I was reading on allpar that in the manual tranny in the Neon there was no need to change the fluid ever, even under racing conditions. Mopar said that this would last the life of the car. Now if this is correct do you guys recomend changing the tranny fluid anyway?

 

If it's just autocross or drag racing, I wouldn't bother. If you're road racing (not street ricing) or doing a hill climb where you're going to be pushing it at the top end of the rpm band for long periods of time, I'd go ahead and spend the $35-40 for a little piece of mind. As always, stick with the Mopar fluid when possible. Amsoil does have a tranny fluid with the proper additives that's a little cheaper, and some people have had good luck with Redline MTF for even less money. I've always used the Mopar stuff, except for one weekend after putting the tranny back together (clutch change) where the dealership was closed for a long weekend and I had to use ATF+4...

Best of luck!

 

DO NOT USE REDLINE MTL IF YOU NEED ATF+4. Friend lost his synchros that way. Use the C+ from Redline Oil. That is their ATF+4 equivelent. Just remember gears will wear and metal will then be in the oil. Probably most important afer say the first 30K miles than too keep changing it but make sure your level is good and you should be fine.

 

According to the 1st gen FSM's, never ever use ATF+4 in the NV T-350 (neon 5-speed). It's in bold letters. Plenty (PLENTY) of people are using the Redline MTF in theirs with no problems, and that includes frequent track use.

Again, ATF+4 was never intended to be used in the Neon's 5-speed. Why they put it in the 2nd gens I'll never know. No ATF fuid on the market has the additives that were meant for our synchros.

 

Oops my bad but for us second Gen folk remember the ATF Rules. Probably just fine in Gen1.

 

Okay, I'm a little confused ([&:]) I have a 2005 Neon SXT 5 speed, I am pretty **** about changing the fluids in our cars, my Yukon takes Dexron III and the Neon takes ATF+4, which brand should I use? I use primarily for commuting back and forth to work and driving one of five kids to various events.

We have:

Wal-mart
Schucks
Napa
Carquest

In our area and don't want to get the wrong brand or wrong stuff and burn up the tranny.

First Dodge I've owned and love it so far.

Thanks

Aaron

 

Best brand by far is always factory.

 

As a commuter, you should never have a need to change the tranny fluid in you 5-speed Neon.

 

I shouldn't have to change it, but I probably will, I drive like a maniac sometimes. I'm just old school I guess.

I saw Valvoline ATF+4 full synthetic, but you are right, should stick to factory

I wish our Walmart had the 5qt 5/20 Mobil 1 though. Would 5/30 be too thick? My boss who was a mechanic for several years says it's not too thick. I say to stick with the manual. (not to hijack this thread mind you)

L8R

Aaron

 

5W30 is a better oil to use in the winter because its lighter than 10W30, but during the summer I use 10W30 simply because the lighter oil is not needed.