Forum Discussion

mr__ed's avatar
mr__ed
Explorer
May 21, 2013

Standard Transmission Fluid

I know most of you folks tow with automatics since standard trannies are becoming less available but since I have a standard tranny I was curious about what fluids you're using. The reason I ask is there is a general consensus on the various Dodge diesel forums that the factory-installed ATF+4 fluid is deficient in protective qualities and should be changed to something with a heavier viscosity.

The reason given why automatic transmission fluid is used is that ATF+4 fluid is more readily available to the manufacturer and less expensive. I haven't had any problems so far with this fluid and have already changed it once (using ATF+4). I believe the manufacturer knows what's right for this application but still wonder if there's any truth that a different fluid would be better/more protective, especially under high load conditions. What say you?
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  • mr__ed's avatar
    mr__ed
    Explorer
    May 22, 2013
    Thanks to all who replied. Although the observations made on the Dodge/Cummins forum did make some sense I'll stick with the ATF+4, as most of you suggested. I don't want shifting problems in cooler weather, either....
  • JustLabs's avatar
    JustLabs
    Explorer
    May 21, 2013
    I'd likely stick with the ATF+4. I tried Amsoil and Mobil 1 ATF in my '07 Ram with the G56. I was looking for a better shifting fluid. I had to double clutch 2nd and 3rd any time the temps dropped below about 60°. Neither made any difference.

    Looking at the fluids from the TDR write-up,most were at least 2x as thick. Those thick fluids really would have made shifting my truck difficult 9 months out of the year.
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    May 21, 2013
    IMO if you really towed heavy like a commercial hauler or a hotshot then another fluid recommended by aftermarket tranny rebuilders may be a better solution (example; Mobile Delvac 50). However RV folks don't pull that heavy so the ATF-4 should work fine pulling a RV.

    I have the NV5600 and use Redline MTL. No issues with 215k miles.
  • wcjeep's avatar
    wcjeep
    Explorer
    May 21, 2013
    Some have also called for over filling the G56 by 1quart. I just did a refill and overfilled by 1quart for the first time. I didn't notice any difference. I can say with the G56 do not over torque the shifter when reaching reverse and 5/6. When the truck was new my wife was not strong enough to reach reverse. She would use two hands. It eventually made the shifter really easy. I found spare parts at the drain plug. The shifter mechanism is sold as one piece. It appears to be a low fail item. It's also not cheap.








  • deleted-2's avatar
    deleted-2
    Explorer
    May 21, 2013
    Dodge recommended ATF here also.
    I don't see any problem heeding the manufacturer recommendation.

    Most of the time IMO the forum banter just confuses everyone.
  • 45Ricochet's avatar
    45Ricochet
    Explorer
    May 21, 2013
    ATF-4 here but I use a 20k intervial instead of 30k. Little gun shy after owning a 47 :B
  • I_am_still_wayn's avatar
    I_am_still_wayn
    Explorer
    May 21, 2013
    mr. ed wrote:

    The reason given why automatic transmission fluid is used is that ATF+4 fluid is more readily available to the manufacturer and less expensive. I haven't had any problems so far with this fluid and have already changed it once (using ATF+4). I believe the manufacturer knows what's right for this application but still wonder if there's any truth that a different fluid would be better/more protective, especially under high load conditions. What say you?


    I say you are right. The people on those forums...were they part of the research and development for that transmission? Are they automotive engineers with extensive research using their suggested fluid in that transmission? Of course the answer is no. Use what the manufacturer recommends. After all, they are the ones who designed and built that transmission. If anyone knows they do!
  • gcloss's avatar
    gcloss
    Explorer
    May 21, 2013
    I'm on my 3rd Dodge Truck with automatics, two 5-speed and now a 6-speed. I'll stick with the ATF-4 in order to preserve the powertrain warranty. I also have a 2007 Chrysler Sebring with a lifetime powertrain warranty. The last thing I want to do is use a different transmission fluid, have a failure and not have Chrysler honor the warranty.

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