4L65E time for fluid change, recommendations?

[McKittrick]

This 2003 car now has about 40,000 miles, it is driven majority in city suburban environment.

I have searched and found some general information on the DEXRON III H and VI fluids.

What would be best for this vehicle, I have used Mobil 1 ATF in other transmissions, and would like to put a good fluid into this one.

Thanks

 

[Whitewolf]

One of the DEXRON-VI approved fluids. There are now quite a few.

 

[The Critic]

DEXRON-VI. Is this for a Hummer H2?

 

[McKittrick]

transmission designation was a mistake, this one is 4t65e, my dad's truck has a 4l60e.

 

[JTK]

Is this a 4T65E? (transverse as opposed to longitudinal) They do well on any dex III compatable, conventional or synthetic.

Joel

 

[McKittrick]

Yes, it is the transverse front wheel drive. I got confused with the designation, will be doing my dad's truck and the wife's car.

I have some Mobil 1 that I have been experimenting in an older Dexron II honda 96 model transmission, and have used Mobil 1 in ford c6 and cd4e transmissions.

But if dexron VI is better and readily available over the counter, not at a stealership and has documented advantages over Mobil 1 I may try that.

Thanks

 

[Whitewolf]

Well DEXRON-VI is the recommended fluid for that transmission now and while I have not actually gone out to try to buy any a quick 'google reveals that at least Conoco and Petro-Canada are promoting a product that meets the spec. There must be others apart from the Dealerships but I didn't have time to look further. If I spot any I'll let you know.

 

[McKittrick]

Thanks Whitewolf

I looked at the sites for Castrol, Pennzoil, and Mobil last night and could not find them having a DEX VI.

 

[Whitewolf]

Hi, it's me again. I was just looking back and The Critic posted some information a while ago on getting DEXRON-VI from somewhere called GM parts direct. It might be worth asking how that works.

 

[KBFXDLI]

If you find out where you can get Dexron IV please post it. My Yukon has it in the trans and I can't find it anywhere.

 

[unDummy]

Pepboys has the Pennzoil Dex6 at $6 a quart.

Since you could use III or VI, I'd just grab the Mobil1 or Royalpurple ATF's. Both are excellent fluids, are available in a bunch of stores, and don't cost too much more then DexronVI.

 

[McKittrick]

Hello UnDummy

I looked on the Pennzoil site and could not find information on DEX VI, maybe they have not yet updated their site to reflect the availability.

I have some Mobil 1 leftover from the previous transmissions changes, but might go to the closest Pepboys to take a look at the Pennzoil. what I like about the VI test is the 125% increase in clutch friction life, since this is my wifes car and it sees almost all city miles anything that can help that is needed.

Thanks

 

[unDummy]

Gm's dexronIII compared to dexronVI? I'd love to see those engineers test some of the 'better' aftermarket ATFs against GM's DexronVI. That 125% life increase doesn't impress me. What it does is anger me that previous III-h specs were so pathetic!

http://www.pzlqs.com/Tech/Pdsheet/DomesticMarketing/Gear&Transmission/pdf/DexronVI.pdf

 

[Whitewolf]

I think you would find that the 'better' ATFs would not meet DEXRON-VI standards. Try getting hold of a copy of their recently published SAE paper and I think you will see what I mean.

 

[Whitewolf]

unDummy, I've been sitting here for some time looking at a comparison of the specs and I'm curious to know which part you think is pathetic?

 

[unDummy]

DexronIII-h was so great, why did Dex VI come about?

 

[Whitewolf]

It's called improvement. That's why we generally don't drive horses and carts anymore!

 

[unDummy]

Thats why some of us have been using Amsoil, Redline, Mobil1...... for decades. Why wait for the slow pokes, on the MFG OEM level, to create an improvement?

I also don't like bandaids called improvements. Tell us the real reason why these so-called improvements came about. Hint, certain new transmissions with too small ATF capacity, higher HP engines, and a higher average ATF temps, just didn't do too well with DexronIIIh. We've seen this before at GM, a certain performance engine, lacking adequate oil cooling(co$t cutting), required synthetic motor oil when the same engine in other applications didn't. Improvement??? Nah, just a means to reduce warranty expense! Spec more out of the fluid to save money on the inadequate components, like your transmission or ATF cooling.

So, DexronVI might be an improvement for my ol' PSP or AT. But, its a life bandaid for certain newer ATs. And, since I use Mobil1, Redline, Amsoil, its not even an improvement for me.

I'm still expecting MORE from all OEMs.

 

[McKittrick]

If I can use Mobil 1 ATF and have performance similar or better than Dex VI I think I would like to go that way. I can use the Mobil 1 in the other transmissions that I maintain, and will cut down on the partial quarts leftover of several different fluids.

Current Mobil 1 is rated III-H, but I am not planning to run it for 100,000 miles, just looking for good protection with a 30,000 to 40,000 mile mostly city mile change interval.

thanks

 

[g20ooh]

2.5 weeks ago bought and used 4 gallons of Dex6 in ironically , a 4T65E.Had little time to locate so bought at the closest GM dealer for 18.24/GAL..You may be able to do better -I did not shop and I did not dicker(this was at a Cadillac store not known for strong discounting).Penn DEX6 6.00/Q.M1 both DM and MV 7.00/Q .Neither M1 claims anything stronger than "meets" or is "approved for" Dex3H. Very pleased with the results and the performance of this fluid.