bmason8159
New member
Has anyone else noticed that dexron 3 is starting to not be available? Went to Walmart, no trans fluid at all, went to orileys and they only had dex5 or 6. Is dex 6 backwards compatible?
Dexron 3
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JoeT4R
Senior Member
I have indeed heard that Dex 6 is backwards compatible from multiple sources. You could purchase from an online retailer which may be a bit more expensive due to associated shipping costs, but it might be worth it for you. Valvoline MaxLife ATF, AMSOIL multi-vehicle ATF are both Dex III rated and safe to use in our trucks.
bmason8159
New member
Thanks for the reply. I normally use Valvoline max life just not in stores here in Texas, at least near me.
JoeT4R
Senior Member
Perhaps you could order online from Walmart.com or another retailer. That might be your best bet if you want to stick with the same fluid that's already in there.
GM's official standing is Dexron VI is backwards compatible to Dexron III
19963.4lsr5
New member
They also have a list of transmissions that are not to use the Dex 6. An example is the Saturn TAAT…..
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GM Bulletin #04-07-30-037E is the current bulletin. I'll attach it as a PDF for anyone interested. I'm not able to find a bulletin listing specific transmissions, but generic bulletins (not vehicle specific) are hit or miss with GM in Service Information.
Applies to:
2008 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks
2003-2008 HUMMER H2
2006-2008 HUMMER H3
2005-2007 Saturn Relay
2005 and Prior Saturn L-Series
2005-2007 Saturn ION
2005-2008 Saturn VUE with 4T45-E
2005-2008 Saab 9-7X
Excludes:
Except 2008 and Prior Chevrolet Aveo, Equinox
Except 2006 and Prior Chevrolet Epica
Except 2007 and Prior Chevrolet Optra
Except 2008 and Prior Pontiac Torrent, Vibe, Wave
Except 2003-2005 Saturn ION with CVT or AF23 Only
Except 1991-2002 Saturn S-Series
Except 2008 and Prior Saturn VUE with CVT, AF33 or 5AT (MJ7/MJ8) Transmission Only
Except 2008 Saturn Astra
GhostRing
Member
Oof.
I get anxiety every time I wander into an ATF thread...
I am about to start my gradual fluid transfer in my '98 (unknown trans history)
and am worried about putting the wrong thing in.
is this compatible??
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/valvoline/valvoline-a-t-fluid-dexron-iii-h-mercon-1-gallon/val0/d1?q=dexron&pos=3
It's available locally, but that's worthless is it's not safe to use.
phattyduck
Elite Member
Yes, but why not go to the MaxLife instead? I use that since it works in all the AT vehicles I currently own - make things easier.
-Charlie
GhostRing
Member
They are essentially the same price, I just wasn't 100% sure about
doing several drain & refills mixing with syn. instead of a full flush all at once.
I've studied Timmy's vid, but if you've seen my sig below, you'll know
how things sometimes seem to go for me!
brillo_76
Elite Member
I just exchange it and change the filter and magnets all at the same time.
Nothing wrong with the spill and fills either.
The main thing is to get the fluid clean and lubricating again as old dirty fluid gone. So it's not sandblasting the fluid paths in the system.
How you do it is entirely up to you.
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Nothing wrong with the spill and fills either.
The main thing is to get the fluid clean and lubricating again as old dirty fluid gone. So it's not sandblasting the fluid paths in the system.
How you do it is entirely up to you.
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19963.4lsr5
New member
For a synthetic Dex 3 I like using Pennzoil multi vehicle synthetic
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shadow247
New member
Valvoline Maxlife is what I would recommend to anyone. I would be wary of DEX6 because the VIBE is excluded. The Vibe is a Toyota Engine/Trans, and specs Dex3/ATF just like our rigs... so I'm wary.
I used a quart of Lucas Transmission Conditioner to top off when I did my Radiator replacement.
19963.4lsr5
New member
I’m ok with your opinion. I’ve used this ATF for 15-20 years. No issues. It’s not cheep but I can buy it by the gallon at the local trans shop. It’s what I’ve used in my Saturn TAAT, and my 94 Dodge Ram 47RH with the cummins.
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