mobil myself.

 

[eljefino]

You're right, that trans will take anything that sounds like Dex and like it. The AW71 in my 940 turbo shifted great at 240k miles-- in fact, "they" say wear makes them shift a little more firmly. Why not store brand Dex VI? Adjust your throttle linkage and TV cable, they tend to get sloppy.