Dexron ii or iid mineral oil for automatic transmission. What you need to know about transmission fluid. ATF transmission oil types

Dedicated to the best transmission oils, in English - transmission fluids (transmission fluids). This review only considers oils for automatic transmissions - ATF ( Automatic Transmission Fluid).

Many parameters were taken into account when compiling this top 10, in particular, coefficients of friction, performance, viscosity, reliability, price and customer reviews.

In order to navigate among the many oils for automatic transmissions, it will be useful to familiarize yourself with the most popular samples. This is also true when the car is under warranty, and when the vehicle already has high mileage. Interestingly, in 2013, completely different oils participated in a similar rating. You can see the leaders of 2013.

1 place. . It is best for Honda owners to fill in the transmission oil of the same name. The absolute advantage of the original Honda ATF fluids is that the owner of any Honda is guaranteed optimal compatibility with his car. The oil has a minimum oxidation index, allowing you to significantly increase the intervals between replacements. The components it contains also protect O-rings and seals.

2 place. considered one of the best synthetic automatic transmission oils, providing excellent thermal stability. Red Line 30504 D4 ATF oil has a low viscosity level, which favorably affects the performance of the gearbox mechanism at the time of gear shifting.

3 place. High performance gear oil. It forms a high-strength film on the internal parts of the box, which reduces heat loss and reduces wear. Royal Purple is fully compatible with most other automatic transmission oils.

4 place. characterized by compatibility with other Dexron fluids used in automatic boxes gears. Experts recommend using ACDelco 10-9030 for cars with high mileage. This oil provides stable viscosity and is not subject to foaming.

5 place. - an oil that helps improve the efficiency of the transmission and (according to the manufacturer) contributes to fuel economy. Using Synthetic ATF from Mobil, you can be sure of the durability of the automatic transmission, including in very low temperatures.

6 place. Among the leaders of ATF oils manufactured under the brand name of well-known automakers is and. This synthetic-based oil with the addition of special additives improves shifting performance, regardless of air temperature. environment. The fluid provides optimal lubrication, extending the life of bearings and synchronizers.

7 place. is an excellent choice for owners of machines boxed with both Dexron 2 and Dexron 3 and also meets MERCON requirements. Oil from Castrol well reduces friction between smooth surfaces.

8 place. designed primarily for use in motors of GM concern models. The oil is resistant to oxidation and breakdown processes at high operating temperatures, guaranteeing the stability of properties in extreme conditions vehicle operation.

Automatic transmissions are not uncommon these days. Increasingly, even inexpensive foreign cars are purchased with automatic transmission, and the Russian auto industry has already swung at the complete set with "automatic machines". At the same time, awareness of the choice of fluid for automatic transmission among not only car owners, but also in a large number of car services, is still low.

Main functions
Fluids for automatic transmissions (Automatic Transmission Fluid - ATF), along with brake fluids and fluids for power steering, are the most specific auto chemical products.

ATF is subject to higher requirements for viscosity, anti-friction, antioxidant, anti-wear and anti-foam properties than for petroleum products for other units. Since automatic transmissions involve several completely different components - a torque converter, a gear box, a complex control system - the range of fluid functions is very wide: it lubricates, cools, protects against corrosion and wear, transmits torque and provides frictional clutch. average temperature fluid in the crankcase of an automatic transmission is 80-90 ° C, and in hot weather during the urban traffic cycle it can rise to 150 ° C.

The design of the automatic transmission is such that if more power is removed from the engine than is necessary to overcome road resistance, then its excess is spent on the internal friction of the fluid, which heats up even more. high speeds fluid movement in the torque converter (80-100 m/s) and temperature cause intense aeration, leading to foaming, which creates favorable conditions for fluid oxidation and metal corrosion. A variety of materials in friction pairs (steel, bronze, cermets, friction linings, elastomers) makes it difficult to select antifriction additives, and also creates electrochemical pairs in which corrosion wear is activated in the presence of oxygen and water. Under such conditions, the fluid must retain not only its operational properties, but also, as a torque-transmitting medium, ensure high transmission efficiency.

Therefore, automatic transmission fluid is called a liquid, not an oil. In engineering, it is customary to call oil a substance used primarily to lubricate the rubbing surfaces of parts and mechanisms. In contrast, the fluid used in automatic transmission performs many other functions that are not characteristic of oils. Yes, and it works in extreme conditions for oils.

The fundamental difference between automatic transmissions and mechanical transmissions is that when the car is moving, there is no rigid connection between the engine crankshaft and the automatic transmission input shaft. The role of the clutch is assigned to the torque converter. It is he who transfers torque from the engine to the gearbox. The main link, i.e. the working body is ATF.

In addition, ATF is used to transfer control pressure to the clutches of multi-plate clutches, causing the inclusion of one or another gear in an automatic transmission.

Automatic transmission fluid is a mixture of a base base and additives. Basic foundation may be mineral, semi-synthetic or synthetic oil. Since the base has a high viscosity, a tendency to oxidize and foam, and also reacts negatively to high temperatures, that is, it has all the qualities that are unacceptable for a fluid used in automatic transmissions, special additives are added to it to help eliminate these shortcomings.

The composition of automatic transmission fluids includes antioxidants, foam inhibitors, anti-wear additives, friction modifiers and seal swelling. For the purpose of unmistakable identification, as well as for the speedy detection of leaks, they are usually painted red, less often orange or yellow.

Automatic transmission fluids, as a rule, are all-weather, have high fluidity and frost resistance, which allows you to operate a car with an automatic transmission in low temperatures.

Thus, the use of any other lubricants as a transmission fluid for an automatic transmission is unacceptable. they do not meet the requirements described above, and in most cases their use leads to a quick breakdown of the transmission.

History of creation
and main specifications
Historically, the standard setter for automatic transmission fluids has been General Motors and Ford Corporation. The progenitor of all automatic transmissions was developed in 1938 by the Pontiac brand, which is structurally part of the General Motors concern.

By the end of the forties, automatic transmission from GM became an integral part of the car in the United States. Therefore, it is not surprising that the ancestor of the world's first specification for ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid - automatic transmission fluid) - Type A in 1949 was the same GM corporation. Initially, the "machines" used ordinary engine oils which had to be changed frequently. At the same time, the quality of gear shifting was extremely low.

ATF Type-A has become used in all automatic transmissions produced in the world. In 1957, the specification was revised and named Type A Suffix A (ATF TASA). One of the components in the production of these liquids was an animal product obtained from the processing of whales. Due to the increased consumption of oils and the ban on whaling, ATFs were developed entirely on a mineral basis, and later also on a synthetic basis.

For a long time Ford did not have its own ATF specification, and Ford engineers used the ATF Type-A standard. Only in 1959 did the company develop and implement the M2C33-A / B proprietary standard. Fluids of the ESW-M2C33-F (ATF-F) standard are most widely used. In 1961, Ford issued the M2C33-D specification, taking into account new frictional requirements, and in the 80s, the Mercon specification.

Fluids that meet the Mercon specification are as close as possible to Dexron II, III oils and are compatible with them. The main differences between the specifications of General Motors and Ford are different requirements for the friction characteristics of the products. Ford favors a coefficient of friction that increases with decreasing slip speed, which increases gearshift speed, while General Motors requires a reduction in coefficient of friction for smoother shifting.

Chrysler, on the other hand, makes life easier for car owners with a simple recommendation: "Mopar 7176 or Dexron II."

The synthetic Castrol Transmax Z (which, by the way, is extremely close to DIII) was officially recognized as the Euroanalogue of the first Type T from Toyota, Mobil ATF 3309 is now considered as an analogue of Type T-IV.

In general, due to periodic changes in recommendations (even for the same generation of the model), the nominal type of ATF should be specified in native instruction manuals - it depends not only on the type of box, but also on the year of manufacture of a particular car.

Chrysler made the right decision in 1955 by buying a license from Simpson to manufacture, upgrade and install his invention on their cars. A little later, a special fluid was developed for them such as ATF Mopar.
Japanese automakers, which initially produced cars according to American models and technologies, and did not best quality(as it started South Korea or now China) - gradually began to make attempts to break into the automotive markets in the United States and countries Western Europe with their "compact-class" car models.

Already by the age of 70, the Japanese automotive industry had developed as quite competitive not only in the domestic market, but also in the external one. For example, in 1971, the newly formed Mitsubishi Motor Corporation entered into a formal strategic agreement with Chrysler to share auto technology as well as market its products to the US market.

The "oil shock" of 1973, which caused a large increase in gasoline prices in the world, only strengthened the position of the Japanese - buyers began to give preference to inexpensive, small-sized and economical cars.

On the wave of success, Japanese automakers began to appear their own design solutions in the transmission for their cars with unique working fluids for them. Toyota was the first to develop automatic transmissions for its engines and released its Auto Fluid Type T fluid. Subsequently, many auto concerns will order automatic transmissions from it for their models, even Mitsubishi. Type T (TT) originates in the 80s and is used in A241H and A540H all-wheel drive boxes. The second type of special fluid, Type T-II, designed for electronically controlled boxes and FLU, appeared in the early 90s. In the 95-98th years. it was replaced by the TT-III and later by the TT-IV.

The union of automakers Mitsubishi Motor Corporation (MMC) - Hyundai - Proton, which was established by the end of the eighties, began to use automatic transmission models and ATF SP fluids in the European and Asian markets, and in the American market, due to continued cooperation with Chrysler, they continued to install its transmissions and use ATF fluids Mopar.

Subsequently, General Motors Corporation also developed and implemented the Allison C-4 specification (Allison - GM's transmission division), which defines the requirements for oils operating in severe operating conditions in trucks and off-road equipment.

Today, there are many manufacturers of automatic transmissions, including those in Europe, and each has its own secrets and its own special automatic transmission configurations. Consequently, the requirements for ATF are different, so it is difficult to set any specific classification for automatic transmission fluids. Nevertheless, Japan and the USA managed to come to common standards, so for their cars most often there are universal ATFs.

Most automatic transmission vehicles use Dexron type fluid - Dexron II, Dexron III, etc. However, it should be understood that ATF is not manufactured by automakers, but by oil refineries. As a result, each grade of ATF satisfies the specifications of many car manufacturers, which must be noted on the ATF label. The type of fluid used is usually indicated on the automatic transmission oil dipstick or in the car's passport.

Liquids of obsolete specifications are still used in many European cars, and very often as oils for mechanical boxes gears. A significant part of the produced fluids is also used in applications other than automatic transmissions, for example:
in power transmissions of off-road construction, agricultural and mining equipment;
in hydraulic systems of automobiles, industrial equipment, mobile equipment and ships;
in steering;
in rotary screw compressors.

In late 1967, General Motors introduced the new Dexron B specification, later Dexron II, Dexron III, and Dexron IV. The Dexron III and Dexron IV specifications are designed to meet the fluid requirements for an electronically controlled clutch of an autotransformer. The higher the Roman numeral after the word Dexron, the more modern the transmission fluid is in terms of requirements. It not only includes all previous specifications, but also tightens them up.

In April 2006, General Motors released a specification to the press for the next generation of Dexron VI Service Fill ATF transmission fluids. The new product was developed in response to the requirements for the new six-speed transmissions that General Motors began to install in their vehicles. model range 2006.

Transmission Fluid Replacement
To ensure proper transmission operation and longevity, the fluid level must be maintained at the optimum level and updated as it is used. The service life of the transmission fluid largely depends on the age and mileage of the car, as well as the conditions of its operation.

The fluid in the automatic transmission, as a rule, changes every 50-70 thousand kilometers of the car, or after 2 years, but there are a number of automatic transmissions in which the fluid is not replaced throughout the entire period of operation. To determine such transmissions, you must use the service book of the car.

For old, used foreign cars, it is recommended to change the transmission fluid every 20-25 thousand kilometers, or after 1 year. This is due to the fact that used cars are often very worn out, so they work in harsh conditions.

Transmission fluid replacement should be carried out in specialized car services using equipment for 100% replacement of transmission fluid in an automatic transmission. Such a replacement can be made in a car service at a proprietary fluid replacement unit. The procedure takes 30-40 minutes - the machine flushes the transmission hydraulic system using a special flushing fluid and replaces the transmission fluid with a new one.

However, in our country, in particular, the practice of incomplete replacement of the fluid in the automatic transmission is common - how much has drained from the drain hole - so much needs to be topped up with a new one. Some of the fluid remains in the torque converter, valve body, pump and other transmission cavities. That is, only the fluid is updated, and not replaced. Therefore, experts recommend that when replacing the fluid in this way, change it more often.

Taking into account the fact that not all of its volume is mainly updated when replacing the liquid, and also that the color and smell of the liquid change during operation, it is almost impossible to determine its brand, even if it has changed recently. It is necessary to replace the fluid twice (in the absence of serious problems in the operation of the automatic transmission) to completely update it.

The color and smell of the transmission fluid can tell a lot about the condition of a transmission. In a normally operating automatic transmission, the transmission fluid has a deep red or orange-red color. A dark brown or black color combined with a burnt smell indicates transmission problems.

ATF selection
The choice of ATF is not so simple. The question arises: why? After all, the name of the required fluid is indicated on the automatic transmission oil dipstick? The answer is simple: because there is always the right to choose.

You can often find the statement that for automatic transmissions it is imperative to use only OEM fluids. Meanwhile, it is known that automakers do not have their own capacities for the production of lubricants. Therefore, they engage leading oil and lubricant companies to develop and supply the necessary conveyor products.

Despite all the improvements, Honda automatic transmissions are as frequent a visitor to specialized workshops as other brands of gearboxes.

So, most often there are discussions about the choice between the first option - "ATF recommended by the manufacturer" and the second option - "high-quality universal ATF".

Option 1: "It is necessary to fill in only what is written in the instructions for the car." So answer those car owners who:
are ready to regularly overpay a certain amount of money for the peace of mind that comes from using the liquids recommended by the manufacturer;
have the opportunity to purchase high-quality ATF recommended by the manufacturer;
they know for sure that until now the automatic transmission of his car has worked exclusively on the fluid recommended by the manufacturer, and has worked without problems;
they know exactly what is written on the automatic transmission dipstick of their cars (that is, not the generalized "Dexron" or "TT", but the specific DIII-H or T-IV).

Option 2: "Just use a good multipurpose transmission fluid." So say those who have:
there is no desire or opportunity to give extra money for the "original";
the choice of ATF is limited (you will have to look for the recommended liquid, and even if you find it, there are doubts about its authenticity);
there is no way to find out what exactly needs to be filled in;
The automatic transmission has so far done just fine without the "original ATF";
there is no information about what exactly was previously poured into the automatic transmission.

Which of the two do you prefer? There is no unambiguous and uniquely correct answer to this question and cannot be. For those who like to "break" their heads and make their own decisions, we will give a couple of examples.

ATF for automatic transmission Honda
The difference between Honda automatic transmissions is that they are developed directly by Honda itself.

Until 1994, there was no fundamental difference between the Honda automatic transmission and other automatic transmissions. In terms of maintenance, there were no special instructions either. Dexron II was used as automatic transmission oil, which at that time met all the requirements. However, in 1994 there was a fundamental separation of Honda from other automakers. The most likely reason for the disagreement could be Honda's dynamic variable valve timing (VTEC) system, which made it possible to "squeeze" the maximum amount of horsepower out of a relatively small engine volume. A standard automatic transmission, if the car had the aforementioned system, either failed in the shortest possible time, unable to withstand the loads, or, having a margin of safety, made the car heavier. From this point on, Honda switches to the independent development of automatic transmissions that meet its requirements. However, Honda engineers did not introduce anything fundamentally new into the design of "automatic machines". They just made the boxes more durable and ready for hard starts and brakes.

Improvement could develop in two directions - extensive improvement of units designed for heavy loads, and, as a result, the weight of the box itself, or the search for new materials and design improvements that could withstand overloads without increasing weight. Honda engineers, which was absolutely natural, chose the second path. The result was a more successful design of the classic "machine", but with distinctive feature- much higher operating temperature. Especially for Honda automatic transmissions installed on cars after 1994, a liquid was developed to replace Dexron II - Honda ATF Z1 (at the first stage it was called Honda ATF), containing special cooling additives. The point is that the top operating temperature After 1994, the Honda automatic transmission became almost equal to the boiling point of the Dexron II, and thus the conventional Dexron II became of little use during the operation of the box.
However, owners of Honda cars until 1997 could read the inscription Dexron II on the automatic transmission dipstick, which supported the myth about the operation of "boxes" on a regular Dexron II. In fact, this inscription only testified to the admissibility of automatic transmission operation on this type of liquid. Permissibility implied the short-term use of Dexron II in an emergency, after which it was necessary to change the oil to ATF Z1. It cannot be said that the use of Dexron II on cars before 1996 is strictly prohibited - ATF Z1 is made on the basis of the same Dexron II, just prolonged use of the latter can lead to premature failure of the automatic transmission.

In 2010, a new Honda ATF DW-1 special fluid appeared on the market, which is an improved version of ATF Z1.

ATF for Hyundai/KIA vehicles
In Hyundai and KIA cars, from the very beginning, boxes are installed mainly by Mitsubishi and less often by Toyota. Today, a number of models of the concern are already equipped with transmissions of their own production. So, the Hyundai E-Plus Genesis business-class sedan, produced since 2008, in its first equipment had an automated transmission with 6 Shiftronic ranges, and in 2011 it began to install an 8-speed automatic transmission of its own production. In addition to the Genesis model, the development was used to equip another luxury model of the company - Equus, a high-class sedan. Today it became known that in 2014 Genesis and Equus sedans will receive a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Accordingly, recommendations for the use of automatic transmission fluids for Hyundai and KIA are less often focused on the Toyota standard and some rare standards, and most often on the MMC ATF SP standards.
For example, in Hyundai Ix35, Santa Fe F / L, TG, i50 models equipped with A6FM 6-speed automatic transmissions, it is recommended to use Hyundai Genuine Parts ATF SP-IV or other brands approved by Hyundai Motor Company. Obviously, these must be SP-IV approved fluids.

In all other Hyundai and KIA models equipped with 4 and 5-speed automatic transmissions A4C, A4A / B, F4A, A5G / H, it is recommended to use Hyundai Genuine Parts ATF SP-III and Diamond ATF SP-III brand fluids, or others brands approved by Hyundai Motor Company. Again, obviously these must be SP-III approved fluids.

Everything is much more categorical in the case of fluid for the latest 8-speed automatic transmissions. First fill fluid in Hyundai Equus, Hyundai Genesis, KIA Quoris, KIA Mohave boxes - ATF 8-speed AT (SP-IV-RR). The only "non-proprietary" analogue of the liquid present on the Ukrainian market is GS SP-IV-RR, also known as KIXX SP-IV-RR.

Actually, for the first filling on the Hyundai / KIA conveyor, this liquid is produced by the GS Caltex corporation, which produces oils and special fluids under its KIXX trademark. The SP-IV-RR product is a fully synthetic fluid, claimed by the manufacturer to be the highest performance, longest lasting fluid. Specially designed for use in automatic transmissions of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles manufactured by Hyundai / KIA. SP-4-RR is approved not only as a first fill product, but also for after-sales service Hyundai and KIA cars with automatic transmission.

The product has high performance properties that meet the requirements for low temperature fluidity, anti-friction characteristics, high thermal and oxidative stability over a wide temperature range, high shear resistance, provides protection against deposits, resists foaming in the most severe operating conditions, excellent protection of components from wear and corrosion, is compatible with all kinds of elastomers. It has optimal friction characteristics and the highest stability of all indicators.

ATTENTION!
DO NOT MIX ATF TYPE T AND TYPE T-IV (JWS 3309).
(when switching to ATF T-IV, do only a complete oil change in the automatic transmission)
Toyota recommends using Toyota ATF Type T-IV automatic transmission oil where the use of earlier types of oil - Toyota Type T-II and T-III is recommended.

It can be seen from the table that it is permissible to use the next generation of ATF, that is, everything that is higher in class. Reverse substitution in the direction of lowering the class is unacceptable. Dexron III replaces Dexron II / Type T-IV replaces T-II

latest generation gear oils - TOYOTA ATF WS (JWS 3324)
Fully synthetic low viscosity fluid, mandatory for use in vehicles for which it is indicated in the Owner's Manual, should not be used in the absence of such a recommendation. Not interchangeable with other types of fluids TOYOTA ATF Type T-IV, Dexron. Since this type of oil absorbs moisture, it can damage the transmission. Therefore, it is recommended to use an open container only once.

General principles for changing oil in automatic transmissions.
Do not mix oils of different grades. All settings of modern automatic transmissions (after 2003) take into account the specifics of the work of OEM oils. And these are not only those characteristics that are described in the specifications, but also how these characteristics change during heating and "aging". After all, with oil contamination, the lubricating, heat-removing and frictional properties of the oil change. If you are not sure about the type of old ATF oil filled in the automatic transmission, do a complete oil change.

Universal gear oil AISIN AFW+
Universal automatic transmission fluid (ATF) from the Japanese company AISIN SEIKI CO., LTD, which is part of the TOYOTA concern. AISIN is the largest developer and manufacturer of automatic transmissions and CVTs Based on its experience and the most advanced technologies, AISIN has developed a series of specialized ATF and CVTF fluids for the service market.

The manufacturer recommends changing Aisin oil in automatic transmissions at least once every 20,000 km or once every 2 years, whichever comes first. In this case, priority is given to a complete oil change in the automatic transmission using a special installation.

Applicability
Toyota Type T,T-II,T-III,T-IV,DEXRON II, III, WS
Nissan Matic Fluid D, J, S
Honda Ultra ATF, Ultra ATF Z1, DW1
Mitsubishi SP-II, SP-III, SK, J2
Mazda ATF M-3,ATF M-V,ATF F-1,ATF JWS3317
Subaru ATF, Opel Genuine ATF 09117046
Isuzu BESCO ATF-III, BESCO DEXRON II-E
Suzuki Besco DEXRON II-E, ATF 5D06, ATF 2384K, ATF 3314, ATF 3317
Daihatsu Amix ATF Multi, Amix ATF DIII-SP GM DEXRON II-E, DEXRON III
FORD MERCON, MERCON V
Hyundai/Kia SP-II, SP-III, SP-IV, Matic-J RED-1, MX4 JWS3314
Mercedes Benz 3AT/4AT/5AT

"Transmission oil in an automatic transmission is usually changed every 60,000 km." (From the Repair and Maintenance Manual).

Techies are a serious people, like the goddess Technique herself, whom they worship. Technique does not tolerate inaccuracies, or, God forbid, any jokes. It is extremely accurate in everything, including the language, that is, the terminology. It is said "to scrape the valve", which means exactly "valve" and precisely "to scrape". And if, on the contrary, it is written: "to breed a Swede", then there is nowhere to go - you have to breed ...

About terminology

The conversation about her did not come by chance. From the point of view of terminology, the phrase "Manuals" given by us is a little short. It smells, excuse me, of a technical "fenya".

And the thing is this. It is by no means oil that is poured into automatic transmissions, but an automatic transmission fluid specially developed for this purpose, which is confirmed by the English abbreviation ATF (automatic transmission fluid), which is always present on the packaging of this product.

It would seem, what's the difference - oil or liquid? An no. There is a difference, and a significant one. In engineering, it is customary to call oil a substance used primarily to lubricate the rubbing surfaces of parts and mechanisms. In contrast, the fluid used in automatic transmission performs many other functions that are completely unusual for oil. Yes, and it works in conditions beyond the limits for motor and transmission oils. That's what we'll talk about.

The fundamental difference between automatic transmissions and mechanical transmissions is that when the car is moving, there is no rigid connection between the engine crankshaft and the automatic transmission input shaft. The role of the well-known coupling here is assigned to a hydrodynamic transformer (GDT). It is he who transfers torque from the engine to the gearbox. chief actor, i.e. the working fluid is ATF.

In addition, ATF is used to transfer control pressure to the clutches of multi-plate clutches, causing the inclusion of one or another gear.

During operation, the components and mechanisms of automatic transmissions experience serious thermal loads. The temperature on the surface of the clutches at the moment of gear shifting reaches 300-400 o C. There is an intense heating of the torque converter. When driving in full power its temperature can reach 150 o C.

The provision of heat removal from the automatic transmission and the discharge of heat into the atmosphere also occur with the help of the transmission fluid.

Moreover, ATF must also, without oxidizing at high temperatures and without foaming, provide lubrication of gear mechanisms, bearings and other parts subject to abrasion and scoring. To do this, a whole range of additives is added to the liquid. Moreover, it should fully show its properties in the entire range of permissible operating temperatures: from -40 o to +150 o C.

One cooks food, one does laundry, one brings up children... It's hard!

You say oil...

Why?

Chemical technologists did their best by creating a "cunning" liquid, but still they have not yet been able to provide such a resource for its work so that during the operation of the car one could forget about the very existence of ATF. There are several reasons for this.

Firstly, even if the automatic transmission is tight and has no leaks, during operation the amount of fluid decreases due to the removal of its vapors through the ventilation system of the automatic transmission cavities, equipped with a "breather" valve. Therefore, during maintenance, it is necessary to add transmission fluid to the operating level.

This procedure is not difficult to perform if the automatic transmission has a tube for monitoring the fluid level with a dipstick. Many modern boxes are not equipped with a probe. This is especially true for European manufacturers who are persistently trying to remove the inept car owner (and they apparently have the majority) from servicing personal equipment.

Secondly, during long-term operation, the transmission fluid sooner or later loses the physico-chemical properties that are so necessary for it to perform numerous useful functions. Due to the evaporation of light fractions, its viscosity increases above the permissible level. Miraculous additives develop their resource.

The transmission fluid must remain clean during the entire period of operation in a normally operating box. Only a slight change in its color is allowed - it darkens.

Dirty black liquid with a specific smell of burning is an indicator that the box needs not a replacement of the liquid, but a serious repair.

Experts recommend changing the oil after a car has run 50-70 thousand km, if the car is operated in normal mode, and after 30-40 thousand km - with very intensive ("police") driving. Once again, note that the indication for replacing the fluid is not its color, but only the mileage of the car. If, of course, the automatic transmission is working.

What?

The recommended brand of transmission fluid is usually listed in the vehicle's Repair and Maintenance Manual. If this information is not available, it is useful to know the following. Despite the variety of brands, what you need always has the abbreviation "ATF" on the packaging. The most commonly seen brand of ATF is Dexron (usually with Roman numerals I, II, or III). How more figure, the higher the quality of the fluid and the more modern the automatic transmission in which it is used. For Ford vehicles, it is recommended to use Dexron-Mercop fluid. These fluids, like the vast majority of those currently on the market, are mineral-based and red in color. All of them, as a rule, are compatible with each other.

As usual, French manufacturers are original, developing yellow and green ATF for some of their cars. It is strongly not recommended to mix them with liquids of our native red color, otherwise, no matter how something happens ...

Synthetic ATF has recently appeared on the market. The accompanying technical documentation states that "synthetics" provide good fluidity at temperatures down to -48 o C, better stability at high temperatures and increased service life. At the same time, synthetic transmission fluid is fully compatible with mineral ATFs (again, unlike synthetic motor oil).

The cost of one liter of "synthetics" is about 10 US dollars, while a liter of mineral ATF costs 3-4 dollars.

We will not dare to recommend it for use "anywhere". This is a matter, as they say, of the head and the wallet. If the use of synthetics is specifically stipulated by the "Manual ..." (for example, for an automatic transmission of the 5NRZO type, which is equipped with some brands of BMW cars), this is a sacred thing - you will have to go to great expense.

In total, automatic transmissions of various types can refuel from 7 to 15 liters. transmission fluid. However, this does not mean at all that you need to purchase such an insane amount of ATF to replace it. Here, the fundamental difference between the process of replacing the fluid and changing the engine oil in the engine is manifested.

The fact is that when replacing ATF, you will be able to drain no more than 50% of the total volume. Your dexterity and skill have nothing to do with it - these are the design features of the automatic transmission. You can completely change the transmission fluid only when the box is completely disassembled. Before going to the store, carefully study the technical documentation. Sometimes it indicates the total volume of ATF, sometimes the volume to be replaced. Don't forget to get a new filter element as well.

How?

It is necessary to drain the transmission fluid from a heated automatic transmission, for which, before draining, it is necessary to drive a car for a dozen or two kilometers.

Take precautions: the temperature of the liquid can be very high. As a rule, a drain plug is provided for draining, but ... today, apparently, is not our day. We're out of luck. Or rather, master Mikhail Gulyut-kin, who busily settled on a chair under the car, was unlucky: the box of the A4LD brand, which the Ford Scorpio is equipped with, does not have a drain plug. Have you forgotten? A reasonable assumption was made that this was not forgetfulness, but protection from a fool: if you want to drain, unscrew the pan. Unscrew it and you will see the filter.

In some automatic transmission designs, for example, on Mercedes cars, it is possible to drain the transmission fluid not only from the sump, but also from the torque converter through a threaded plug.

After removing the pan, do not rush to rinse it. First, look for foreign deposits on its inner surface, indicating mechanical wear of automatic transmission parts. Only a small amount of metal dust is allowed on the catching magnet located in the corner of the pallet.

When servicing certain types of automatic transmissions, opening the pan, you will not find the filter element. Don't worry - it happens. For example, in an AW50-40 LE box installed on an Opel Vectra, the filter is located so that it can only be replaced during a major overhaul of the box.

When mounting a new filter element, do not forget to install all the gaskets and o-rings included in the filter kit.

After filling the required amount of ATF, set the automatic transmission mode selector to the position required to check the fluid level and check it with the engine running.

Having made a short trip, repeat the measurement and bring the level to normal. Inspect the pan for leaks.

Other details of the oil change procedure can be clarified by examining the photographs. All business. As one of our friends says, "drive and do not be sad!"

• Reprinting is permitted only with the permission of the author and subject to the placement of a link to the source

As you know, transmission fluid (ATF) in automatic transmissions of cars performs a variety of functions.

With its help, torque is transmitted, the operation of the automatic transmission control and monitoring system, and friction discs is ensured, and of course, lubrication and cooling of rubbing transmission parts is ensured.

That is why, despite the fact that ATF is often called automatic transmission oil, in fact, the properties of this fluid differ in many ways from those of a conventional motor or transmission oil.

To obtain ATF or lubricating hydraulic transmission fluid, special mineral oils are used, with the addition of several types of special additives. The use of other types of fluids and oils in automatic transmissions will inevitably lead to a decrease in the performance of the automatic transmission or even to its breakdown.

ATF transmission oil - their types

There are several types of ATF.

• The most commonly used transmission fluid in automatic transmissions is DEXRON.
• IN Lately a new type of liquid appeared - type "T" or "T-2". Liquids different type mixing is not recommended, therefore, to avoid confusion, transmission fluids of various types are specially dyed in different colour- type ATF "DEXRON" - has a red color, and types "T" and "T-2" - yellow.

The type of ATF used in the gearbox is usually indicated on the automatic transmission oil control dipstick and in the vehicle passport.

The main factors that allow you to maximize the life of the automatic transmission are regular monitoring of the fluid level in the transmission and its timely replacement.

The timing of the replacement of the transmission fluid depends to a large extent on the driver's driving style, operating conditions and other factors. Usually, experts recommend replacing the ATF after every 20-25 thousand kilometers or once every two years.

As for the replacement of transmission fluid, it is best to entrust this procedure to service station specialists, where there is appropriate equipment that allows you to replace the entire volume of fluid in the transmission.

The fact is that with the usual ATF drain, some of the fluid remains in the gearbox and even topping up fresh oil, we can not talk about replacing it, but only about a partial update. Also, during the time it is necessary to rinse or replace the filter if necessary.

As already mentioned, checking the fluid level in the automatic transmission is an important preventive measure that ensures a long "life" of the transmission.

The procedure for checking the fluid level may differ depending on the type of automatic transmission, so before checking the fluid level, read the instructions and find out how to do it correctly. Usually this can be done both on cold and hot - for this there are corresponding marks on the control probe.

Separately, the question of the danger of overfilling or underfilling the transmission fluid should be touched upon. An insufficient level of ATF in the transmission is dangerous because air begins to enter the pump along with the liquid. In this case, the operation of the automatic transmission is disrupted, slippage of the friction clutches, their burning and breakdown of the automatic transmission may occur.

With an increased fluid level, oil begins to be thrown out through the breather, as a result of which its level becomes below normal, with the same consequences as described above. Often a breather release of ATF can be identified by the fact that the entire gearbox is covered in oil.

When a low fluid level is detected, the cause of the leak must first be identified. Untimely elimination of a malfunction can subsequently turn into a costly automatic transmission repair.

ATF fluids for automatic transmission - video:

Now you know what ATF transmission oil is.