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Why is transmission fluid impossible to buy?

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Old 09-08-2013, 11:14 PM
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Default Why is transmission fluid impossible to buy?

I went out today looking to get a couple gallons to do a fluid/filter change. NOBODY carries ATF+4. Autozone only carries 1 quart bottles and every time I go in there for some (my trans and transfer case both have slight leaks) they never have more than like 2 or 3 bottles in stock. O'Reilly only carries Royal Purple in-store for $15/ quart. Screw that. Nobody else around here even carries it. At all.

I can't figure out WTF anyone with a Chrysler product does around here, unless they all go to the dealership. I'm beginning to suspect the reason Chrysler has such a reputation for crap transmissions isn't because they're crap, but because nobody can ever change or add fluid to the things. I drove 20 minutes to the nearest Farm & Fleet which has like 10 shelves in a 6 foot section dedicated to nothing but transmission fluid for any motorized vehicle you could ever imagine, unless you own a Dodge. It was mind boggling.

I know I can (and probably will) order it online, but that's kind of an issue if I ever suddenly find myself needing some in a hurry.
 
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Old 09-08-2013, 11:16 PM
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WalMart usually carries their cheap brand ATF+4, which is usually fine.
 
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Old 09-08-2013, 11:19 PM
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+1 for cheap wally fluid.
 
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Old 09-08-2013, 11:23 PM
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I haven't seen atf+4 in a gallon anywhere expect our local trans parts warehouse.
 
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Old 09-08-2013, 11:29 PM
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After working there I have a long-standing boycott of Wal-Mart. I'll let my trans run dry and weld itself together on the highway before I'll buy my fluid there.

It's weird how hard it is to find ATF+4, when I practically trip over Dex/Merc everwhere.
 
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Old 09-09-2013, 10:11 AM
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Meijers?
 
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Old 09-09-2013, 10:36 AM
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That's odd. It's on the shelf at every auto parts store around here. Maybe have a parts store order it for you so you wouldn't have to pay for the shipping.
 
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Old 09-09-2013, 04:30 PM
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I've never had a problem buying ATF4+ for my vehicle at O'Reilly's.
 
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Old 09-09-2013, 05:22 PM
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NAPA? i work at one here in MD & we are totally stocked. i work in the commercial/wholesale section. but our retail store has like 2 cases on the floor & plenty more in the back.
 
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Old 09-09-2013, 05:35 PM
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I think I'd bite the bullet and go to Walmart, after all you would be also helping your ex fellow workers and the local economy after all is said and done in the long run.
 


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