Thread: OOPS! Dex III instead of Dex VI ???

Originally Posted by Zef_66

What? Dexron is a GM specification for their tranny fluid.

Type F/FA is the old Ford tranny fluid specification.

Mercon is the new (1987+) fluid specs for Ford tranny fluid. The newest being Mercon V.

So no, Dexron does not equal Mercon. They are not the same. They can not always be used interchangeably. So please, please, please, don't offer wrong advice.

I've never seen a bottle of Mercon or a bottle of Dexron, separately. The only thing I have ever seen is "Dexron/Mercon" followed by a roman numeral, depending on what the latest formula is and I've ran it in every transmission I've ever owned (all GM) up until I got my hands on a 4T60E, where I switched to Mobil 1. If it's available in some other way, then that's news to me. Type FA has been for fords as long as I have known. If there's something new, then that, too is news to me. I can't say I know a whole lot about the ford since I'm not on their team, so I won't debate you.

Are you saying you can purchase a bottle of "Dexron" or a bottle of "Mercon" - either one you want? Maybe I misunderstand you. The last case of ATF I bought was Dexron/Mercon IV, I believe. I run it in my 4L80E and my 4T60E. My 4L60E gets Mobil 1 ATF only.

In a nutshell, Dex VI replaces Dex III, so using it in the original poster's tranny is fine. Here is some good information to help clarify if anyone is a "mixed team" guy. I happen to be an exclusive GM guy, so I'm in no need of a list like this, I suppose. (The list included jap cars, too, but I don't consider them useful in any capacity, so I omitted it)


TRANSMISSION FLUIDS
Over the years, there have been a confusing array of different ATF types and specifications. Make sure the replacement fluid meets or exceeds all OEM requirements. Using the wrong type of fluid may cause [COLOR=#0000ff !important][COLOR=#0000ff !important]transmission [COLOR=#0000ff !important]problems[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR] and damage.
Type F -- Introduced by Ford in 1967 for their automatics. Also used by Toyota.
Type CJ -- Special fluid for Ford C6 transmissions. Similar to Dexron II. Must not be used in automatics that require Type F. Can be replaced with Mercon or Mercon V.
Type H -- Another limited Ford spec that differs from both Dexron and Type F. Can be replaced with Mercon or Mercon V.
Mercon -- Ford fluid introduced in 1987, very similar to Dexron II. Okay for all earlier Fords except those that require Type F. As of July 1, 2007, the production and licensing of Mercon ATF by Ford ends. Ford says applications that require Mercon ATF can now be serviced with Mercon V. See Ford TSB 06144 for more information.
Mercon V -- Replaces Mercon. Introduced in 1997 for Ranger, Explorer V6 and Aerostar, and 1998 & up Windstar, Taurus/Sable and Continental. This is the current ATF for most late model Ford products. See Ford TSB 06144 for more information.
Mercon SP -- Latest friction-modified ATF for Ford TorqShift Transmissions only. Do NOT use in transmissions that require Mercon or Mercon V. See Ford TSB 06144 for more information.
Dexron -- General Motors original ATF for automatics.
Dexron II -- Improved GM formula with better viscosity control and additional oxidation inhibitors. Can be used in place of Dexron.
Dexron IIE -- GM fluid for electronic transmissions.
Dexron III -- Replaces Dexron IIE and adds improved oxidation and corrosion control in GM electronic automatics.
Dexron III (H) -- Improved version of Dexron III released in 2003.
Dexron III/Saturn -- A special fluid spec for Saturns.
Dexron-VI -- Introduced in 2006 for GM Hydra-Matic 6L80 6-speed rear-wheel-drive transmissions. Dexron VI now replaces Dexron III and II, and can be used in GM or import transmissions that formerly specified Dexron III or II.
Chrysler 7176 -- For Chrysler FWD transaxles.
Chrysler 7176D (ATF+2) -- Adds improved cold temperature flow and oxidation resistance. Introduced 1997.
Chrysler 7176E (ATF+3) -- Adds improved shear stability and uses a higher quality base oil. Required for four-speed automatics (do NOT use Dexron or Mercon as a substitute).
Chrysler ATF+4 (ATE) -- Introduced in 1998, ATF+4 is synthetic and replaces the previous ATF+3 fluid. Used primarily for 2000 and 2001 vehicles, it can also be used in earlier Chrysler transmissions (except 1999 and older minivans with 41TE/AE transmission). ATF+3 should continue to be used for 1999 and earlier minivans because of the potential for torque converter shudder during break in.
NOTE:Chrysler ATF+4 Must always be used in vehicles that were originally filled with ATF+4. The red dye used in ATF+4 is not permanent. As the fluid ages it may become darker or appear brown in color. ATF+4 also has a unique odor that may change with age. Therefore, do not relay on the color and odor of ATF+4 to determine if the fluid needs to be changed. Follow the OEM recommended service interval.
Chrysler ATF+5 for 2002 and newer models.

Originally Posted by Zef_66

What? Dexron is a GM specification for their tranny fluid.

Type F/FA is the old Ford tranny fluid specification.

Mercon is the new (1987+) fluid specs for Ford tranny fluid. The newest being Mercon V.

So no, Dexron does not equal Mercon. They are not the same. They can not always be used interchangeably. So please, please, please, don't offer wrong advice.

Why does Mobil of all companies sell one that does both and not one for each type?