Has my mechanic used wrong trans fluid?

[badoc]

Hi all,

Just seeking some advice:

Got my AUII Fairmont a transmission service today, and once I got home read on the invoice that the mechanic has used "ATF Dextron(sic) 3 Fluid".

I was pretty sure the AUs need TQ95 or 95LE?

Should I be heading back in the morning and sorting this out? Or is the Dex III fluid suitable?

Cheers in advance!

[TICKFORD220]

No dexron will kill it,it must have tq95 and nothing else.
If he's been stupid enough to use dexron in it the trans will need to be flushed.

[badoc]

Originally Posted by TICKFORD220

No dexron will kill it,it must have tq95 and nothing else.
If he's been stupid enough to use dexron in it the trans will need to be flushed.

Holy crap! I live about 5km from the place, should I be getting it towed?

[mcfly94]

Dex 3 is perfectly fine, except it must be Penrite, no other brand Dex 3 is compatible, Penrite has been designed with extra additives to make it compatible with BTR transmissions, serviced that many BTR's and used Penrite Dex 3 with no issues from customers.

I use Penrite Dex 3 in all my BTR, and have for the last 4 years.

Check the brand, if Penrite, no stress, i'm not sure if any other brand has modified there Dex 3 to a similar composition to make it compatible however.

[TICKFORD220]

First ive heard of it mcfly?
Ive used Castrol tq95 in my autos for over ten years and its made specifically for the btr 4 speeder,ill be sticking to it!
The chances he used the same penrite as mcfly are minimal but fingers crossed...
Just had a quick read of the dex 3 you are talking about mcfly and I wouldn't use it,its a multi vehicle ,I don't see how dex 3 is holden only and ford require a tq95 yet penrite claim to be good for both types of cars,there is a compromise on friction properties going on there,i would only be using tq 95 which is only made for the btr.

[mcfly94]

Originally Posted by TICKFORD220

First ive heard of it mcfly?
Ive used Castrol tq95 in my autos for over ten years and its made specifically for the btr 4 speeder,ill be sticking to it!
The chances he used the same penrite as mcfly are minimal but fingers crossed...

Yep, can also be used in spruced up C4's too, its pretty versatile!

[TICKFORD220]

Lets hope it was the penrite then!

[snap0964]

Nulon make ATF to suit Dex II/III and TQ95 as well. Haven't used it so can't comment how good it is, and I'm intending to use it in a T5 manual.

OP, when you talk to your mechanic, ask him what brand ATF he used, don't give him any choices, so he has to tell you instead.

[smally289]

www.datateck.com.au/Lube/PenriteAus/

[aussiblue]

Also see http://www.theoilman.com.au/wp-conte...ison-Chart.pdf for other BTR compatibles.

[aussiblue]

You can also add this stuff to make your Dexron II compatible http://www.lubegard.com/~/C-251/LUBE...ersion+Formula .
Can be had on ebay https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Lubegard...222504520196so if need be add this to the transmission.

[arronm]

It will be fine.

Full synthetics are best in gearboxes though. Manual and auto.

http://www.datateck.com.au/lube/GulfWesternAus/

[Maka]

I was in a similar situation recently, ring up Penrite & see if they guarantee their mv a/t fluid for use in your AU. If not put tq95 or equivalent in for piece of mind, good luck!

cheers, Maka

[aussiblue]

BTRE in their service training seminar materials, copies of which are floating around the internet, do warn that using other than TQ95 or approved equivalents may lead to harsh shifts, slipping in drive and premature gear failures. You would think the BTR engineers would know what they are talking about. I'd be putting the lubeguard in.

[TICKFORD220]

Its been common knowledge for donkeys years that dex 3 is a holden fluid for their autos and will kill a ford auto,why people are saying it will be fine dumfounds me..
Only ford box its meant for is the 5 or 6 speed manual.
How hard is it to just use tq95 the oil made for the btr?

[badoc]

So I ended up going to the shop to ask why Dex III was used, given it's not the right fluid.

I got a sigh and a then a load of anecdotal evidence that it's fine for the gearbox, "we've put this in dozens of taxis every year for several years... It's fine for the AU gearbox..." etc.

I asked for actual evidence that it's suitable for use in a BTR gearbox and was told he didn't need to provide any and that I was making a stupid request. I ended up leaving before the discussion degraded any further.

So I've decided I'll avoid going to the place in future. It's a shame because prior to this they've always done good work. I know they work on a load of taxis, but in this instance I think they have make a mistake and seem to be happier to lose a long term customer than just take the fluid out and put the right stuff in.

In the next week I'll drain and replace it myself.

[aussiblue]

In the next week I'll drain and replace it myself.

Easier and cheaper to just add the Lubeguard (or remove 300ml 1st if necessary); it's what those overseas (UK, Europe USA and India) do with their Australian Fords, Maserati 3200GTs and Ssanyongs Rextons where the TQ95 or equivalent isn't readily available and when/where importation from OZ is difficult and it seems to work well for them. Australian supplier here: http://prostream.com.au/product/btr-...rsion-formula/ . But yes replacing it with TQ 95 is probably the perfect solution. If you are a member of the RAC or its equivalent you could also take your dispute with the shop to them (might get a refund).

[NCII40]

Penrite Full Syn is what i use

Some browsing material


https://www.fordforums.com.au/showth...s+fluid+change

https://fordforums.com.au/vbportal/v...articleid=1210

https://fordforums.com.au/showthread...c+transmission

[Sox]

I've been using the cheapass Burson multi DX3 for ages in my yoot, goes good and does heaps of heavy towing.

The oil he's supplied is most likely just fine.

[aussiblue]

For those saying Dexron is OK read https://www.tiperformance.com.au/Ref...Speed_Auto.pdf especially pages 31 and 47.

[aussiblue]

And even in the FG factory workshop manual for the 4 speed BTR (used in the LPG vehicles) Ford warned that using anything other than TQ95 would result in a reduction in performance and durability.

[aussiblue]

As an aside, it would be interesting to see what happens though if someone used TQ95 in a trans meant to have Dexron III.

[Sox]

Originally Posted by aussiblue

For those saying Dexron is OK read https://www.tiperformance.com.au/Ref...Speed_Auto.pdf especially pages 31 and 47.

Did you read the date on that document - 1994.
I remember all too well how many BTR's were killed using the wrong oil, back then.

It's not much different to when Ford released the ZF, nothing else could be used except the Lifeboat or whatever it's called, yet now there's several that can be used.

Things change.

Todays pooftamatique fluids have advanced somewhat since then.


BTW, I don't think anyone has said all dexron fluids are ok to use, however there are some that can.

[roKWiz]

Do not know anything about Ford autos but would this apply to earlier XF 3 speed autos ?

[gregaust]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

Do not know anything about Ford autos but would this apply to earlier XF 3 speed autos ?

Pretty much anything will work in those A good dexron 3 you should be fine

This whole conversation reminds me of the ZF 6speed oil. Most say you must use the ridiculously priced ZF oil. But there are many other successful alternatives .

Here's one for you. Some years ago where I work had Allison transmissions in small mini buses . The original oil was Dexron 3 . There was issues .
Now this particular Allison was nothing more than an overgrown T400.

The fix from Allison was ... Fill with a 15/40 diesel engine oil.
I'm like "No Way" but issues with overheated oil went away.
The heavier oil shifted just the same

[GazzF6]

It's based on the friction modifiers! One is grippy and one is slippy..
So if you switch them over, you will get a much firmer shift in the Ford and a softer shift in the Holden.