Originally Posted By: Zako2
Originally Posted By: Char Baby
As most of my post/replys are, this is a long post. Why change now!
I don't know why you kept playing with so many different ATF formulas. Transmissions are more sensitive to ATF changes than engines. If you have already found that some formula works, do not change the good thing. Do not buy into the hype "but synthetic is better", etc. I would say just go back to what you have been using when everything was running fine. I think a slight change in viscosity might have created your problem. If problems persist, pour in a bottle a Lubegard Platinum ATF protectant before visiting a transmission shop. It's a friction modifier additive and has worked well for a lot of people, including me (I used to have issues with shudder, slip, etc, all gone). The Platinum is the strongest Lubegard formula.
So that you understand more about the way I maintain my vehicles(OCI's and transmission & ATF maintenance), let me explain.
I don't "play with so many ATF formulas". I do regular transmission maintenance, using different ATF's at that time. Whichever "suitable" ATF I buy at that time(suitable for my transmission).
I keep my vehicles well into their teens(16-18 yrs) and start out with proper maintenance on all fluids so that my vehicle can serve me better over the long run.
The fluids(oil or ATF) that I purchace, I buy on sale, whichever is suitable and least expensive at that time(usually on sale) and held in high regard here at BITOG! And as long as it is suitable and proven on forums such as this site(amongst friends).
In this instance, I still have a boat load of Castrol IMV and Mobil 1 hasn't been on sale recently that I recall. I've used the Castrol IMV in 3 vehicles(Lexus, Mazda, Nissan) and it's been OK! I keep the remaining IMV for the Mazda. But, wanted to try MaxLife ATF in my Nissan due to experiencing some mild(repeat...MILD) shift flare. Yes, it is shift flare!
My particular generation Altima('02-'06, 4 & 5 spd/4cyl/V6) has shown to have 1st-2nd and/or 2nd-3rd gear change shift flare...and it's all over the WEB. The ATF(IMV) didn't cause this issue in my transmission although, when changing from one ATF to another(M1 to IMV), as it was coincidental(within several months) that the shift flare occured.
I know quite alot about LugeGard ATF protectant and FM's(RED bottle, HFM, Green Cap and Platinum). Platinum is closer to HFM/Black bottle Red cap. And I disagree with you about using the Platinum in my Nissan. My Nissan calls for Matic-D which is closest to DexIII and an extra FM isn't nessessary. I don't need more slippage in this instance and I though that the Castrol IMV may have been causing some slippage. LubeGard RED would be more suitable as a protectant but again, not nessessary with the newer ATF.
ILI's website states that Platinum will also contribute to firming up my shifts. I'm not sure that I want that either...I mean, it may work but, I'm not trying it YET!
I have used LubeGard in the past with other transmissions. LubeGard isn't as nessessary as it may have been in 1992-93 when it came to meaket during the time when transmissions were experiencing many failures due to the lack of Sperm Whale Oil, which was banned due to "Save the Whales" and ILI came to the rescue with it's patented LXE technology. 20 years is a long time and ATF formulations have changed greatly since then. Platinum seems to be a combination of both the RED & HFM. We'll see!
Although, I do agree that LubeGard(RED) may be worth a try prior to taking the transmission in for repair. A repair which may not be needed since changing the ATF over to MaxLife ATF...We'll have to see. I may need to do it once more with ML!
I do think that LG products have their place and I have never knocked their procuct.
Ya see!
As most of my post/replys are, this is a long post. Why change now!
