If you haven't heard - Dexron VI update

[prophiseer]

For those not yet aware, GM dealerships are now carrying Dexron-VI in stock, prices seem to range from $4.50/qrt - $7.00/qrt (not sure why ); Dex6 supercedes Dex3, and Dex3 will slowly be phased from the market. As best I know, the first company to have Dex6 on the aftermarket shelf (i.e. Advance, NAPA, CarQuest, etc.) will be ConnocoPhillips under their Kendall label, supposedly not until the last quarter of '06.

So, if you're planning on doing any tranny service soon, and want Dex6 - you'll have to get it from a GM dealership for now.

Just thought some people might like to know.

[sharkey]

dextron 6 was designed for the new 6 speeds. it is compatible with all previous versions of dextron oil, however it cannot be used in mercon or mercon V applications. gm has no renewed the licencing with any of the oil manufacturors for dexron 3, however petro canada is now manufacturing what they call "universal atf", wich is dexron 3 H spec with a different name. to many manufacturors still use dexron fluid, such as toyota and nissan.

now, all domestic manufacturors, as well as most imports take a different transmission fluid.
gm- dexron 6
chrysler, mitsubishi, hyundi- aft +4
ford- mercon V, mercon SP
honda- honda atf
vw- vw premium atf ($30/L can)
BMW- esso 71412 (bmw specific, $35/l)

thats what i can think of right now. gone are the days of the universal tranny fluid.

[IsaacHayes]

What's changed in it, why is it better/etc?

EDIT: so it's not backwards compat with current trans? Are the new GM automatics going to use it?

[gectek]

i still have an entire case of the ford blue trans fluid hanging around in my shop

[sharkey]

the fluid was designed specificaly for the new gm 6 speeds. it is supposed to be more resistant to breaking down, extending service life to 80k miles. it is compadable with dex 1 2 and 3.

[prophiseer]

As Sharkey said, the Dex6 was specifically designed for the 6L80-E trannies, I believe first application it was used in was a Cadillac XRS; anyways, compared to Dex3 - superior oxidation resistance, superior heat handling and lubrication properties. The fluid was designed to work with a tranny that uses direct clutch application, so there is also supposed to be an extreme resistance to shear . . . it's also meant to be able to extend service intervals, etc. From else I've read, the new Dex6 spec is supposedly the most superior on the market, behind all the CVT specs.

In our older trannies, especially under the demanding nature of how most of us probably drive, the Dex6 specifications should be able to offer us the best fluid protection on the market.

In any event, should be in about a year from now, you won't be able to find near to any Dex3 on the shelf - everyone's license on the stuff ran out Dec 31 of 2006.

[sharkey]

as i said, petro canada (they produce the majority of dex 3 aft) is making a universal atf, wich is just dex 3 renamed. most brands will sell universal atf, certified for dex 1, 2 and 3 applications, as well as mercon. reason being as i said, to many other companies use it, and dex 6 isnt compatable with mercon or mercon V. also, in canada, dex 3 is selling for $10/l. most people servicing their vehicle that takes dex 3 dont want to pay for that oil, penzoil universal synthetic atf is only $6/l.