Power steering fluid - TSB says don't use ATF+4?
#11
i always have spare tranny fluid, coolant, gear oil, and oil in my toolbox. its just cheaper already having the tranny fluid on hand. cuz to get all that spare stuff it was like 50 bucks...
#12
EDITED: This is wrong -- read post #17 in this thread!
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OK - sounds like I should flush it out and go with ATF+4. It's the line in the TSB that says:
"On some past models, MS9602 (ATF+4) should be used as the replacement fluid..."
Great -- what the heck does "some past models" mean? It seems to suggest that you should replace with ONLY the original MS5931, HOWEVER, there are SOME models that you can switch to ATF+4. They don't seem to want to tell us what those models are...
I just don't want to damage the seals and make more work for myself later...
I've got to run by the dealer tomorrow for some parts -- I'll see what they have to say and post a follow-up.
Thanks for all the advice-
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OK - sounds like I should flush it out and go with ATF+4. It's the line in the TSB that says:
"On some past models, MS9602 (ATF+4) should be used as the replacement fluid..."
Great -- what the heck does "some past models" mean? It seems to suggest that you should replace with ONLY the original MS5931, HOWEVER, there are SOME models that you can switch to ATF+4. They don't seem to want to tell us what those models are...
I just don't want to damage the seals and make more work for myself later...
I've got to run by the dealer tomorrow for some parts -- I'll see what they have to say and post a follow-up.
Thanks for all the advice-
Last edited by Karl2009; 11-04-2009 at 04:41 PM.
#14
#17
CONCLUSION
Here is what I found out about PS fluid for 94-2001 Rams.
NEVER use ATF+4, or any other transmission fluid, in the power steering system of a 2nd generation Ram, unless your manual specifically says so. Do not use it to "top off" or to replace the entire fluid after a flush. You must use MS5931 fluid only.
BACKGROUND
1) TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) 19-005-03 specifically states this (http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2003/19-005-03.htm):
2) To confirm, I went to the dealer and talked to the parts guy and service manager. They confirmed that you must use 5931 fluid only. Note that some newer generation Rams CAN use ATF+4 (check your manual.)
3) I bought the Mopar MS5931 fluid from the dealer ($9.95 / qt). There is a specific warning on the back of the bottle:
4) Be careful using PS fluid bought at a parts store. You have to check the back of the bottle to make sure it says it is compatible with Chrysler 5931. I looked at a couple of bottles at Kragen, most don't state any specs, but some do.
5) Some of the posts in this 2nd Gen forum are WRONG. Like this one:
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-ps-fluid.html
I don't claim to be an expert on any of this -- I've owned this truck for less than a week -- so please post if you think I've got this wrong-
Here is what I found out about PS fluid for 94-2001 Rams.
NEVER use ATF+4, or any other transmission fluid, in the power steering system of a 2nd generation Ram, unless your manual specifically says so. Do not use it to "top off" or to replace the entire fluid after a flush. You must use MS5931 fluid only.
BACKGROUND
1) TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) 19-005-03 specifically states this (http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2003/19-005-03.htm):
MS9602 (ATF+4) should not be mixed or used as a “topping off” fluid on systems requiring MS5931.
The TSB indicates that all Rams from 1994 - 2002 require MS5391.2) To confirm, I went to the dealer and talked to the parts guy and service manager. They confirmed that you must use 5931 fluid only. Note that some newer generation Rams CAN use ATF+4 (check your manual.)
3) I bought the Mopar MS5931 fluid from the dealer ($9.95 / qt). There is a specific warning on the back of the bottle:
Formulated for use in all pre-1998 Chrysler vehicles and recommended for 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee to ensure long life of power steering hoses and seals. Use only in power steering systems. Lubricants designed for use in engines or transmissions may deteriorate rubber power steering system components.
This indicates that the hoses and rubber seals in the PS system can be damaged by ATF+4 transmission fluid.4) Be careful using PS fluid bought at a parts store. You have to check the back of the bottle to make sure it says it is compatible with Chrysler 5931. I looked at a couple of bottles at Kragen, most don't state any specs, but some do.
5) Some of the posts in this 2nd Gen forum are WRONG. Like this one:
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-ps-fluid.html
I don't claim to be an expert on any of this -- I've owned this truck for less than a week -- so please post if you think I've got this wrong-
Last edited by Karl2009; 11-04-2009 at 04:44 PM.
#18
I'll claim that you are right because it says right in my service manual to never use transmission fluid in the steering system. I almost used ATF+4 too when I flushed my system, but took the FSM's warning!
The Valvoline Maxlife PS fluid I used says its "Compatible with GM, Ford, Chrysler and certain import vehicles." Now, is it compatible with MS5931? Nobody knows! But what I do know is that now my sterring box is leaking. The Maxlife may be the culprit!
Now, the regular Valvoline PS fluid says it meets Chrysler spec. 5931, so I guess it means MS5931. Should have used that! Silly me!
The Valvoline Maxlife PS fluid I used says its "Compatible with GM, Ford, Chrysler and certain import vehicles." Now, is it compatible with MS5931? Nobody knows! But what I do know is that now my sterring box is leaking. The Maxlife may be the culprit!
Now, the regular Valvoline PS fluid says it meets Chrysler spec. 5931, so I guess it means MS5931. Should have used that! Silly me!
Last edited by PurplDodge; 11-04-2009 at 04:24 PM.
#19
I'll claim that you are right because it says right in my service manual to never use transmission fluid in the steering system. I almost used ATF+4 too when I flushed my system, but took the FSM's warning!
The Valvoline Maxlife PS fluid I used says its "Compatible with GM, Ford, Chrysler and certain import vehicles." Now, is it compatible with MS5931? Nobody knows! But what I do know is that now my sterring box is leaking. The Maxlife may be the culprit!
Now, the regular Valvoline PS fluid says it meets Chrysler spec. 5931, so I guess it means MS5931. Should have used that! Silly me!
The Valvoline Maxlife PS fluid I used says its "Compatible with GM, Ford, Chrysler and certain import vehicles." Now, is it compatible with MS5931? Nobody knows! But what I do know is that now my sterring box is leaking. The Maxlife may be the culprit!
Now, the regular Valvoline PS fluid says it meets Chrysler spec. 5931, so I guess it means MS5931. Should have used that! Silly me!