Can I use alternative Transmission fluid to the quotes recommended fluid if i’m bringing my own parts?
My Jetta 2.5 is overdue for a transmission fluid change,including filter, I have decided to find the parts and fluids to myself to save money. This website recommends Pentosin, which is a supported fluid by VW, From forum research, some people recommend another fully synthetic fluid to use, which saves cost. Would the installing mechanic install my requested fluid if supplied or would they not perform the transmission service without the fluid recommended by the website?
My car has 62000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
I would recommend buying the correct fluid. The reason is because I want to make sure your car is taken care of and is running as long as possible. You wouldn’t want to put something foreign in your car that it may not accept unless you’re willing to accept risks. Different fluids have different chemicals in it. It may cost more right now, but you won’t have to spend money buying a new transmission or having one rebuilt.
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From the factory, the transmissions require two completely different transmission fluid formulations and/or specs. It would be best to put the bottle back. We don`t recommend using any fluid that says it can be used in a wide variety of transmission brands or types.
The type of transmission fluid you should use depends upon the make, model and year of your vehicle. For example, many General Motor cars will require a DEXRON fluid and Ford cars commonly specify a MERCON fluid. Always follow the vehicle manufacturer recommendation for proper fluid use and change interval.
Castrol – Transmax ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid 1 Quart (Part No. 15A9FA)
Automatic transmissions must only use the fluid specified by the automaker, such as General Motors` Dexron series or Toyota`s Type T. Using the wrong fluid can cause poor lubrication, overheating, and possibly transmission failure. A mechanic might not be able to reverse the damage, even by flushing the transmission.
It is therefore crucial to use the correct type of transmission fluid as recommended by the OEM. Using a fluid not specified by the manufacturer can cause issues such as wear in the transmission and erratic shifting, as well negatively impacting fuel efficiency if the viscosity of the oil is not correct.
Once you have established that the transmission needs more fluid to be added to it, then you need to obtain both the proper type of transmission fluid for your vehicle (the vehicle`s manual will specify) and a long, thin funnel to aid in adding it to the existing fluid.
Do not mix ATF+4® with non-licensed automatic transmission fluid (ATF). To ensure you have removed most or all of the existing ATF in your transmission, it is recommended that you perform a total of three (3) fluid changes using ATF+4®.
Transmission fluid found in a new vehicle begins as a translucent dark red color.
This specially formulated combination of full synthetic base stocks and highly advanced additive technology ensure peak performance and maximum fuel economy while meeting the frictional and wear requirements of most automatic transmissions regardless of age.
Changing your fluid cannot cause any damage by itself, if everything is fine inside the transmission. The issues start to appear when you change the fluid if your clutches are already worn or damaged from use. If you go and replace the fluid after they are already worn out. this can cause slipping.
Yes, you can use motor oil instead of automatic transmission fluid.
Do not mix brands. Also only let out what the drain plug allows unless you are changing regularly 30–50,000 miles. If it`s been in their a while especially American cars leave it be. You can cause slippage.
Whilst some manual gearboxes do use transmission fluids in place of gear oil, the same cannot be said for putting gear oil into an automatic transmission. Gear oil is much too viscous for these systems and will cause clogging between components.
Licenses & Approvals. CVT Fluid is recommended for most Honda, Jeep, Mitsubishi, Nissan (except Altima hybrid) and Suzuki vehicles with CVT transmissions. It is not recommended for eCVT or most chain-driven CVT transmissions, or in any non-CVT transmission.
If you drive manual, most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you have automatic, you can typically boost that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There`s no harm in changing your fluid early.
This is precisely the reason most specialist, independent workshops strongly recommend you replace the transmission fluid regularly in cars that come with a “lifetime” fluid. Prevention is better than cure, so keep the fluids fresh before they degrade to the point that the transmission experiences catastrophic failure.
A straightforward answer would be No because gear oil and transmission fluid target different types of transmissions or mechanical environments. Gear oil is a lubricant for manual transmission while transmission fluid is a lubricant for the automatic transmission of semi-trucks and other heavy and light-duty vehicles.
Most experts recommend replacing the transmission fluid every 35,000 to 60,000 miles for manual cars depending upon your use. For automatic you can wait up to 60,000 to 80,000 miles but the sooner the better as there is absolutely no problem in changing the fluid early. Not doing so may cause some performance issues.
Wondering when to change your automatic transmission fluid (ATF)? Most manufacturers recommend replacing transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, but this varies by vehicle and how it is driven.
ATF+4 is fully compatible with all transmission applications where ATF+, ATF+2 and ATF+3 Automatic Transmission Fluids are specified. Only certified ATF+4 is recommended for service of FCA vehicles as where ATF+4 is specified in the owner`s manual.
Mobil ATF+4 is specially formulated to ensure optimal performance in Chrysler automatic transmissions. Its unique additive package provides the proper frictional properties, excellent low-temperature fluidity and dependable wear protection required in applications where a Chrysler MS-9602 type fluid is recommended.
Many vehicle fluids have been dyed for easy identification, and transmission fluid is no exception. Newer transmission fluid is a translucent dark red color, but over time, it will become even darker through use.
What Should It Look Like? Healthy transmission fluid should be relatively clear or pink in color. If your transmission fluid is deep red or brown, your transmission fluid is old and most likely causing extra damage within your transmission.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Can I use alternative Transmission fluid to the quotes recommended fluid if i’m bringing my own parts?
ANSWER : I would recommend buying the correct fluid. The reason is because I want to make sure your car is taken care of and is running as long as possible. You wouldn’t want to put something foreign in your car that it may not accept unless you’re willing to accept risks. Different fluids have different chemicals in it. It may cost more right now, but you won’t have to spend money buying a new transmission or having one rebuilt.
There is automatic transmission fluid in a manual transmission. Is it okay to leave or do I need manual transmission fluid?
ANSWER : This would depend on what the manufacturer recommends. Many manual transmissions do take automatic transmission fluid. If your transmission has ATF in it, it is very likely that it is supposed to have that in there. If not, it is likely that the transmission would not function properly with the wrong fluid. Many manual transmissions will also take engine oil as a lubricant. The best way to know for sure is to check your owner’s manual or call your local General Motors dealership to inquire.
New cars don’t have transmission fluid dipsticks Transmission fluid changing
ANSWER : That’s a very good question. The reason they have gone with no dipsticks is because they don’t want people messing with transmissions other there at the dealership. Some cars went through that a couple of decades ago. They make it a very involved, convoluted process all through, in order to change the fluid on these modern cars. They have special adapters you have to put. Some of them have to have scan computers in order to read the data and what’s in there, and then be able to change it. A lot of these companies claim that this new fluid is the "lifetime" fluid.
Most new use synthetic fluid can last a long time but any fluid is going to get dirty and wear out over time. I would change it at least every 80,000 – 100,000 miles but if you’ve got one that is really hard to change, you are better off hiring a mechanic to do it.
On some of the cars, it would be too hard for the do-it-yourself because of all that equipment you need. The professional mechanics already have that. Just call any good mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, and they will be able to perform a transmission fluid service for you.
Hello, I was curious to know how much would a transmission fluid change cost for a 2013 Scion XB? What type of fluid do they use?
ANSWER : Hi there. The transmission fluid that your vehicle calls for is Genuine Toyota ATF T-IV Transmission Fluid. If you have letters to have your vehicle brought to the dealership for a recall, there is no charge to you to fix a recall.
Billing question sent to CS for the cost of servicing the transmission on a 2013 Scion xB with a L4-2.4L engine and automatic transmission.
Need to have transmission service on 2014 Nissan Sentra SV but would like to use only fluid manufactured by Nissan? How can I?
ANSWER : To answer your most important question first, you can absolutely specify that only genuine NIssan OEM dealer supplied transmission fluid (as well as any applicable filter) be used in your vehicle. Generally speaking, OEM parts are preferred and, in many cases, are the only way to avoid headaches. If you are providing the fluid, you can simply eliminate the "parts component" of the quote (there is a delete all parts option in the quote, leaving you only with labor charges). If you desire that YourMechanic procure the fluid, it might be easier to simply call in your service request and just make it clear on the phone that only OEM Nissan fluid is to be used. To obtain service, please call YourMechanic’s request for service line at 1-844-249-6752. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
1998 mercedes benz c280 transmission fluid leak from top
ANSWER : Hi there. Unfortunately, we are not able to receive pictures or video to pinpoint damage or identify parts for vehicles through this platform. The best way to identify this item is to search online for a detailed schematic of your C280 Mercedes-Benz or contact a local MB specialist mechanic or the dealership service department to determine the parts name and function. You might also want to have a MB specialist mechanic install and inspect your vehicle for further transmission fluid leaks to ensure the repairs are correctly completed.
Transmission fluid leak, power loss, extremely high fuel usage.
ANSWER : Hello – I would focus on the transmission issue first. If you have the transmission fluid back to its proper level, check for problem codes, whether the Check Engine light is lit or not. An auto parts store will read these codes for you for free. Low fluid level can easily result in poor performance and burned clutches, and can cause foaming out of the filler dipstick and onto the engine. If after refilling transmission fluid, there are no problem codes, I would recommend having a Transmission Fluid Service completed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, to diagnose this problem, get an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs. If there are transmission codes, and/or the "Wrench" symbol is still illuminated, I would recommend taking your vehicle to a reputable transmission repair facility for a thorough diagnostic analysis. The "high fuel consumption" indicated in the instrument cluster is likely a secondary indicator of the transmission issue. Resolve the transmission performance problem first, then check fuel mileage.
My car is leaking transmission fluid – I can’t diagnose the leak
ANSWER : Based on the NHTSA database covering consumer complaints, as well as government mandated recalls and factory service bulletins, for your specific year, make and model, I do not see evidence of widespread complaints about transmission fluid leaks. Such leaks are, in fact, common in transmissions made by any car company, particularly if the transmission is older than say 10 years. There is a manual shaft seal, oil pan gasket, output shaft seals, case seals, torque converter seal (inaccessible) and so forth all of which are potential leak points on your transmission.
If you want to identify and resolve these leaks, certainly a certified Mechanic from YourMechanic could come out and perform a transmission leak inspection and let you know where the leak points are and what it will cost to resolve them.
