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Re: what brand ATF fluid to use? Posted by sam96CS [Email] ![]() ![]() In Reply to: what brand ATF fluid to use?, rob 94 aero, Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:18:38 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
I spent some time recently researching this at saabnet and elsewhere, and here are my notes on the subject:
"The ZF model 4HP18 automatic transmission is found in the Alfa Romeo 164 Spider, Audi 100, Audi A4, Audi A6, Dodge Monaco, Eagle Premier, Porsche 944, and Porsche 968.
The automatic transmission plus its cooling system hold 8.4 liters (8.9 quarts) of ATF fluid. The owners manual specifies Dexron II or Dexron III and recommends against synthetic ATF. ZF currently specifies Dexron III, without saying whether it must be conventional or synthetic.
There's been debate at Saabnet over conventional vs. synthetic ATF. The guys who like conventional say go with Castrol Dexron III (now it is Castrol High Mileage ATF) or other major brand name and change it every 15K. The guys who like synthetic ATF have been running it for years in Saabs with no problems, and they like Amsoil and especially Mobil 1 synthetics. They say it keeps the transmission running cooler, and heat is what kills transmissions. Those opposed to synthetic say that it is risky because SAAB and ZF haven't tested and endorsed the use of synthetic in the 4HP18 transmission. But there has been less controversy at Saabnet in the past 2 years, and fans of conventional Dexron like Ari admit that synthetic is probably okay.
The key is to change the ATF 3-4 times to get a baseline of nearly 100% fresh fluid. Then do a single change every 10,000 to 15,000 miles to keep it refreshed."
Hope this helps.
posted by 71.75.23...
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