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          Valvoline / FAQs / System Fluids / Automatic Transmission Fluid

          Automatic Transmission Fluid

          1. I had my transmission fluid changed using Valvoline ATF+4 Synthetic fluid. All previous changes used conventional fluid. Will this cause a problem?

            No. Switching to synthetic after using a conventional product will not cause a problem. Synthetic and conventional oils are 100% compatible.

          2. What is the difference between DexronIII/Mercon and type "F" transmission fluid?

            The Valvoline Type F transmission fluid is a high quality NON-friction modified fluid. Dexron III/Mercon includes friction modifiers in the fluid additive package.

          3. Does Valvoline make a synthetic ATF?

            Yes. Valvoline makes several synthetic ATF's. MaxLife Dexron/Mercon ATF, Mercon V ATF, ATF +4 and Dexron VI are all synthetic.

          4. What is the shelf life of ATF?

            The Valvoline Company does not have a documented shelf life exposure on finished motor oil or ATF. We would expect under optimal conditions that the product would be stable for an extended period of time. We recommend two things: 1) Make sure the rating meets or exceeds your requirements, and 2) Shake the container before use. If the fluid sets, sometimes the additives may settle in the bottom of the container.

          5. Is ok to mix synthetic ATF with a conventional and/or synthetic blend ATF?

            Yes. Synthetic and conventional fluids are 100% compatible to each other.

          6. Is MaxLife ATF compatible with other brands of ATF?

            MaxLife is a multi-purpose fluid compatible with many brands and manufacturer recommendations. Refer to the MaxLife label to determine whether MaxLife is compatible for your application.

          7. I heard a rumor that using Dexron III will cause the clutch packs to swell and disintegrate? Is there any truth to this?

            No. Dexron III ATF will not cause any damages to clutch packs.

          8. Is MaxLife ATF an SP-111 fluid?

            MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF is 100% compatible for use in SP-II and SP-III applications.

          9. Does MaxLife ATF meet the spec for Volvos with a Geartronic Transmission?

            Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF will meet Volvo specifications that require the use of TIV or JWS3309 ATF.

          10. Does MaxLife ATF meet Dexron VI specifications?

            Yes. MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF meets the Dexron VI specifications.

          11. Does GM recognize MaxLife ATF and is this an acceptable fluid to use in place of Dexron VI?

            GM only recognizes their factory fill fluid for Dexron VI, but Valvoline meets and exceeds the performance requirements for the specification, and we stand behind the product 100% for this specification.

          12. Can MaxLife ATF be mixed with Dexron VI or does the fluid need to be purged prior to installing MaxLIfe ATF?

            Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF is 100% compatible with the Dexron VI for mixing or flushing a system.

          13. Is MaxLife ATF ok to use in applications requiring Mercon-V fluid?

            Yes. MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF meets the Mercon V specifications.

          For more information or to submit additional questions, please click here to contact us via email or by phone at 1-800-TEAM-VAL.

          Motor Oil Myths

          Dark oil means it's time to change it.
          Not necessarily. Dark oil means that the oil is using the detergents added to the formulation to clean the inside of the engine. If an oil is dark, that doesn't mean that the additives are not working, it just means that the oil is doing its job to clean internally.
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