Dexron III is getting impossible to find. Reading This Thread has informed me that Dexron VI is thinner than Dexron III. The last time I bought transmission fluid was in 2017 when Walmart had Dexron III labelled as "Automatic Transmission Fluid" but now it doesn't exist. I don't feel like gambling with a substitute fluid like Dexron VI at this time. Please tell me where I can get Dexron III.
Where to get real Dexron III ?
- Thread starter das_peikko
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Walmart carries Valvoline Dex/Merc on line and in my local store. O'Reilly's also carries synthetic Dex/Merc. You may have to special order it.
Thanks for replying but "Dex/Merc" is Dexron VI. I'm trying to find Dexron III.
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Get some TES-295 fluid...
https://www.allisontransmission.com/parts-service/approved-fluids/on-highway-fluids
Look for Delvac ATF on Summit Racing, good price...
Cheaper alternative is blue jug of Valvoline Maxlife...
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Valvoline-DEX-MERC-Automatic-Transmission-Fluid-1-Gallon/15125788
https://www.allisontransmission.com/parts-service/approved-fluids/on-highway-fluids
Look for Delvac ATF on Summit Racing, good price...
Cheaper alternative is blue jug of Valvoline Maxlife...
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Valvoline-DEX-MERC-Automatic-Transmission-Fluid-1-Gallon/15125788
You're not likely to find any actual, licensed Dexron-III fluid unless it's old stock. I don't believe that GM would allow that at this point given that the current standard is supposed to be backwards compatible. Could be wrong, but I thought that GM official considers it phased out.
Given that there are a lot of older cars (and not just GM) on the market that used it, there are a lot that are specifically made to the older Dex-III standard. One would be from Peak. If you read the copy on the bottle, it says "for use in Dexron-III/Mercon applications" which seems to be kind of weasel words for "it's not licensed". Motul also has one. You can also find some private label Dexron-III like from Napa or Carquest.
https://peakauto.com/products/functional-fluids/transmission-fluids/dexron-iii-mercon-atf/
https://www.motul.com/ca/en-US/products/dexron-iii
https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/prod...ansmission-fluids/dexron-mercon-atf.html
I think Volvo has one made to Dexron-III specs, but it's rather expensive. As for these other fluids, you might need to search around for them, but they are out there.
Given that there are a lot of older cars (and not just GM) on the market that used it, there are a lot that are specifically made to the older Dex-III standard. One would be from Peak. If you read the copy on the bottle, it says "for use in Dexron-III/Mercon applications" which seems to be kind of weasel words for "it's not licensed". Motul also has one. You can also find some private label Dexron-III like from Napa or Carquest.
https://peakauto.com/products/functional-fluids/transmission-fluids/dexron-iii-mercon-atf/
https://www.motul.com/ca/en-US/products/dexron-iii
https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/prod...ansmission-fluids/dexron-mercon-atf.html
I think Volvo has one made to Dexron-III specs, but it's rather expensive. As for these other fluids, you might need to search around for them, but they are out there.
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Sold by the gallon at my local Walmart.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Super-Tech-Automatic-Transmission-Fluid-1-Gallon/20573820
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Super-Tech-Automatic-Transmission-Fluid-1-Gallon/20573820
Originally Posted by das_peikko
Thanks for replying but "Dex/Merc" is Dexron VI. I'm trying to find Dexron III.
No, not really. Here is what Castrol says about their Dex/Merc. Note the Do Not Use part about Dex VI.
Castrol Transmax DEX/MERC automatic transmission fluid is for use in all Ford models 1983 to 1996 and for General Motors 2005 and earlier vehicles.
Industry Specifications and OEM Approvals
Meets or Exceeds General Motors DEXRON-IIIH Requirements
Meets or Exceeds Ford MERCON Requirements
Do not use this ATF in applications calling for DEXRON-VI.
Use Castrol Transmax Type F ATF in applications calling for Type F.
Do not use this ATF in applications calling for MERCON V or MERCON SP.
Thanks for replying but "Dex/Merc" is Dexron VI. I'm trying to find Dexron III.
No, not really. Here is what Castrol says about their Dex/Merc. Note the Do Not Use part about Dex VI.
Castrol Transmax DEX/MERC automatic transmission fluid is for use in all Ford models 1983 to 1996 and for General Motors 2005 and earlier vehicles.
Industry Specifications and OEM Approvals
Meets or Exceeds General Motors DEXRON-IIIH Requirements
Meets or Exceeds Ford MERCON Requirements
Do not use this ATF in applications calling for DEXRON-VI.
Use Castrol Transmax Type F ATF in applications calling for Type F.
Do not use this ATF in applications calling for MERCON V or MERCON SP.
GON
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There is no longer a fluid bottled that meets DEX III requirements as DEX III is no longer a licensed product. A supplier can put baby oil in a bottle and call it DEX III.
Buy DEX VI- all the talk about DEX III being better is certain conditions is just that ---- talk.
Buy DEX VI- all the talk about DEX III being better is certain conditions is just that ---- talk.
Originally Posted by GON
There is no longer a fluid bottled that meets DEX III requirements as DEX III is no longer a licensed product. A supplier can put baby oil in a bottle and call it DEX III.
Buy DEX VI- all the talk about DEX III being better is certain conditions is just that ---- talk.
An ATF can easily meet Dexron-III standards, even though GM is no longer licensing it. There's no way that the major oil companies are labelling this as meeting Dexron-III specifications without it actually doing so. They most definitely aren't putting baby oil in a bottle.
https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/prod...ansmission-fluids/dexron-mercon-atf.html
https://www.valvoline.com/our-products/automatic-transmission-products/dex-merc-atf
https://www.castrol.com/en_au/australia/products/cars/automatic-transmission-fluids/atf-dex-iii.html
https://mobiloil.com/en/automatic-transmission-fluid/d-m-atf
https://www.chevronlubricants.com/e...e-automatic-transmission-fluid-md-3.html
https://cglapps.chevron.com/sdspds/PDSDetailPage.aspx?docDataId=77329&docFormat=PDF
There is no longer a fluid bottled that meets DEX III requirements as DEX III is no longer a licensed product. A supplier can put baby oil in a bottle and call it DEX III.
Buy DEX VI- all the talk about DEX III being better is certain conditions is just that ---- talk.
An ATF can easily meet Dexron-III standards, even though GM is no longer licensing it. There's no way that the major oil companies are labelling this as meeting Dexron-III specifications without it actually doing so. They most definitely aren't putting baby oil in a bottle.
https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/prod...ansmission-fluids/dexron-mercon-atf.html
https://www.valvoline.com/our-products/automatic-transmission-products/dex-merc-atf
https://www.castrol.com/en_au/australia/products/cars/automatic-transmission-fluids/atf-dex-iii.html
https://mobiloil.com/en/automatic-transmission-fluid/d-m-atf
https://www.chevronlubricants.com/e...e-automatic-transmission-fluid-md-3.html
https://cglapps.chevron.com/sdspds/PDSDetailPage.aspx?docDataId=77329&docFormat=PDF
GON
$100 Site Donor 2024
""An ATF can easily meet Dexron-III standards""
That is the point- there are no longer any DEX III standards. Go with DEX VI and call it a day.
That is the point- there are no longer any DEX III standards. Go with DEX VI and call it a day.
Actually Castrol Dex/Merc is Dex III, not Dex VI.
https://www.castrol.com/en_cc/ccsa/...ansmission-fluids/transmax-dex-merc.html
Walmart usually carries it.
https://www.castrol.com/en_cc/ccsa/...ansmission-fluids/transmax-dex-merc.html
Walmart usually carries it.
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Another vote for O'rielly brand Dex III-H. Comes in a gallon jug which is nice.
Originally Posted by GON
""An ATF can easily meet Dexron-III standards""
That is the point- there are no longer any DEX III standards. Go with DEX VI and call it a day.
No. It's not like the specifications suddenly vanished into thin air. You really doubt that Pennzoil can't keep on making the same product they've been making for the past 25 years? Dexron-VI is more expensive and many who have tried using it in Dex-III applications find that shifts are kind of funky. There isn't necessarily an advantage to using the latest version, even if it is supposed to be backwards compatible.
""An ATF can easily meet Dexron-III standards""
That is the point- there are no longer any DEX III standards. Go with DEX VI and call it a day.
No. It's not like the specifications suddenly vanished into thin air. You really doubt that Pennzoil can't keep on making the same product they've been making for the past 25 years? Dexron-VI is more expensive and many who have tried using it in Dex-III applications find that shifts are kind of funky. There isn't necessarily an advantage to using the latest version, even if it is supposed to be backwards compatible.
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GM originally specced Dex lll in their T56 manual transmissions. When Dex III was no longer being made/licensed GM changed my trans fluid to their own "upgraded" version of ATF - called "manual transmission and transfer case fluid....GM #88861800). They still make it too though it costs a bit. Instead go with the same stuff from ACDelco Manual Transmission Fluid 88861800 or ACDelco10-4033.
For Fords they left ATF Dex III behind and upgraded all their older transmissions to Mercon V around 2000-2001....basically a semi-synthetic ATF Dex III with a slightly better add package. But I'd bet they are nearly identical. For any Dex III application I'd use the Mercon V's.....SuperTech has Ford approval on their Merc V. Same stuff as Dex III, same viscosity, just a better product, that shears less than the conventional grades.
And the Mobil 1 ATF is a good synthetic Dex III with a much improved add package. Same for the Amsoil ATF's and Redline D4 ATF. All of them are Dex III viscosity, with improved add packages.
For Fords they left ATF Dex III behind and upgraded all their older transmissions to Mercon V around 2000-2001....basically a semi-synthetic ATF Dex III with a slightly better add package. But I'd bet they are nearly identical. For any Dex III application I'd use the Mercon V's.....SuperTech has Ford approval on their Merc V. Same stuff as Dex III, same viscosity, just a better product, that shears less than the conventional grades.
And the Mobil 1 ATF is a good synthetic Dex III with a much improved add package. Same for the Amsoil ATF's and Redline D4 ATF. All of them are Dex III viscosity, with improved add packages.
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The dex/merc fluid from walmart, napa, auto value, etc, is going to be the old dex3 fluid.
I just saw it in walmart in both supertech and valvoline brands 2 days ago.
If it is labeled dex/merc it is NOT dex 6.
I just saw it in walmart in both supertech and valvoline brands 2 days ago.
If it is labeled dex/merc it is NOT dex 6.
Originally Posted by cronk
The dex/merc fluid from walmart, napa, auto value, etc, is going to be the old dex3 fluid.
I just saw it in walmart in both supertech and valvoline brands 2 days ago.
If it is labeled dex/merc it is NOT dex 6.
+1. Dex VI is a separate product.
The dex/merc fluid from walmart, napa, auto value, etc, is going to be the old dex3 fluid.
I just saw it in walmart in both supertech and valvoline brands 2 days ago.
If it is labeled dex/merc it is NOT dex 6.
+1. Dex VI is a separate product.
Originally Posted by addyguy
Originally Posted by cronk
The dex/merc fluid from walmart, napa, auto value, etc, is going to be the old dex3 fluid.
I just saw it in walmart in both supertech and valvoline brands 2 days ago.
If it is labeled dex/merc it is NOT dex 6.
+1. Dex VI is a separate product.
Viscosity of 5.8 cSt at 100 deg C for Dex 6 vs 7.4 cSt for Dex 3/Mercon/Mercon V. That extra viscosity was put there for a reason.
Originally Posted by cronk
The dex/merc fluid from walmart, napa, auto value, etc, is going to be the old dex3 fluid.
I just saw it in walmart in both supertech and valvoline brands 2 days ago.
If it is labeled dex/merc it is NOT dex 6.
+1. Dex VI is a separate product.
Viscosity of 5.8 cSt at 100 deg C for Dex 6 vs 7.4 cSt for Dex 3/Mercon/Mercon V. That extra viscosity was put there for a reason.
MolaKule
Staff member
Originally Posted by das_peikko
Thanks for replying but "Dex/Merc" is Dexron VI. I'm trying to find Dexron III.
No its not: Valvoline Manf. a number of different ATF;s -
https://www.valvoline.com/our-products/automatic-transmission-products
Valvoline Dex/Merc is a Dexron III(H) fluid formulation -
https://sharena21.springcm.com/Publ...bd3/52fde1ce-fabc-e711-9c12-ac162d889bd1
For those needing a Dexron VI LV fluid for use under warranty, they have a licensed Dexron VI fluid-
https://sharena21.springcm.com/Publ...bd3/9ed296d6-fabc-e711-9c12-ac162d889bd1
Dexron VI is back-speced for AT's that used Dexron III/Merc
Valvoline MaxLife is a low viscosity (LV) 5.9 cSt broad-spectrum fluid comparable to Dexron VI and many other LV fluids - .
https://sharena21.springcm.com/Publ...bd3/3fa3136a-09bd-e711-9c12-ac162d889bd1
Thanks for replying but "Dex/Merc" is Dexron VI. I'm trying to find Dexron III.
No its not: Valvoline Manf. a number of different ATF;s -
https://www.valvoline.com/our-products/automatic-transmission-products
Valvoline Dex/Merc is a Dexron III(H) fluid formulation -
https://sharena21.springcm.com/Publ...bd3/52fde1ce-fabc-e711-9c12-ac162d889bd1
For those needing a Dexron VI LV fluid for use under warranty, they have a licensed Dexron VI fluid-
https://sharena21.springcm.com/Publ...bd3/9ed296d6-fabc-e711-9c12-ac162d889bd1
Dexron VI is back-speced for AT's that used Dexron III/Merc
Valvoline MaxLife is a low viscosity (LV) 5.9 cSt broad-spectrum fluid comparable to Dexron VI and many other LV fluids - .
https://sharena21.springcm.com/Publ...bd3/3fa3136a-09bd-e711-9c12-ac162d889bd1
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