Today, many motorists are familiar with the Dexron marking. This transmission lubricant is widely used in a wide variety of vehicle systems. In the twentieth century, Dextron oil was used only for automatic transmissions. Today the scope of its application has become much larger.
Types and purpose of Dextron oils
DEXRON Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Filled into automatic transmissions of cars manufactured after 2006. This transmission oil contains a large number of additives:
- Anti-foam.
- Antioxidant.
- Anti-corrosion.
- Viscosity modifiers.
Thanks to such active substances, the box is always kept perfectly clean. The metal surfaces of the parts receive reliable protection.
Today, certain types of transmission lubricant are produced:
- Standard.
The last group is used in automatic transmissions of cars operating under high loads.
DEXRON Gear Oil
Designed for use in passenger vehicles with all-wheel drive, as well as trucks. The oil has a high degree of viscosity. High quality and unique properties allow you to protect the surface of parts from increased wear. Special additives protect the transmission from elevated temperatures. Types of such lubricants include:
- DEXRON GO 75W90 - used in boxes with an open differential mechanism.
- DEXRON GO LS 75W90 – used in mechanisms equipped with a self-locking differential.
DEXRON Manual Transmission Fluid
Filled into manual transmissions of passenger cars and trucks. Today, the performance characteristics of such transmission oil are being studied more carefully for use as a lubricant in gearboxes of vehicles manufactured by General Motors.
DEXRON Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid
Recommended for use in robotic gearboxes equipped with two clutches. The fluid can be used in transmissions with dry clutches. Technological parameters are similar to Dexron oil for manual transmission.
DEXRON Power Steering Fluid
Designed for power steering.
DEXRON Hydraulic Fluid
Used in hydraulic drives. With its help, crankshaft revolutions are transmitted to the driving wheels of the car. In addition, the lubricant fully protects the entire hydraulic system from corrosion. The manufacturer recommends using it in manual transmission controllers with dual clutches.
DEXRON Traction Drive Fluid
Used in mechanisms with toroidal transmission. Today, General Motors technologists are testing this lubricant with the aim of using it for continuously variable variators.
Dextron IID - intended for regions with temperatures not exceeding 15 degrees below zero.
Dextron IIE - can be used in countries with slight frosts. The temperature should not exceed minus 30 degrees.
Dextron III is a transmission fluid that can withstand minus 40 degrees.
Dextron VI - designed for areas of the Far North, where temperatures can drop to minus 50 in winter.
How to use Dexron gear oil correctly
The main condition for proper operation is strict adherence to all recommendations of the GM concern, as well as automatic transmission manufacturers.
If the Dexron III marking is indicated on the automatic transmission dipstick, only this oil should be filled. This condition must be met, since other oil may have properties that are not suitable for this box.
A different brand of fluid poured into an automatic transmission can cause many problems:
- The clutch disc will begin to slip. As a result, the transition from one speed to another becomes longer.
- “Dips” begin to appear, that is, gear shifting takes much longer. This may cause increased fuel consumption.
- The smoothness of gear shifting is disrupted.
- The friction discs will break. The box will need repair.
Always follow the automatic transmission manufacturer's recommendations exactly. Use only the transmission fluid specified in the service book. Constantly monitor the condition it is in. Replace it according to the regulations. These simple rules will increase the life of the automatic transmission.
Transmissions with automatic gear shifting (automatic transmissions) use a mixture (fluid), which is popularly called ATF fluid. For decades, GM General Motors has been developing quality standards in the field of automatic transmission oils.
Most of the world's manufacturers of ATF and automatic transmission oils are guided by the General Motors fluid quality specification. Since the eighties, GM's current standard has been Dextron IID, which was later updated to Dexron IIE. And already in 1993, the standardization of Dextron No. 3 entered the market.
The differences between Dexron IIE and Dexron IID are minor. However, the new generation of Dextron number 3 standards differs significantly from its predecessors. The fractional characteristics of the third generation mixture have significantly improved, the manifestation of which affects all operating modes of the automatic transmission.
All generations of Dextron specifications are considered interchangeable. However, it is possible to update the gear oil only to a new generation; the opposite actions will worsen the performance of the additives that are added to Dexron 3 mixtures.
You should not replace Dexron 2 with Dexron 3 in cases where the manufacturer of the corresponding transmission does not declare an increase in efficiency when moving to new standards.
Popular brands specifications
Mannol Dexron 3
Mannol Dexron 3 automatic is considered a multi-purpose oil for automatic transmissions. This Manol mixture is also used in power steering, hydraulic clutches, and spinning mechanisms.
Just like all, without exception, Dextron oils have a reddish tone. The manufacturer has worked hard on the combination of additives and synthetic components, the components of which help improve the fractional characteristics at the time of gear shifting.
Oil from a manufacturer in Germany has high low-temperature characteristics, excellent antioxidant properties, and stable chemical composition throughout the entire period of operation. It is not advisable to use copper elements as a lubricant; the liquid is absolutely neutral to all other alloys and materials.
The products have all possible tolerances:
- ZF-TE-ML 09/11/14, ALLISON C4/TES 389, GM DEXR. III H/G/F, FORD M2C138-CJ/M2C166-H and others.
Castrol DEXRON
Castrol DEXRON is a low-viscosity mixture for automatic transmissions and is designed for use in modern gearboxes. It has proven itself to be the mixture with the greatest fuel economy.
Castrol production is established in Germany. The oil consists of high-quality base mixtures with an optimal set of additives. Has positive feedback from GM and Ford management, exceeds the requirements of the Japanese JASA 1A specification. In cases where it is not possible to purchase Dextron ATF for a Japanese, you can safely use oil from Castrol -.
Meets all major standards:
- Honda/Acura, Hyundai/Kia SP, Nissan Matic, Suzuki AT Oil, Mitsubishi SP, Mazda ATF, Toyota and Subaru.
Mobil 3 ATF oil
Mobil ATF 320 Premium oil has a mineral structure. Used in power steering and automatic transmissions with GM Dexron 3 approval standard.
Mobil absolutely complies with all types of transmission seals in automatic transmission mechanisms. Compatible with all red liquids of the Dexron III specification. The composition is not recommended for use on northern continents, where temperatures drop to -30 degrees. Mobil oil with Dextron No. 3 specification can also be used in power steering mechanisms.
Meets Ford Mercon, ATF Dex standards. III, ZF TE-ML and Dex. 3
Motul Multi ATF
Motul Multi ATF is 100% synthetic fluid. A universal oil designed for automatic transmissions manufactured since 2000.
It is also possible to use it in hydrostatic transmissions, power steering, and other mechanisms (including ATF) that support standard Mercon and Dexron. Motul occupies a leading position in chemical composition and viscosity, temperature performance, stability functions, and meets all requirements from GM.
Meets the basic standards of MAZDA, CHRYSLER, JAGUAR, RENAULT Elfmatic, Renaultmatic D2 D3, Acura/HONDA, Lexus/TOYOTA ATF, Audi, GM DEXRON 2 and 3, FORD, BMW and MITSUBISHI.
Operating conditions for Dexron 3
Historically, you should not rely on the tolerances of mixtures from manufacturing companies. All reputable car enthusiasts recommend paying attention to the specifications from the GM concern and the standards from automatic transmission manufacturers.
The main preconditions that you can focus on are the designations of the “transmission” on the automatic transmission dipstick. If “Dexron III” is marked, then it is preferable to fill it. Otherwise, the consequences could be dire.
Our advice: Follow the recommendations of the automatic transmission manufacturers of your car, follow the standards from General Motors, fill in the acceptable transmission mixture, and replace it in a timely manner. And your transmission will serve you long and reliably.
The automatic transmission uses DEXRON-2 oil. On ancient cars 95 years old and older, DEXRON-II D was used, it is mineral-based; on more recent cars, DEXRON-2 E or DEXRON-III is used. In Toyotas, you can read on the oil dipstick what is pouring into the box. In any case, you should not mix mineral- and synthetic-based liquids.
In Japanese cars, it is enough to know which dexton is suitable for your machine and you can safely pour it, but some owners of old cars face difficulties in finding DEXTRON2D\2E. In a car with DEXTRON2D written on the dipstick, ONLY DEXTRON2D can be poured, while on machines using DEXTRON2E can be replaced with DEXTRON3 (but not back, if the automatic transmission requires D3, it cannot be replaced with D2E). All negative opinions about such a replacement are related to the fact that Dextron3 has greater fluidity than its predecessor, this has a beneficial effect on the properties of the automatic transmission in the cold season , but due to the fact that on some old automatic transmissions the gaskets are not designed for this level of automatic transmission oil viscosity, they leak slightly, this is not a problem in itself, unless of course you allow the oil to leak below the minimum level, in any case it is recommended or change the gaskets, or periodically add a little D3.
About the color of automatic transmission fluid (Note that I specifically said fluid, not oil!) Many determine the choice of fluid by color, in vain! The color is just dyes that manufacturers add at the factory to make it easier to find smudges, and the difference in color shows what basis the ATF is made from. The yellow color of ATF indicates that the automatic transmission is filled with synthetic-based fluid, and red indicates the mineral composition of the fluid. Matching the type of liquid is much more critical than its color. Until recently, it was believed that it was impossible to mix automatic transmission fluids on the same principle as motor oils, because when operating temperatures are reached, motor oil with different bases mixed in this way coagulates.
It is worth dispelling this misconception because 1-In an automatic transmission there are no such loads under which the oil could curdle. 2-In an automatic transmission, it is not OIL that is used, but transmission fluid on different bases, and mixing it does not cause any harm to the automatic transmission (and people simply call it Oil out of habit). On the other hand, it’s better not to experiment with something as expensive to repair as an automatic transmission, especially since finding fluid on the right base is not difficult these days, so you shouldn’t retrain the automatic transmission to a different base, it’s better to pour what it’s used to because You will not get any benefits from changing oils of different bases. (Remember: You can replace Dextron 2 with Dextron3, but not vice versa!), buy oil only in RELIABLE places and do not skimp on it, the automatic transmission is not the part of the car that tolerates this!
By the way, the same applies to hydraulic boosters on old cars (For those who don’t know, you need to pour the same oil into the power steering as in the automatic transmission), which also tends to give a small leak when using Dextron3 instead of Dextron2E.
Hydraulic power steering is designed to make steering easier, as well as dampen vibrations and shocks that occur on the steering wheel. In order for it to last a long time and work stably, it is necessary to regularly change the oil in it and monitor its quality. The article discusses Dextron oils, including Dextron 3 for power steering, and gives their description, advantages and disadvantages.
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Description of the liquid
The power steering design consists of several mechanisms, which are visible in the diagram.
The entire mechanism is washed by a special hydraulic fluid (PSF).
It has the following functions:
- transmits pressure from the pump to the piston;
- has a lubricating effect;
- has anti-corrosion properties;
- cools the components and mechanisms of the unit.
Which circulates in a closed circuit, the created pressure is transmitted from the pump to other components of the unit. When high pressure is created in the pump, PSF enters the low pressure area where the SGC pistons are located. The cylinder is connected to the steering wheel rack using a spool. Depending on the position of the steering wheel, the spool directs oil, making it easier to turn the steering wheel.
An important function of PSF is to remove excess heat from mechanisms. In addition, acting as a lubricant, it reduces friction between moving components. Anti-corrosion additives in the composition prevent rust from forming inside the mechanism.
Compound
PSFs are divided into three types:
- mineral;
- semi-synthetic;
- synthetic.
Mineral ones contain 97% naphthenes and paraffins, the rest are additives that impart certain properties. Semi-synthetics contain both mineral and synthetic components. They have a longer service life and better performance. Synthetic PSF contains polyesters, hydrocracked petroleum fractions, and polyhydric alcohols. In addition, they contain additives that improve its properties.
PSF contains the following additives:
- to reduce friction between parts;
- against corrosion processes;
- viscosity stabilizing;
- acidity stabilizing;
- giving color;
- preventing foaming;
- to protect rubber parts.
When choosing power steering oil, you should pay attention to the composition and technical characteristics (video author - Vladislav Chikov).
Advantages and disadvantages
Each type of working fluid has its own advantages and disadvantages:
| Type PSF | Advantages | Flaws |
| Mineral |
|
|
| Semi-synthetic |
|
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| Synthetic |
|
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Interchangeability and miscibility
The manufacturer introduced the qualification of power steering fluids by color by adding coloring pigments to their composition: red, yellow and green. Red power steering oils are developed according to General Motors standards; they are called Dextrons.
Today, the most commonly used are Dextron 3 and Dextron 4. The parent company does not produce Dextron 3; other companies produce it under license. The second type of Dextron is produced both by the parent company and by licensed manufacturers.
Yellow oils are produced by Daimler. They are mainly used in Mercedes. Third-party companies also produce yellow PSF under license from Daimler.
Green liquids are produced by the German concern Pentosin. They are popular with Peugeot, VAG, Citroen and other models.
You cannot mix hydraulic fluids that have different chemical compositions: mineral water, semi-synthetic and synthetic.
It is possible to mix liquids of the same color only if they have a similar chemical composition. You can mix PSF in 2 colors: red and yellow. Green power steering oil should not be mixed with red or yellow, as they have different chemical bases. Therefore, only green liquids can be mixed with each other.
Price issue
The price of hydraulic steering fluids varies greatly. Original products are always more expensive.
Video “Power steering oil”
This video gives an overview of the PSF Dextron III (the author of the video is Nik86 auto-construction).
In the second half of the 20th century, when the automotive industry became not only widespread, but also international, an urgent need arose for the classification and organization of lubricants.
At this time, the Lubrizol laboratory, owned by one of the leading automotive companies, created a new standard for transmission oils. This standard is called Dexron.
Subsequently, the standard was repeatedly revised and modified. Today, most cars operated in the Russian Federation are designed for the Dextron 3 standard.
Although this standard has been replaced by a more advanced one several years ago. Below we will examine in detail what Dexron 3 lubricants are.
History of Dexron lubricants
GM introduced an innovative transmission compound called Dexron in 1967. In 1968, this gear oil began to be mass produced.
Chronology of the development of Dextron lubricants
Since about the end of 1968, almost all new transmissions of cars manufactured by GM have been filled with Dextron oil. The first version of transmission fluid from General Motors turned out quite well for its time.
After independent tests, it was proven that its properties exceed most of the compounds used at that time. And Dexron gear oils have become widespread.
Just three years after the presentation, the company had disagreements with environmental services and associations advocating environmental protection.
The fact is that whale oil was used as a friction modifier in the first generation Dextron lubricants. And to obtain it on an industrial scale, whales were massacred.
After the ban on the use of animal fat as a friction modifier, Dextron 2 lubricant appeared in 1972. However, it had a serious drawback: the package of additives used greatly accelerated the corrosion of automatic transmission cooling system elements.
In 1973, a new version of this lubricant was released: Dexron IID. Among the significant disadvantages, high hygroscopicity was noted, which reduced its service life.
The latest version of Dextron, the second generation, was released in 1990 and received the IIE index. The composition of the additives was significantly revised for it, which improved the low-temperature properties of the lubricant.
In 1993, Dexron III gear lubricant was first introduced. It was an innovative lubricant, significantly superior in all properties to its predecessor. It also began to be widely used as power steering fluid.
In 1997, the third generation ATP Dextron oil was redesigned. The index G was added to the name. The main changes affected the antioxidant properties. Improved oxidation resistance has made it possible to change the lubricant less often when operating in harsh conditions.
In 2003, Dextron 3 oil received its latest and most significant update. Firstly, oil of groups 2 and 3 began to be used for the base. That is, the base has increased significantly in quality, which has affected its service life.
The additive package was also modified. Anti-foam, anti-corrosion, protective and lubricating qualities have improved. The latest version of the oil in this series is called Dexron IIIG.
Characteristics and scope of application of Dexron 3 oils
One of the questions that many people get confused about is: Is Dextron 3 synthetic or mineral water? The first two versions (IIIF and IIIG) are pure mineral water. The latest modification, IIIH, is rather semi-synthetic, as it is made from bases of classes 2 and 3 according to API.
The viscosity of Dexron 3 lubricants is distinguished by its stability. With changes in temperature and during the general aging of the oil, the viscosity changes its parameters slightly.
The working viscosity for lubricants in this category is in the range from 7 to 7.5 cSt. That is, Dextron 3 oils in automatic transmissions can serve for a long time without replacement due to loss of viscosity properties.
In general, all Dexron lubricants that have been certified by General Motors are suitable for use in all automatic transmissions designed for this lubricant.
It is important to ensure that a certificate is actually obtained for a particular lubricant, since key characteristics may differ for non-certified lubricants. At the same time, the manufacturer may write on the canister that the oil is Dexron.
To determine whether a lubricant meets the standards, you can refer to the list of certified manufacturers, which is posted on the company’s official website. For example, among domestic manufacturers, ATF oil Lukoil Dextron 3 is certified.
Areas of application for Dextron III oil:
- Today transmission oils from GM are used not only as ATP fluids. In addition to use in automatic transmissions, Dextron 3 lubricants are used for other purposes.
- Power steering fluid. Dextron 3 oils are often poured into the power steering. Almost all Asian and many European cars use lubricants similar to Dextron III ATF greases, or with similar compositions.
- Manual transmissions, gearboxes, transfer cases, axles and other loaded transmission units. Dextron 3 oils are often used for these units.
- Industrial oils. Some industrial equipment components also use fluids developed by GM.
- Hydraulic oils. Due to their high and stable properties with minimal temperature dependence, Dexron lubricants are used in actuators of hydraulic equipment.
Interchangeability of Dexron 3 with other lubricants
Is it possible to mix Dextrons from different manufacturers and with different indexes? Let's answer this question briefly.
In automatic transmissions, it is advisable to use only those transmission fluids recommended by the manufacturer. However, on forums and even serious service stations, technicians often recommend cheaper or more accessible analogues.
But such a replacement will not always be correct. For example, it is better not to change Toyota’s specialized Dextron 3 oil, intended for Asian cars, to Mobile Dextron 3 unless there is reliable information about the possibility of such a replacement.
Even with confirmation of certificates from GM, external similarity and similar viscosity. Although the JASO standard for the Japanese automobile industry was created, including on the developments of GM.
note
Dextron 2 and 3 oils can be mixed only if the index increases relative to that required by the car’s service book.
For example, if, according to the requirements of the car manufacturer, Dexron 2 series oil must be poured into the box, then you can safely use any version of Dexron 3 lubricants.
Relationship between JASO and GM standards
The differences between Dextron 2 and 3 in all parameters show improved performance with increasing index. The same goes for Dexron 6 series oils.
It is better not to downgrade the lubricant. This will negatively affect transmission parts within a fairly short period of time.
As for power steering, similar rules apply here. However, you can fill in any other liquid for a short time if it is not possible to purchase a suitable one.
Operating the hydraulic booster dry will have greater negative consequences for the power steering than with unsuitable oil.
About the standards of transmission lubricant Dextron 2,3,6 - video
