SP-III Fluid

[widman]

Flushing is by far the best way to change fluids. Some fluids I see are black.
I used to be of the opinion that the multi-purpose fluids couldn't do the job, but I have one, probably similar to Amsoil. It made a world of difference (over Dexron) in my CRV and BMW. For 2 years I've been selling it to the Chrysler dealer network, Mitsubishi dealer network, Hyundai dealer network and Ford as well as putting it in lots of other transmissions.
BTW, the drive in my BMW every morning and afternoon is 15 miles, 500 ft (net) up the mountains with multiple downshifts and stuff, between 50 and 100 mph. Not exactly your average grocery store run.

 

[unDummy]

Any multivehicle or universal ATF that mentions the SPIII spec is compatible.
It is special because the transmission has slip controlled TC and shifts. You do not want to use a fluid that can affect that operation, like a tractor fluid or lesser ATF spec(like DexronIII/Mercon).

OE recommended change intervals are worthless, definitely too high for anyone wanting to keep their vehicle and have it last.

Flushing is the best way to completely remove all the fluid. But a slightly shorter drain/refill regimen is good enough for most people. And, its easy enough to do if you have a dipstick and drainplug.

 

[Rolf]

Originally Posted By: bmwtechguy
Good question- does anyone know how Magnusson Moss Warranty Act would have an effect on the SPIII requirement, especially if it could need changed during the warranty? Are there certified SPIII fluids out there in the aftermarket?


There are in the US no SP-III certified ATFs. I don't know whether this is a result of a lack of a certification program or simply lack of interest on the part of manufacturers.

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/warranty.shtm

Tie-in sales provisions generally are not allowed, but a manufacturer can include such a provision in its warranty if it can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the FTC that its product will not work properly without a specified item or service.

That said, Hydundai/Kia has been fairly ruthless in not honoring its warranty if non-SPIII fluid has been used.

In an elemental analysis, the Mitusibishi/Hyundai/Kia ATF gives results that look a lot like Mercon V.

The Chrysler ATF+4 has much higher Calcium measurements.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Rolf
In an elemental analysis, the Mitusibishi/Hyundai/Kia ATF gives results that look a lot like Mercon V.

The Chrysler ATF+4 has much higher Calcium measurements.

Elemental analysis does not give the entire picture. Elemental analysis will not show you the frictional properties of the fluid, which are very important.

 

[Rolf]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Elemental analysis does not give the entire picture. Elemental analysis will not show you the frictional properties of the fluid, which are very important.


Elemental analysis will certainly tell Hyundai, Kia, or Mitsubishi if you added Chrysler ATF instead of the recommended SP-III ATF if you need a warranty repair.

I don't doubt there are other fluids that will work in the transmissions: I am just suggesting that voiding your warranty may be a result.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Rolf
Originally Posted By: The Critic
Elemental analysis does not give the entire picture. Elemental analysis will not show you the frictional properties of the fluid, which are very important.


Elemental analysis will certainly tell Hyundai, Kia, or Mitsubishi if you added Chrysler ATF instead of the recommended SP-III ATF if you need a warranty repair.

I don't doubt there are other fluids that will work in the transmissions: I am just suggesting that voiding your warranty may be a result.



I've been told that Hyundai uses a "fluid tracer" in their transmission fluid, which is how they tell if you are using the approved fluid.

As for voiding your warranty, unless you have purchased an extended warranty, you cannot void your original warranty only because you did not use the approved fluid. They must prove that the fluid caused the damage. However, there's no reason not to. (use the approved fluid)

 

[Rolf]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
As for voiding your warranty, unless you have purchased an extended warranty, you cannot void your original warranty only because you did not use the approved fluid.


Hundreds of Hyundai/Kia owners have found out otherwise, and some of them post on this website.

It's one thing to say that - in theory - the manufacturer cannot void your warranty for not using an approved fluid, and another to actually fight it out with a manufacturer.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Rolf
It's one thing to say that - in theory - the manufacturer cannot void your warranty for not using an approved fluid, and another to actually fight it out with a manufacturer.






That's correct, which is why I recommend using the approved fluid. The approved fluid is the best choice IMO, and the elimination of any potential warranty concerns is an added bonus.

 

[gaspo]

In Mitsubishi owner manual clearly stated that only SP–III must be used or warranty will be voided. Same applies to Honda ATF-Z1 at least in my CRV year 2008. In both cases manufacturer don’t have to prove anything other then verify fluid type. Read your owner manual people.

 

[Tempest]

Quote:
Read your owner manual people.

You might want to read the Magnuson Moss Act.

 

[gaspo]

Quote:

You might want to read the Magnuson Moss Act.

Lol, you'll need to read it to your service adviser in dealership when they ask you pay $3+K for a transmission repair and see what they say. Some people just never learn…

 

[Rolf]

Originally Posted By: Tempest
You might want to read the Magnuson Moss Act.


Try enforcing it.