Best Transmission Fluid...(94 B250 5.2L 318)

[gower3544]

I know from reading the back of my owners manual it say the 5.2L 318 prefers Mopar ATF trans fluid I was wondering if it was really necessary to put Mopar in our another quality brand as I am wanting to get the tran flushed and refilled.

Thanks

[gsmagnum]

As long as it is ATF 4 or ATF 3, you should be ok.
I would not run a one type fits all.
ATF 3 in any brand should work as that is what the stock stuff for your van should be.

[Dodgevanman]

You must use Mopar ATF+3 (formerly Type 7176) or Mopar ATF+4. Do not use Dexron/Mercon fluid.

I've heard that ATF+4 is finally available on the general market and is made by Valvoline. Used to be that you could only find it at the dealer.

[RamVanMan]

Gower:

Don't think I've met you before, greetings & welcome to the van forums ----

What Grant & nate said !

The use of the wrong spec fluid can cause damage or at least serious malfunction.

My trans, which is known as a '46RE' - had malfuntion issues galore last July when I bought our '96 B-2500.

Amongst other factors, I suspected a 'Service-Station' mechanic used a Dexron / Mercon (wrong type), and said 'all ATF's are the same....' In fact, I found Dodgetalk.com while searching for clues as to which fluid is the correct one to use.

So, it cannot be overemphasised, using an ATF, it needs to say +3 or +4 'for Chrysler vehicles' : several manufacturers do so.

I just learned happily, that the new ATF +4 is by spec a Synthetic fluid, and it's available at a reasonable price $ 4.29 a quart at NAPA.

I'm switching over my trans to this fluid right now.

You may wish to consider better filtration for your trans - I just posted a thread covering how's & why's of an external Perma Cool trans filter here:

http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105187

I wish you well on your van - may you not be able to say 'Amen' when we mention our mutitude of problems ! (just kidding - kind of...)

David B.

[gower3544]

Thanks David

I plan on going to our local lube center and get it done there as they take all of the transmission fluid out with their computer system or something and our local dealer where we bought it from does not do that.

I will have to make sure it is ATF and the fluid they are putting in is for Chrysler vehicles

EDIT: Our local lube dealer carries this stuff and I was wondering would this stuff also work?

http://www.pennzoil.com/products/trans_fluids/atf_plus3.html

Also what about this?

http://www.pennzoil.com/products/trans_fluids/hm_atf.html

Thanks again guys!

[Dodgevanman]

Yep that's the stuff in the first link, but not the second.

[stev]

gower3544,

Do you plan on doing any towing with the van?

Stev

[RamVanMan]

Thanks David

I plan on going to our local lube center and get it done there as they take all of the transmission fluid out with their computer system or something and our local dealer where we bought it from does not do that.

I will have to make sure it is ATF and the fluid they are putting in is for Chrysler vehicles

EDIT: Our local lube dealer carries this stuff and I was wondering would this stuff also work?

http://www.pennzoil.com/products/trans_fluids/atf_plus3.html

Also what about this?

http://www.pennzoil.com/products/trans_fluids/hm_atf.html

Thanks again guys!

Gower:

Sounds like you are on the right track. Again, what Nate said on the fluid.

You might check to see if they are carrying the new ATF +4
which is a total synthetic, and the next step beyond ATF + 3.

It wasn't out last summer when I got my van, so I ordered a case - 4 gallons - of Redline Synthetic ATF + 3 - the only company making a Syn +3 for Chrysler.

My buddy owns a shop with that 'trans fluid changer' you mentioned - he just charged me labor, $ 50 and installed my chosen fluid.

The Synthetic ATF + 4 is not mandatory - just a possible upgrade.

Just making sure the 'helper guy' doesn't load you up with the wrong ATF is the main thing.

Lube shops / service departments store their lubricants in bulk tanks, and only the products that sell in the largest volume, so in some cases, if you require something different, they may not go to the effort to acquire it - just fill you with the closest spec and call it good.

I always look for a manger who knows what his guys are doing and will confirm with confidence exactly what is being performed on my vehicle.

I used to work at Mitsubishi Delaer service department - doing the 30, 60 & 90 K services, I've seen many 'backroom mistakes' - which kinda explains why I'm paranoid to have 'other hands' touch our cars - I can't afford to pay for THEIR mistakes ! :crazy:

btw, If you're gonna tow with that van, you'll want to know what Stev has to share......

Regards, David B.

[gower3544]

Yea Steve, the van no longer tows the boat anymore as it is just now a vehicle for me to get around in and take a trip here and there. I am really just trying to keep it maintained and am also planning to take it to the dealer for them to do a tune up.

But I gave the lube center a call today and talked to a person and I told him it was a Dodge Chrysler Conversion Full Size van and he assured that they used only fluid for the Chrysler trans. Hopefully they will do a good job and put the right stuff in as soon as I get there I will be asking the questions.

Thanks again though guys!

[gsmagnum]

I would definitely follow them around whether they like it or not until you see the proper ATF 3 or 4 fluid get put into the machine.
I am paranoid about that stuff too.
Somewhere else on this board someone mentions his getting flushed with Dextron with an additive to make it compatable with +3. Do not chance going this additive route.
I like the idea of bringing your own fluid to the shop as mentioned above.

[stev]

gower3544,

I do a good deal of towing. So, I use "LubeGard" (red bottle) with ATF+3. You can read about it here. http://www.lubegard.com/automotive/trans_atf.html Our local NAPA auto store, Pep Boys and AutoZone sells it.

The product is synthetic and will work with OEM, Synthetic or Mineral Oil Based ATFs.

I had a Dodge Caravan that had a nasty shudder problem at 38-44mph driving. Even a local and reputable tranny shop changed the filter, cleaned the screen, inspected the internals and put in ATF+3. Nothing was wrong. After drving 5 miles, the shudder came back. I siphoned out a few ounces of the ATF+# and added the LubeGard. The shudder went away.

I hear what gsmagnum says about additives. There is no miracle in a bottle to "fix" mechanical things. I should know, I once tried that flaky silver stuff in my radiator to plug a leak. DUMB me! It plug up other places too. However, if a product protects against wear, it's a preventative and long life additive. Something to consider. I still use dry-gas in the winter. (Not the one with the bad alcohol either.) ;)

Stev

[gower3544]

sounds good

[gower3544]

i got the trans filter, fluid, gaskets all changed today and am already seeing a difference in the shifting. It seems to be shifting a lot smoother!

Thanks guys for all your help!