I have a 2001 Durango, with the 45RFE tranny. It calls for ATF+4 fluid, which I have always used in it. I recently brought it to a new mechanic for a fluid and filter change, and I found out that he put in a Multi-vehicle ATF. None of the multi-vehicle fluids I’ve seen before cover ATF+4, and all the forums warn against using anything but ATF+4. When I complained to the owner, he produced a spec sheet that claims that it meets the Chrysler ATF+3 and ATF+4 OEM specs. The spec sheet is from a company called SC Fuels, but they just look like the bulk fluid distributor, not the manufacturer. The product is called “Performance 500 HiVis MVP ATF”. I found a “Performance 500” ATF, produced by General Petroleum (GP), but it does not make the same claims, nor does it have the same specs. I did find a Hi Vis MVP ATF made or distributed by Neo Synthetics: http://www.neosyntheticoil.com/atf-hi-vis-mvp/ The first two paragraphs in the description are identical to the spec sheet that the tech gave me, the OEM specs covered are the same, and the test values are close, but not identical. The Performance 500 HiVis MVP ATF specs that I have are: Gravity API 31.5, Flashpoint 425F, Pour Point -50F, Viscosity @-40C Brookfield 18,200, Viscosity @ 100C 7.3, Viscosity Index 190. The tech test drove it, and I drove it home (about 2 miles), but other than that, I’ve left it sitting in my driveway until I decide what to do. Should I leave the fluid in there and change it out at a shorter maintenance interval, or should I swap it out now? Does anyone have any opinion or experience with this stuff?

 

Should have just taken it to the dealer. But you get what you pay for.

I'd just drop the pan drain and refill.

 

Make them purge (not flush) that **** out of there and put ATF+4 in, and never go back there. Anything other than ATF+4 will cause issues in the long run.

 

yea it will cause slipping and will damage seals in the long run,our trans are extremely sensitive to the fluid you put inside, once purged , from now you should change your fluid yourself is extremely easy, i did it on mine (never did a fluid change ever) and was really easy, there are videos on youtube just consider that if you change filters you need more fluid, when i changed mine 7.5 qts went out

i even used mopar atf+4, cause i couldnt find any other except autozone (which i didnt feel comfortable ) consider that you rarely change the trans fluid (like the engine oil that is every 6 months) if you dont want to change it, buy your stuff (fluid and filters and gasket if you want) and take it to the shop and instruct them that you only want to be charged for the job

 

Autozone and Advance auto brands are on the Chrysler approved ATF list....

 

Here's the full list

http://centerforqa.com/chrysler/licensed-atf4-brands

 

Thanks PublicHair. I usually have better luck doing things myself, or going to a local mechanic with a good reputation, as opposed to the dealer. That, however, that did not work out this time. I've decided to get this stuff out, and replace with a Chrysler licensed/approved ATF+4. My concern with dropping the pan and refilling is that it will only replace about 5 quarts of the total 14 quart system. I'm concerned that even after dropping the pan and refilling, that there will still be about 3 quarts of this stuff mixed in. Would you agree with that_guy, that I should purge it all out?

 

Thanks that_guy. I've heard bad stories about flushing, so I'll heed your advice on avoiding that. As I replied to PublicHair, I would prefer to purge all of the fluid, not just dropping the pan and replacing the partial amount that comes with that method. Do you have a recommended way to purge it all, without flushing. I seen some suggestions about disconnecting lines, and running it until air comes out, but that seems very risky to me. What to you recommend?

 

Thanks, snake B. I've watched the videos, and I have a good feel for what's involved. I 'd prefer to get all of it out, not just 5 or 7.5 quarts. Hopefully someone will offer up a good alternative for a full purge. There are plenty of reliable options on the Chrysler licensed ATF+4 list. Valvoline has gotten some pretty good reviews. AutoZone has Valvoline and Castrol for $6.99 / Qt. Personally, I'd trust either of them.

 

This thread should help..

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...nsmission.html