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Sioux Falls Bargains – OE Auto Transmission Fluids

Written by Ches Cain

Overlooked Bargains – Original Equipment Automatic Transmission Fluids

As our business grows there are a dozen top sellers we have to constantly increase inventory and that list fortunately is for the most part the high end of the AMSOIL multi-tier lines.

But the OE line is really undersold. It’s purpose was to upgrade customers from the typical transmission fluid brands to AMSOIL but in the lower price class of the OEM replacements or “non-enthusiast car” class. So basically you get the best product in its class.

Original Equipment Automatic Transmission Fluids!

Amsoil OE Automatic Transmission Fluid

Case of 2-2.5 Gallon Jugs for more savings. Case Discounts.

The OE ATF’s offer the top grade synthetic base stock with additives adjusted to the best price/value available.

An analogy would be – if each additive available had a range of 80 quality levels, 1 being the absolute cheapest and questionable and 80 being the absolute best but expensive, where do these stand? From various lectures I’ve learned the top brand names you recognize which score better than your OEM brands would be 25-40 here. AMSOIL’s Signature Series is always without compromise so it’s always going to be the #80..

A level of Protection your Transmission Needs

But not everyone needs this in their daily driver or perhaps a medium duty truck. The  Signature Series was designed to handle the absolute highest level of abuse, loads and performance demands. The OE is scaled down to deliver on a price but using premium quality additive technology. These are just below Signature series always in the 50-70 range.

You can prove the above yourself when your results align with the customer reviews noticing improved or smoother shifting, no more of the known shudder so many transmissions have, or more importantly, longer life. The OE excels in reduced temperatures, varnish and sludging over time. Very similar to the Signature version. So it’s amazing what you can get for a lower price!

Covers most all of the popular applications.

Two multi-vehicle versions just like everybody else. The red label which is most vehicles 2006 and earlier and the blue label 2002 and newer. Some specifications overlap. Use the product to vehicle look-up guide to match the proper use to be guaranteed!

Vehicle Look-up: Match AMSOIL Products to your model

Applications for the Red Label OE ATF:
Product Code OTF

Allison C-4, TES-389; BMW 7045E, 8072B, LA 2634, LT 71141; Chrysler Mopar* ASRC, 68089195AA, 68049954AA; Ford MERCON*, MERCON* V, ESP-M2C166-H, FNR5, M2C924-A, XL-12; GM DEXRON* III, DEXRON* II, AutoTrak II; Honda/Acura ATF-Z1; Hyundai/Kia SP-II , SP-III, Red-1; IDEMITSU K17; JASO 1A; JWS 3309, 3314, 3317; MAN 339 Type V-1, 339 Type V-2, 339 Type Z-1, 339 Type Z-2, 339F; Mazda ATF-M III, ATFMV, F-1; Mercedes Benz 236.1, 236.2, 236.3, 236.5, 236.6, 236.7, 236.9, 236.10, 236.11, 236.81, 236.91; Mitsubishi SP-II , SP-III, ATF-J2; Nissan Matic-D, Matic-J, Matic-K, 402; SAAB 3309; Shell 3403, LA 2634; Subaru ATF, ATF-HP; Suzuki 3314, 3317; Texaco ETL-7045E, ETL-8072B, N402; Toyota Type T, T-II,T-III,T-IV; Voith 55.6335, 55.6336; Volvo 97340, 97341; VW/Audi G 052 162, G 052 990, G 055 025; ZF TE-ML 03D, 04D,05L, 09, 11A, 11B, 14A, 14B, 16L, 17C, 20B, 21L.

Note: Not for use with CVT or Ford Type F applications.

AMSOIL warrants the use of this product for Chrysler ATF+4 ® applications above -38°F. Product does not meet the cold temperature requirement of ATF+4 ® at -40°F. For warranty information, visit www.amsoil.com/warranty.

Applications for the Blue Label OE ATF:
Product Code OTL

Aisin-Warner AW-1; BMW 83 22 0 142 516, 83 22 2 152 426; Chrylser MOPAR* 68157995AA, SP-IV; DSIH 6p805; Ford MERCON* LV; GM DEXRON* VI; Honda/Acura DW-1*, Type 3.0; Hyundai/Kia SP-IV, SPH-IV, SP-IV-RR, NWS-9638, SP4-M; JASO 1A-LV; JWS 3324; Mercedes Benz 236.12, 236.14, 236.15, 236.41; Mitsubishi SP-IV, ATF J3, ATF-PA, ATF-MA1; Nissan Matic-S, Matic-W; SAAB 93 165 147; Shell M-1375.4, M-1375.5, M-1375.6, M-L12108; Toyota WS; Volvo 31256774; VW/Audi G 055 005, G 055 162, G 060 162; ZF S671 090 255.

Attributes you can read more about in the latest OE Trans Fluid product data sheet which you can print out for your shop:

  • Protects against wear
  • Resists harmful sludge
  • Excellent cold-weather performance
  • Guards against leaks
  • Promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts
  • Used in most transfer cases

Available in the popular Twin Pack with 2-2.5 Gallon Jugs, 4-gallon case and 12 quart case. Singles of each available as well as 55 gallon drums and 275 gallon totes.

If your vehicle’s transmission spec is missing here we’re likely to match it in the others. Either Signature Series, ULV, CVT, Super Shift or Torque Drive.

Always in stock at Stan Houston’s and our Exit 73 location just east of the Tea exit.

Stan Houston for Amsoil Sioux Falls on W. 12th St

Transmissions

Common Fixes for a Transmission that Jerks or Hesitates

Written by Ches Cain

Common Fixes for the Shuddering Transmission

We get a lot saying our ATF solves the problem after trying about everything else!

Here are a few common reasons why your transmission may shift erratically, jerk or hesitate.

  • Low fluid level
  • Depleted fluid frictional properties
  • Poor cold-temperature fluidity

 

Start with the easiest fix

There’s an old adage when troubleshooting: start with the least expensive and simplest fix. In this case, check the transmission fluid level first. Low fluid can prevent the transmission from shifting properly. It’s important to find out why the fluid is low and fix any problems. It could be a leaky seal or other mechanical defect. Otherwise, adding new fluid won’t ultimately solve the problem.

Worn fluid equals poor shift quality

Transmission fluid that has aged and lost some of its frictional properties can also lead to poor shift quality. When your vehicle’s computer tells the transmission to shift gears, hydraulic pressure (provided by the fluid) squeezes a series of plates together inside a clutch pack to connect the engine to the transmission output shaft and route power to the wheels. The fluid’s frictional properties play a vital role in ensuring the clutch plates bind together properly and gear shifts occur seamlessly. Over time, the frictional properties of the fluid can degrade, leading to elongated, jerky or inconsistent shifts. In this case, it’s time for a fluid change. How do you know for sure the fluid is worn? The only definite way to find out is to conduct used fluid analysis. However, fluid that smells burnt or appears dirty is likely due for a change. It’s best practice to change the fluid before the frictional properties are depleted and poor shifting is experienced since poor shifts can cause the clutches to wear more rapidly and lead to bigger issues that need mechanical repairs.

Be aware of “adaptive” transmissions

One interesting note affects newer vehicles equipped with adaptive transmissions. These units “learn” your driving habits and the characteristics of the fluid to adjust shifts accordingly. As the fluid loses its frictional properties, the computer compensates and adjusts transmission performance. If you’ve recently changed your fluid, the computer may still operate as if old fluid is installed, causing poor shift quality. In these cases, keep driving and eventually the computer will “relearn” your driving habits and the behavior of the new fluid and adjust accordingly. The problem was significant enough on some 2012-2013 Ford F-150s to cause Ford to issue a technical service bulletin (TSB 13-1-10).

 

Your transmission fluid’s frictional properties are vital to best performance

Comparison of Frictional Properties - ATF

To demonstrate its outstanding performance, AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid was tested in taxi cabs operating in the intense heat of Las Vegas. First, the frictional properties of new fluid were tested. Then, after more than 180,000 miles of work in a fleet of taxis, the fluid was tested again. As shown in the graph, the fluid maintained nearly identical frictional properties to new fluid after 180,000 miles of severe service. That translates into solid, confident shifts day after day and long transmission life.

 

Cold weather can reduce shift quality

When the temperature drops, transmission fluids with poor cold-flow properties can thicken and cause elongated and hard shifts until the fluid has warmed up enough to flow properly. Switching to a high-quality synthetic transmission fluid will help. Synthetics don’t contain waxes, as conventional fluids do, so they remain fluid at lower temperatures for improved shifts during cold weather.

The best transmission fluid available won’t fix a broken transmission. But using high-quality synthetic transmission fluid can help improve shift quality and maximize transmission life.

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