I agree. I'll keep using it in this truck only cause of the lifetime warranty. No warranty I wouldn't be using it. It is sufficent. There is better.

 

But to answer the original question. YES there are higher end synthetic auto trans fliud then ATF+4. Here's one.www.amsoil.com

 

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_Chrysle...ully_synthetic Depends which brand. The atf that the dealer sells, #05013457aa, is a semi synthetic. Valvoline +4 #346, is fully synthetic so is Quarker State ATF+4

 

I've looked at a lot of threads over ATF+4 for Dodge transmissions vs. others and here is what worked for me.

Drop the pan annually(every 20K) and spend $40 for new transmission fluid. Cost of a reg oil change.

I installed an inline filter called transprotector which costs about $20 at http://www.trnw.net/store/products.php?cat=63. I replace this annually and you should see the dirt it traps the pan filter doesn't grab. Plus the filter has a built in magnet.

I only use Vavoline ATF+4 only because the label says its fully synthetic. Mobile, Quaker State etc all say its a "specially formulated" or it says "special blend" which means just that....its a blend. Thought it meets the Chrysler specs but for the same $ I get the Valvoline which is 100% synthetic.

I read this on a thread about 7 years ago and I owed a caravan 15 yrs ago and it went through 3 transmissions because I used regular ATF. I'm from the era where the GM trannys lasted forever and only every changed the fluid once or twice so when I read these Dodge trannys are so fussy clean fluid all the time makes sense. I have a 2000 Caravan with 200,000 kms and its the original transmission and it shows no sign of slipping. It shifts as smooth as it did brand new.

So for about $75 a year to replace the fluid and inline filter sure beats a $3000 transmission rebuild. I only replace the pan filter every 2 yrs which I can get at amazon for about $20 Canadian. The first time I did it I drained the tranny using the return line and replaced all 9 quarts of fluid so it was a little more expensive first go around......then I would drop the pan annually and replace 4 quarts. Some will say the inline filter restricts fluid flow and its hog wash. I drain the tranny using a hose after the filter and I see no flow restriction.

I would not use Amasoil only because it does not have the ATF +4 designation and NEVER use any additive at all. Would you use Amasoil synthetic tranny fluid for an oil change? Believe the ATF +4 designation.

To me the key to these trannys or any tranny now a days is clean fluid.

 

read the paragraph. also there is a las vegas taxi cab study on amsoil website and you can still see the number printed on the clutches.

AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF is recommended for transmissions, hydraulics, power steering systems and other applications that require any of the following specifications:

 

Well I'm glad I learned something new. I know Amsoil is a very good product and I suspect most people like myself don't go into the minutia of the fine print.

Amsoil is very expensive in Canada like $13/quart so I'll just stick with Valvoline ATF +4 as it is fully synthetic at $7 and change it every year.

Like engine oil even the very best synthetic is not much good when its dirty. But thanks for the info....it was very helpful

 

Hmm, I think I'll stick with ATF+4 that the dealer puts in. My lifetime powertrain will take care of the rest and I won't have to shave my head and start hanging out at the airport with the Amsoil cult

 

sign up as a dealer or a preferred customer and get it for dealer

 

Regarding ATF +4. I wrote the Centre for Quality Assurance who licenses manufactures who make ATF +4. I asked if all AFT +4 is synthetic since some makes say it is, or state its a synthetic blend and some say nothing.....here is their response.
Bottom line is if its AFT+4 is ATF +4. If you have a Chrysler vehicle do not use any ATF unless it says its ATF +4. They admit synthetic is a "marketing term". too funny

Your question regarding the use of “synthetic” in ATF+4® has a very interesting answer that is not a definitive “yes” or “no”. First it is important to understand how the term “synthetic” may be used. Advanced technologies in lubricant refining, such as hydrocracking, have made it possible to refine mineral oils to such a point that the mineral oils are technically regarded as synthetic oils and may legally be marketed as such. Therefore, lubricant marketers may use the term “synthetic”, “partially synthetic”, “synthetic blend”, “fully synthetic”, or some other terminology, when the base lubricant is derived from 100% synthetic materials, 100% highly refined mineral oil, or any combination thereof. So “synthetic” is really more of a marketing term than a statement of whether the base oil comes from man-made materials or mineral oil.

In regard to ATF+4®, these same refining technologies are employed and various marketing terms are used in regard to their base oil make-up. The important factor is not so much how companies choose to use the term “synthetic” to market their lubricants, rather it is that ATF+4® has been formulated to meet the exact requirements of Chrysler transmissions. Only highly refined or man-made base oils that meet specific performance standards along with proprietary additives are qualified for use. All licensees’ products are carefully monitored and tested to ensure they meet the required specifications. With ongoing technological advances in vehicle engineering and the myriad of lubricant choices available, it is ever more important that licensing programs, such as ATF+4®, are in place to monitor product that reaches the marketplace so you, the consumer, may feel confident you are purchasing the appropriate product for your vehicle.

I hope this has helped you gain a better understanding of the term “synthetic” and Chrysler’s commitment to stay on the forefront of product engineering and quality.

Best to you for the holidays and new year,
Chiara

Center For Quality Assurance
4800 James Savage Road
Midland, Michigan 48642 USA

Office: +1 (989) 496 2399[IMG]resource://skype_ff_extension-at-jetpack/skype_ff_extension/data/call_skype_logo.png[/IMG]+1 (989) 496 2399
Fax: +1 (989) 496 3438
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Regarding ATF +4. I wrote the Centre for Quality Assurance who licenses manufactures who make ATF +4. I asked if all AFT +4 is synthetic since some makes say it is, or state its a synthetic blend and some say nothing.....here is their response.
Bottom line is if its AFT+4 is ATF +4. If you have a Chrysler vehicle do not use any ATF unless it says its ATF +4. They admit synthetic is a "marketing term". too funny

Your question regarding the use of “synthetic” in ATF+4® has a very interesting answer that is not a definitive “yes” or “no”. First it is important to understand how the term “synthetic” may be used. Advanced technologies in lubricant refining, such as hydrocracking, have made it possible to refine mineral oils to such a point that the mineral oils are technically regarded as synthetic oils and may legally be marketed as such. Therefore, lubricant marketers may use the term “synthetic”, “partially synthetic”, “synthetic blend”, “fully synthetic”, or some other terminology, when the base lubricant is derived from 100% synthetic materials, 100% highly refined mineral oil, or any combination thereof. So “synthetic” is really more of a marketing term than a statement of whether the base oil comes from man-made materials or mineral oil.

In regard to ATF+4®, these same refining technologies are employed and various marketing terms are used in regard to their base oil make-up. The important factor is not so much how companies choose to use the term “synthetic” to market their lubricants, rather it is that ATF+4® has been formulated to meet the exact requirements of Chrysler transmissions. Only highly refined or man-made base oils that meet specific performance standards along with proprietary additives are qualified for use. All licensees’ products are carefully monitored and tested to ensure they meet the required specifications. With ongoing technological advances in vehicle engineering and the myriad of lubricant choices available, it is ever more important that licensing programs, such as ATF+4®, are in place to monitor product that reaches the marketplace so you, the consumer, may feel confident you are purchasing the appropriate product for your vehicle.

I hope this has helped you gain a better understanding of the term “synthetic” and Chrysler’s commitment to stay on the forefront of product engineering and quality.

Best to you for the holidays and new year,
Chiara

Center For Quality Assurance
4800 James Savage Road
Midland, Michigan 48642 USA


This document may contain legally privileged or confidential information and is intended only for the use of the parties to whom it is addressed. If you are not an intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any information in this document is strictly prohibited. If you have received this document in error, please notify the sender and delete it immediately.