ATF Dexron III gear oil: characteristics, application of Dextron 3 ATF

Dexron III/IIIF/IIIG/IIIH

— oils that meet the Dexron III standard or at least one of its modifications; Specific options should be clarified separately in each case. The Dexron standard was developed by General Motors and has long been the main guideline for most manufacturers producing cars with automatic transmissions. Dexron III (IIIF) was introduced in 1993 as a more advanced alternative to Dexron II, while maintaining compatibility with Dexron II boxes (with some exceptions). At the same time, the durability and wear resistance of these oils turned out to be low, so more advanced versions soon appeared: in 1997 - Dexron IIIG with improved low-temperature characteristics, in 2003 - Dexron IIIH with increased resistance to oxidation and scuffing. Official support for all versions of Dexron III was discontinued in 2006, but boxes of this standard and oils for them continue to be produced by third-party manufacturers.

Popular brands specifications

Mannol Dexron 3

Just like all, without exception, Dextron oils have a reddish tone. The manufacturer has worked hard on the combination of additives and synthetic components, the components of which help improve the fractional characteristics at the time of gear shifting.

Oil from a manufacturer in Germany has high low-temperature characteristics, excellent antioxidant properties, and stable chemical composition throughout the entire period of operation. It is not advisable to use copper elements as a lubricant; the liquid is absolutely neutral to all other alloys and materials.

The products have all possible tolerances:

ZF-TE-ML 09/11/14, ALLISON C4/TES 389, GM DEXR. III H/G/F, FORD M2C138-CJ/M2C166-H and others.

Castrol DEXRON

Castrol production is established in Germany. The oil consists of high-quality base mixtures with an optimal set of additives. Has positive feedback from GM and Ford management, exceeds the requirements of the Japanese JASA 1A specification. In cases where it is not possible to purchase Dextron ATF for the Japanese, you can safely use oil from Castrol - Dexron 6.

Meets all major standards:

Honda/Acura, Hyundai/Kia SP, Nissan Matic, Suzuki AT Oil, Mitsubishi SP, Mazda ATF, Toyota and Subaru.

Mobil 3 ATF oil

Mobil absolutely complies with all types of transmission seals in automatic transmission mechanisms. Compatible with all red liquids of the Dexron III specification. The composition is not recommended for use on northern continents, where temperatures drop to -30 degrees. Mobil oil with Dextron No. 3 specification can also be used in power steering mechanisms.

Meets Ford Mercon, ATF Dex standards. III, ZF TE-ML and Dex. 3

Motul Multi ATF

It is also possible to use it in hydrostatic transmissions, power steering, and other mechanisms (including ATF) that support standard Mercon and Dexron. Motul occupies a leading position in chemical composition and viscosity, temperature performance, stability functions, and meets all requirements from GM.

It has proven itself as a reliable gear oil. The only drawback of the Motul Multi premium mixture is its price.

Meets the basic standards of MAZDA, CHRYSLER, JAGUAR, RENAULT Elfmatic, Renaultmatic D2 D3, Acura/HONDA, Lexus/TOYOTA ATF, Audi, GM DEXRON 2 and 3, FORD, BMW and MITSUBISHI.

Operating conditions for Dextron transmission fluids

The service life of ATF Dexron depends not only on the mileage, but also on the operating conditions of the machine:

• with aggressive driving, frequent slipping, driving on broken roads, ATF Dexron II and III wear out quickly;
• starting without warming up the automatic transmission oil in winter leads to rapid aging of Dexron 2 and 3;
• due to underfilling of fluid in the box, the pressure drops, the performance properties of the automatic transmission oil are reduced;
• the overflow of ATP causes the emulsion to foam. The excess splashes out, and the automatic transmission becomes underfilled with fluid;
• Constant overheating of the oil above 90℃ leads to loss of performance.

Manufacturers select ATP based on viscosity, load tolerance, friction properties, etc. for reliable operation of the waterworks. The marking for the recommended oil type, for example ATF Dexron II G or ATF Dexron III H, is indicated on the design:

• on automatic transmission oil dipsticks;
• on the plate under the hood;
• on the label of the power steering reservoirs.

The manufacturer's recommendations must be followed. This is what will happen if you ignore the instructions:

1. Gears in the automatic transmission will shift with a delay. In newly filled liquid, frictional friction parameters may be underestimated or overestimated. The discs will slip at a different speed. Hence the increased consumption of ATF Dexron and wear of the clutches
2. Loss of smoothness of gear shifting in automatic transmission. Changing the proportion and composition of additives leads to improper operation of the oil pump. Pressure will be supplied to the automatic transmission mechanisms with a delay.
3. Pouring synthetic ATP Dextron into the power steering instead of the recommended mineral one will lead to wear of the rubber seals. In power steering with synthetic oil, the rubber composition differs in the presence of silicone and other additives.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of SINTEC Dexron 3 are as follows:

• Friction properties are excellent. They ensure smooth operation of the gearbox and gear shifting.
• Anti-corrosion additives significantly extend the service life of the transmission.
• Excellent anti-oxidation properties and foam formation is kept to a minimum.
• Even negative temperatures do not affect the excellent fluidity and pumpability of the product.
• Special friction modifiers can extend the service life of automatic transmissions.

Application area

Sintek transmission oil is intended for torque converters, both types of steering (with or without power steering), automatic transmissions, for their control and lubrication.

Among the approvals is Derways, a Russian auto company specializing in the production of cars from China. The use of liquid is also recommended by such auto giants as: General Motors, MAN, Volvo, Allison, Voith, ZF, Mercedes Benz, Ford.

What kind of oil to pour into the power steering

Most often, car owners distinguish power steering fluid solely by color - red, green and yellow. But its other characteristics are much more important:

• Kinetic viscosity
• Operating temperatures
• The raw materials from which it is made

Red products are made on a synthetic basis, very rarely on a mineral basis. These mixtures are included in the ATP group and are used on a limited number of models. Mineral red oil is often a product of the Dexron 2 and Dexron 3 level. Red compounds are poured into transmissions; Dextron is rarely used in power steering.

Yellow oil is made on a mineral base, this makes the cost of products more affordable. The yellow hydraulic mixture is used in both hydraulic boosters and air suspension.

The green mixture can be made from both synthetic and mineral components. It is more viscous than yellow and red. Green lubricant is never poured into an automatic transmission.

Related material: How to change power steering oil on a Hyundai Solaris?

Specifications

You can get acquainted with the characteristics of Sintek Dextron 3 from the table:

Dexron Test Results Table

Approvals, tolerances and specifications

Tolerance:

• DERWAYS.

Compliance with requirements:

• GM DEXRON IIIG;
• Ford MERCON;
• Allison C-4;
• ZF TE-ML-02F, 04D, 09, 11B, 14A & 21L;
• Voith 55.6335;
• MAN 339 Type Z-1 & V-1;
• MAN 339 Type Z-2 & V-2;
• CAR TO-2;
• Volvo CE 97340;
• MB 236.1;
• VOITH.

The best ATF fluids Dexron

The best ATF Dexron 3 for power steering and automatic transmission, according to drivers and auto mechanics, are summarized in a table.

To improve the performance of the automatic transmission, additives, such as Liqui Moly, are added when filling the transmission oil. The additive is selected individually based on the purpose of use: smooth switching, improving the elasticity of rubber bands, etc. The work of the additive is noticeable on worn automatic transmissions with noticeable failures.

Whatever Dextron 3 the driver chooses for the automatic transmission, the efficiency of the oil depends on the frequency of maintenance and operating conditions of the vehicle. ATF Dextron 3 in the power steering also needs to be replaced every 60,000 km or as it gets dirty.

Form releases and articles

SINTEC ATF 3

1. 900264 SINTEC ATF DEXRON III (plastic canister) 1 l;
2. 900265 SINTEC ATF DEXRON III (plastic canister) 4 l;
3. 900266 SINTEC ATF DEXRON III (plastic canister) 20 l;
4. 963252 SINTEC ATF DEXRON III (barrel) 216.5 l.

SINTEC ATF DEXRON II

1. 900259 SINTEC ATF DEXRON II (plastic canister) 1 l;
2. 900260 SINTEC ATF DEXRON II (plastic canister) 4 l;
3. 900261 SINTEC ATF DEXRON II (plastic canister) 20 l;
4. 963251 SINTEC ATF DEXRON II (barrel) 216.5 l.

What's happening in the market?

Now there are no problems with this liquid; almost all points specializing in spare parts for the Japanese offer it. But... The main question is not even the cost (it’s enough to compare the difference in price divided by mileage with the specific costs of gasoline), but what exactly is sold under the “Type T” brand. If according to the Japanese catalog, the manufacturer's selling price for TT there is about $8 per liter, but here some are happy to pay only 200 rubles for a liter of some liquid under the “TT” brand. — the answer suggests itself.

It is no secret that the Koreans have established active production of TT (I wonder how much their “product” corresponds to the original and is approved by Toyota? After all, examples of the obscene quality of some motor oils from the country of morning freshness are not at all encouraging). Do we warn buyers about the origin of the desired ATF - is it Japanese, Korean, or even from the “younger brothers” from the southern bank of the Amur? And the further you go east, the greater the chances of running into an outright fake...

By choosing Dexron, you can find at least a quality product from any “leading global manufacturer,” but who will give guarantees in the case of TT? It turns out to be a paradox - in the same way that a certified 6VMGZ or “Lukoil-standard” type is formally better suited for TAZs than some “regular” Mobil. Maybe we should completely abandon non-branded ATF and even pour original “DII”?

Types and types of Dexron liquids

Let's start with the fact that today you can find fluids ranging from Dexron 2, Dexron IID or Dexron 3 to Dexron 6. In fact, each type is a separate generation of transmission fluid, widely known as Dexron. The development belongs to the concern General Motors (GM), which in 1968 created its own transmission fluid for automatic transmissions, Dexron.

Let us note that in those years the auto industry was at a stage of active development, large automakers everywhere developed tolerances and standards for oils and transmission fluids. Subsequently, these tolerances and specifications became a mandatory requirement for third-party companies producing technical fluids for cars.

• Let's return to Dextron. After the first generation of such fluids entered the market, just 4 years later GM was forced to develop the second generation of Dextron.

The reason is that the first generation actively used whale oil as a friction modifier, and the transmission oil itself on this basis quickly became unusable due to high heat in the automatic transmission. A new formula was supposed to solve the problems, which became the basis of Dexron IIC.

In fact, whale oil was replaced with jojoba oil as a friction modifier, and the product's heat resistance was also improved. However, with all the advantages, the composition had one serious drawback - severe corrosion of automatic transmission elements.

For this reason, corrosion inhibitors began to be added to the transmission fluid to avoid the active appearance of rust. The result of such improvements was the appearance in 1975 of the Dexron IID product. Further, during operation, it turned out that the transmission fluid, due to the addition of an anti-corrosion package, tends to accumulate moisture (hygroscopicity), which led to a rapid loss of properties.

For this reason, they quickly stopped using Dexron IID, releasing the product Dexron IIE, filled with active additives that work against moisture and corrosion. It is noteworthy that this generation of liquid has become semi-synthetic.

Moreover, having convinced itself of its effectiveness, after a short period of time the concern released a fundamentally new liquid with improved performance characteristics. First of all, while earlier generations were mineral or semi-synthetic based, the new Dexron 3 ATF was made from a synthetic base.

This solution turned out to be resistant to high heat, had excellent lubricating and protective properties, and remained fluid at low temperatures (up to -30 degrees Celsius). It was the third generation that became truly universal and began to be widely used in automatic transmissions, power steering, etc.

• Today, the latest generation is Dexron VI (Dextron 6), developed for the six-speed Hydra-Matic 6L80 automatic transmission. The product has improved lubricating properties, reduced kinematic viscosity, resistance to foaming and corrosion.

Moreover, the manufacturer positions such a liquid as a composition that does not require replacement. In other words, such oil is poured into the automatic transmission for the entire service life of the unit.

Of course, in reality, the oil in the box needs to be changed every 50-60 thousand kilometers, but it is obvious that the properties of Dextron 6 are noticeably improved. As practice shows, Dextron VI also loses its properties over time, but it needs to be changed less often than the outdated Dextron III.

• Please note that different manufacturers began to produce automatic transmission fluids quite a long time ago, and the products are produced under the Dexron brand. As for GM, the concern has been producing only this type of fluid since 2006, while other oil manufacturers continue to produce Dextron IID, IIE, III, etc.

As for GM, the corporation is not responsible in any way for the quality and properties of fluids of previous generations, although they continue to be produced according to the Dexron standard. It can also be noted that today Dexron fluids can be standard or HP (high performance) for automatic transmissions that operate in difficult conditions.

There are also Dexron Gear Oils for differentials and clutches, Dexron Manual Transmission Fluid for manual transmissions, Dexron Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid for dual-clutch robotic gearboxes, Dextron for power steering, as well as other units and mechanisms. There is information that General Motors is testing the latest generation of fluid for use as a transmission oil for CVTs.

Motor oils for passenger cars

DYNAMIC HI-TECH PROFESSIONAL SAE 0W-40 API SN/CF, ACEA A3/B4

DYNAMIC HI-TECH PROFESSIONAL SAE 0W-30 API SN/CF, ACEA A3/B4

DYNAMIC HI-TECH PROFESSIONAL SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30, 10W-40 API SN/CF, ACEA A3/B4

DYNAMIC HI-TECH MAX SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40, 15W-40 API SL/CF, ACEA A3/B4

DYNAMIC HI-TECH SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40 API SG/CD, ACEA A3/B3

Coolants

ANTIFREEZE ARCTIC CAT INFINITY G12++

ANTIFREEZE ARCTIC CAT HYBRID G11

ANTIFREEZE ARCTIC CAT G12+

Motor oils for commercial vehicles

DYNAMIC LUXE SAE 5W-40, 10W-40, 15W-40 API CJ-4/SN, ACEA E6/E7/E9

DYNAMIC PREMIUM PLUS SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40 API CI-4+/CI-4/CH-4/CG-4/CF-4/CF/SL, ACEA A3/B3/B4/E3/ E5/E7

DYNAMIC PREMIUM LONGWAY SAE 5W-30, 10W-40 API CF, ACEA E4/E7

DYNAMIC PREMIUM SAE 0W-30, 0W-40 API CI-4/SL, ACEA E4/E7, A3/B4

DYNAMIC PREMIUM SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40 API CI-4/SL, ACEA E4/E7, A3/B4

DYNAMIC PREMIUM SAE 5W-30, 5W-40 API CI-4/SL, ACEA E4/E7, A3/B4

Transmission oils

SINTEZ-TM SAE 75W-90 API GL-4/5

SINTEZ-TM SAE 75W-90 API GL-5

SINTEZ-TM SAE 75W-90 API GL-4

SINTEZ-TM SAE 80W-140, 85W-140, API GL-5

ATF MULTI

SINTEZ-TM SAE 75W-90 API GL-4/5

Hydraulic oils

GRADIENT HVLP 32 ARCTIC

GRADIENT HVLP 15, 22 (WINTER FORMULA) GRADIENT HVLP 32, 46, 68, 100

GRADIENT HLP 32, 46, 68

GRADIENT HL 32, 46, 68

VMGZ-55 WINTER FORMULA

What is Dexron

With the development of the automotive industry in the mid-20th century, standards for automatic transmission oil began to appear. The fluid is called Automatic Transmission Fluid - ATF. The standard described the requirements for fluid composition based on the design features of the gearbox.

General Motors (GM) has been more successful in development than others. The first fluid suitable for all automatic transmissions, Type A fluid, appeared in 1949. After 8 years the specification was updated under the name Type A Suffix A.

In 1967, GM developed the technical standard ATF Dexron type B. The automatic transmission fluid consisted of a stable, hydrotreated base and received anti-foam additives, high heat resistance, and anti-oxidation. The mileage guarantee between replacements was 24,000 miles. The oil was colored red to make it easier to detect leaks.

Sperm whale spermaceti substance was used as friction additives for the first fluids. In 1973, Dexron type II C replaced it with jojoba oil, but the automatic transmission parts quickly rusted. After the problem was discovered, corrosion inhibitors were added to the next generation, Dextron II D, but the automatic transmission fluid quickly aged due to its high hygroscopicity.

By 1990, the automatic transmission became electronically controlled, which required a revision of the specifications. This is how Dextron II E was born. In addition to adding new additives, the base changed from mineral to synthetic:

• viscosity improved;
• the operating temperature range has expanded;
• increased resistance to oil film rupture;
• the durability of the liquid has increased.

In 1993, the Dextron IIIF standard was released. This type of oil had high viscosity and friction properties.

Read

Scope and composition of ZIC ATF 3 gear oil

ATF Dexron IIIG appeared in 1998. New oil requirements solved the problems with automatic transmission torque converter vibrations. ATP began to be used in power steering, hydraulic systems and air compressors where low-temperature fluidity is required.

In 2003, with the release of ATP Dextron IIIH, the additive package was updated: friction modifier, anti-corrosion, anti-foam. The oil has become more durable. The fluid is suitable for automatic transmissions with and without an adjustable torque converter lock-up clutch.

All licenses for Dextron IIIH expired in 2011, but companies under this standard continue to release their products.

Which Dexron to fill and is it possible to mix Dextron

First, it is important to decide what type of oil can and should be poured into the box. You should look for information in the manual; you can also look at what is indicated on the automatic transmission oil dipstick.

If Dexron III is marked on the dipstick, it is better to pour only this type, which guarantees normal operation of the box. If you experiment with switching from the recommended liquid to any other, the result is difficult to predict.

Let's move on. Before using one or another type of ATF Dexron, you need to separately consider the climatic conditions in which the car with automatic transmission will be located. GM recommends using Dextron IID in regions where the temperature does not drop below -15 degrees, Dextron IIE up to -30 degrees, Dextron III and Dextron VI up to -40 degrees Celsius.

Now let's talk about mixing. General Motors itself provides separate recommendations for mixing and interchangeability. First, you can add another oil with technical characteristics to the main volume of transmission fluid only within the limits that are separately determined by the transmission manufacturer.

Next, when mixing, you should be guided by the base base (synthetics, semi-synthetics, mineral oil). In short, in some cases it is still possible to mix mineral oil and semi-synthetics, however, mixing synthetics and mineral oil may cause undesirable reactions.

For example, if you mix mineral Dextron IID with synthetic Dextron IIE, a chemical reaction may occur and substances will precipitate, which can cause automatic transmission breakdowns and loss of properties of the working fluid.

At the same time, mineral Dextron IID can be mixed with Dextron III. In this case, there are also risks, but they are somewhat reduced, since the main additives in these liquids are often similar.

If we consider the interchangeability of Dextron, then Dexron IID can be replaced with Dexron IIE in any automatic transmission, but Dextron IIE should not be replaced with Dextron IID.

In turn, Dexron III can be poured into a box where Dexron II liquid was used. In this case, a reverse replacement (rollback from Dextron 3 to Dextron 2) is prohibited. Also, in cases where the unit does not imply the possibility of reducing the friction coefficient, then replacing Dextron II with Dextron III is not allowed.

It is quite obvious that the above information is for informational purposes only. As practice shows, it is optimal to fill the box only with the option recommended by the manufacturer.

It is also allowed to use analogs that are slightly improved in certain properties and indicators. For example, switching from synthetic Dextron IIE to synthetic Dexron III (it is important that the base oil base and the main additive package remain unchanged).

If you make a mistake and fill the automatic transmission with non-recommended transmission fluid, then problems may arise (slipping of the friction discs, viscosity mismatch, loss of pressure, etc.) In some cases, the clutches can quickly wear out, which will require repair of the automatic transmission.

Description

ZIC ATF 2 is a fully synthetic transmission fluid. It is based on a base oil developed in-house by SK Lubricants – Yubase. This base oil has the prefix Very High Viscosity Index, which in English means a very high viscosity index and contains a wide range of highly effective additives.

Thanks to the Very High Viscosity Index technology, deep purification of oil fractions is carried out. After this, they undergo catalytic hydrocracking. After which the base oil transforms its structure at the molecular level.

An equally important component of ZIK ATP 2 liquid are oxidation inhibitors. They protect the oil from aging during high-temperature operation and prevent the deposition of varnish and sludge inside the automatic transmission.

The big advantage of ZIC ATF 2 transmission fluid is that it is able to form a strong oily film inside the gearbox. It has a high viscosity, which in turn makes it possible to well lubricate the internal parts of the transmission and remove excess heat from them.

If you do not change the oil in the transmission in a timely manner, it stops lubricating as before and flows into the pan of the car. The next time you start the car, the automatic transmission parts remain without reliable protection until you fill it with fresh oil. The gearbox components begin to rub against each other and become very hot. At the same time, there is a high risk of automatic transmission failure.

To avoid unnecessary expenses for repairs and extend the life of your car, replace the transmission fluid in a timely manner.

How to spot a fake

Any company producing fuels and lubricants must ensure that its brand is popular and among the top sales leaders. In order not to fall for scammers and not buy counterfeit goods, you need to know the following about the product:

1. The product is produced only in metal canisters of 1 and 4 liters.
2. Description in several languages.
3. The characteristic pink color of the can.
4. Made of high quality metal without flaws.
5. The ENEOS DEXRON-II cover is equipped with a plastic ring; the protection breaks when opened.
6. There is a protective film under the cover.
7. The store seller must have certificates.

In order not to fall for a fake and use only originals, you must purchase from trusted suppliers and in branded stores.