Originally Posted by hallstevenson
Personally I tend to believe that a product such as Matic-S or DW-1 or WS is just a private-labeled version of an otherwise off-the-shelf product. It can make sense for different reasons - manufacturer specs a product with given requirements and an existing product meets or exceeds it so why re-invent something, the fluid producer and automaker benefits from volume production, etc, etc. Of course, non-disclosure agreements mean neither will publicly admit this is the case.
And you would be closer to the actual situation than you might think.
A bit of history,.
When the Japanese, Koreans, and other Asian country Manf. began producing automatic transmissions a lot of technology was "borrowed" from Detroit.
In order to be competitive, many of the same type-components were used (instead of say redesigning wet clutch packs or specifying new clutch disk materials).
Now since many of the same internal type-components were used, this meant the Dynamic Coefficients of the Fluid/Clutch-Pack system was very, very similar.
In addition, since Detroit and Afton and Lubrizol already had the patents on the additives, Idemitsu and other asian chemical giants Licensed those patents and processes.
This is why NissanMatic D is essentially a Dex (IIIH)/Merc spec and why NissanMatic S is a Dexron VI-type LV spec.
Many other fluids from many of the Asian Manf. are in the same situation.
From the Nissan Fluid Informational Site:
Quote
Automatic Transmission Fluid
In most cases, buying ATF from your Nissan or Infiniti
dealer is the only option. Doing anything else is asking
for trouble. There are quite a few types of Nissan
transmission fluid, and unless you are very familiar with
the Nissan product line requirements, you'll need to
check the manual with every service.
Matic D
Matic D is the oldest of the Nissan AT fluids. Nissan
describes Matic D as an ashless petroleum-based ATF
with low zinc content. The ash in other fluids may
cause a change in friction response. Zinc may adhere
to the clutch linings and cause slippage and damage. In
a pinch, Dexron III can be used. However, Dexron III is
a GM specification and trademark, and while it is the
most similar to Nissan Matic D, it is not necessarily the
same. Matic D is competitively priced and it's always
the safest bet for Nissan cars requiring Matic D.
Matic J
Matic J fluid must be used in vehicles for which it is
specified. Nissan was so worried about the wrong fluid
being added and damaging the transmission, they took
the extraordinary steps of bolting the dipstick in place
on the 350Z, and removing the dipstick entirely on the
first G35, in order to impede the progress of those who
had not read the manual. However, Matic J has now
been superseded by Matic S for automatic transmission applications. Matic J is still required for some
transfer case applications.
Matic S
As of this writing, if you order Matic J from your
Nissan or Infiniti dealer, you'll receive Matic S. Don't
worry, it's not a mistake. It's safe to use Matic S for
automatic transmission applications requiring Matic J.
However, in transfer cases you must use the type of
fluid specified in the manual. Matic S must be used in
seven-speed automatic transaxles.
Matic K
Matic K, introduced in the 2004 Maxima, is another
fluid that is different from all others. Unlike motor oil's
API specifications, where each new specification is
backwards compatible and supersedes the prior
specification, you cannot count on this being true
with Nissan transmission fluid. Most of the fluids
are specific to the transmissions for which they
were intended. Matic K cannot be replaced with
any other fluid.
Matic W
Matic W is used in the Altima Hybrid HEV transaxle,
also known as the eCVT. Using any other type of fluid
will damage the transaxle and void the warranty. Matic
W should not be exposed to moisture, so it should be
kept in a sealed container, just like brake fluid.
