ATF+4 auto trans fluid finally available

[MX-5]

Until now, our only choices for ATF+4 for the PT auto tranny was the $8/quart from the dealer or Amsoil synthetic at the same $8.

Well...... Valvoline makes the ATF for Mopar.
They now have it available to the aftermarket.
It's part number VAL324 Valvoline MaxLife ATF.
Retail cost should be around $2.50 per quart.

I asked for ATF+4 confirmation from their engineers and received this:

THOMAS R. SMITH
Technical Director, Valvoline Brand
Phone: (859) 357-2766
Fax: (859) 357-7610
e-mail: trsmith@ashland.com

March 11, 2003

To Whom It May Concern:

Valvoline has received several inquiries regarding the topic of MaxLife ATF and its use in various vehicles beyond those requiring Dexron III or Mercon approved products. In response to these questions Valvoline has issued the following statements:
While MaxLife ATF is designed to meet the special needs of higher mileage transmissions, new transmissions can also benefit from its enhanced oxidation protection and antishudder protection and many consumers have chosen to take advantage of this level of performance.

Valvoline supports the use of MaxLife A TF in a broad range of transmissions beyond those requiring Dexron III and Mercon fluids including those where the following fluids are recommended:
o GM Dexron II
o FordMerconV
o Chrysler ATF+3 or ATF+4 fluids
o Toyota (and Lexus) Type T, T-Ill or T-IV fluids
o Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II or SP-Ill fluids
o Honda ATF-Zl fluid (except in CVTs)
o BMW LT7114l or LA2634 fluids
o Nissan J-Matic Fluid

Valvoline has conducted in-house testing to support MaxLife A TF performance in these transmissions. However, it is important to note that these vehicle manufacturers have neither evaluated nor approved MaxLife ATF .

Valvoline stands behind all of its products, including MaxLife ATF. Use of MaxLife ATF in transmissions where recommended by Valvoline WILL NOT void the vehicle's warranty .In the unlikely event that any transmission was to be damaged as a result of the use of MaxLife ATF, please contact Valvoline at 1-800-Team- VAL.

Thomas R. Smith
Technical Director
Valvoline Brand
THE VALVOLINE COMPANY. A DIVISION OF ASHLAND INC. .P.O. BOX 14000 EXINGTON, KENTUCKY 40512. (859) 357-7000

[MX-5]

Total system capcity is 9.3 quarts. From page 21-199 of the service manual.
A tranny flush machine would need that much.


If the pan is dropped and the filter replaced, page 21-77 calls for 4 quarts to fill and then top off as needed.

[QuicksilverDon]

Coulda sworn I posted a question - which you've answered - how many quarts.
Now, another question, okay, 2 -
1) Is drop pan & change filter good enough for maintenance (no problems)
2) Is the amsoil compatible with what came from the factory or is a flush required?

[MX-5]

Amsoil will mix with the Mopar/Valvoline ATF+4.

The pros & cons of flushing vs fluid/filter could go on for days.
No one can argue that the untimate job would include both the filter AND system flush.

Since I will be changing the fluid twice as often as suggested, I will pump out the fluid via the cooling line. I will drop the pan and change the filter. I will fill it above the suction level. I will flush new fluid in and old fluid out via the cooling lines.
I expect to use about a case of ATF+4.

[Teddybear1950]

[Spiderman]

Great. Now i need to find a case of the Max ATF...

[QuicksilverDon]

Originally posted by MX-5
Amsoil will mix with the Mopar/Valvoline ATF+4.

The pros & cons of flushing vs fluid/filter could go on for days.
No one can argue that the untimate job would include both the filter AND system flush.

Since I will be changing the fluid twice as often as suggested, I will pump out the fluid via the cooling line. I will drop the pan and change the filter. I will fill it above the suction level. I will flush new fluid in and old fluid out via the cooling lines.
I expect to use about a case of ATF+4.

Thanks.
An answer I can trust - much appreciated.

[phatdad]

I would like to change all my fluid with a power flush machine such as the Wynns brand machine but I cant find a single shop that runs atf 4. I checked all the quick lube shops and even my dealer all they can do is the pan and 4 quart method.One quick lube shop said he would have flush machine which would cost quite a bit more money. Anybody have a power flush done yet.

[MX-5]

All they have to do is drain the Dexron and refill the standard machine with ATF+4.
It's messy, but simple.