The gears do not operate on traditional gear oils. They are filled with special ATF oil. This liquid is a high-index composition on a mineral or synthetic basis. Such liquids for automatic boxes gears make it possible to ensure the operation of systems that monitor and control gear shifting. This fluid also transmits torque from the engine to the automatic transmission. Additionally, ATF oil lubricates friction parts and cools them.

How ATF fluids were created

The first automatic transmission was created in 1938. This design is called Hydramatic. It featured a vacuum gear shift system. This unit was created by Pontiac engineers. Even then the company was part of the auto concern General Motors.

Since before starting any innovative development preferred to check it first and test it in every possible way, new automatic transmission was installed on Oldsmobile. The tests were successful. And already in 1939, “Hydromatic” was installed as an option on the Oldsmobile Custom 8 Cruiser. This option cost $57.

General Motors' role in creating the first ATF

By the end of the 40s, automatic transmissions had become a common part of cars. And it is not surprising that the first ATF oil for automatic transmissions was created by General Motors specialists. This was the world's first transmission fluid specification. It was called Type A. The liquid was created in 1949. Then GM began to develop transmission oils, and later classify, put forward the most stringent requirements for them. Products that were created in General Motots laboratories, due to the lack of competition, have become the international standard for working fluids for any type of automatic transmission.

From to new technologies

In 1957, the already successfully existing specification was revised and it was decided to add one small new application - Type A Suffix A transmission fluid (abbreviated name ATF-TASA). 10 years later they created specification B (this ATF Dexron-B).

The main ingredient, due to which the liquid had lubricating properties, was blubber - this is fat that was obtained from whales. But then the development of technology in the production of automatic transmissions forced the concern to introduce something new. So, in 1973, a new specification, Dexron 2C, was developed. In 1981 it will be replaced by Dexron-2D. After a barrage of negativity from animal rights activists hit the corporation, as well as after a ban on whale fishing, the company created the innovative formula Dexron-2E in 1991. The difference between this product is that it is created on a synthetic basis. Previously, lubricants were mineral-based.

Birth of Dexron-4

In 1994, the entire world community learned about new specifications, which set out new requirements for the properties of viscosity and temperature characteristics. The specification also implied more improved friction properties. These are Dextron-3F and Dextron-3G. After 8 years, Dextron-3H comes out. But the most modern and most rigid is ATF Dexron-4. Of course, today there are other specifications from the rest automobile manufacturers. These are giants such as Ford, Toyota, Huinday and others.

How is ATF different from other gear oils?

To understand the difference, you need to approach the issue from afar. Cars use oils for engines, gearboxes, hydraulic boosters and ATF oil. What are the similarities between all these liquids? These oils are based on hydrocarbons, which are obtained through the processing of fossil fuels. This gives some similarities in characteristics. All of the above products have lubricating properties and increase slip between rubbing surfaces.

Also, all these liquids have good characteristics heat removal. They are similar in consistency. This is where all the similarities end. This sometimes causes serious mistakes when a novice car enthusiast fills the automatic transmission with manual oil and the power steering with brake fluid.

Basic properties of ATF

ATF oil is one of the most complex fluids in its composition among all lubricating mixtures used in modern car. High demands and standards are imposed on such a lubricant. The oil should have a lubricating effect - due to this, friction is reduced, and at the same time wear in the gearbox elements is reduced. At the same time, the friction forces in friction groups should increase. This will reduce slippage of other components.

Also one of important properties- heat removal. Oil has high performance thermal conductivity and fluidity. In this case, the liquid should not foam during operation. Important point- stability, namely the absence of oxidation processes when heated to high temperatures at the moment of contact with oxygen. Additionally, the oil must have anti-corrosion properties. This is necessary in order to prevent the formation of corrosion on the internal components of the mechanism. Automatic transmission fluid must be hydrophobic (this is the ability to push moisture out of the surface). In this case, it is necessary that the liquid retains its fluidity and hydraulic characteristics. ATF grease has stable characteristics and a high compression ratio over the widest possible temperature range. Another point is the decrease in penetrating ability through the automatic transmission and the presence of dye.

Typical characteristics for automatic transmission lubricants

Let's look at several ATF oil specifications, characteristics and numbers. For Dexron-2 specification kinematic viscosity is 37.7 at 40 C. At 100 degrees the same parameter will be 8.1. For Dexron-3, kinematic viscosity is not standardized at all, as well as for other specifications.

The viscosity of ATF oil according to Brooksfield for Dexron-2 at a temperature of 20 degrees should be 2000 mPa, at 30 - 6000 mPa, at 40 - 50,000 mPa. The same parameter for Dexron-3 will be 10 if the pressure is 1500 mPa. Flash point is not lower than 190 degrees for Dexron-2. For Dexron-3 - this parameter is 179 degrees, but not higher than 185.

ATF oil compatibility

Any oil (no matter whether it is mineral or synthetic) can be mixed without any consequences. Naturally, more modern liquids have improved characteristics and properties. If topped up modern liquid as usual, this will improve the properties of the poured oil. The older the specification, the more low performance she will possess. Also, the shelf life of ATF oil is much lower. Experts recommend changing this liquid once every 70 thousand kilometers. It is worth noting that many modern manufacturers They do not regulate the period for replacing this fluid. It is filled in for its entire service life. But when a car runs for 200 thousand kilometers on one oil, this is not very good. The fact is that the fluid in the automatic transmission is working. It is she who transmits torque from the engine to the wheels. This oil is constantly in action, even when the machine is at rest. neutral speed. Over time, it collects waste products.

These are metal shavings that clog the filter and sensors. As a result, the box stops functioning normally. Now to the issue of compatibility. No brand will ever fully disclose all information regarding the composition and properties of the liquid produced. Often, manufacturers limit themselves only to marketing information and advertising that forces people to buy only a specific product. But often this information is not substantiated. For transmissions with rigid torque converter locking, it is recommended to use fluids with constant friction characteristics.

For automatic transmissions with GTF blocking, products with variable properties should be filled. And finally, regardless of the automatic transmission model, all parts, bearings, gears and other elements are made from the same materials. And that means different types of ATF are not particularly different from each other.

About application features and compatibility

If the entire oil in the box is changed, then it is best to purchase a more expensive product. In this case, it is necessary to take into account constants or variables friction characteristics. If the budget is limited, then even universal oil ATF. Its use will not affect the quality of the box. If liquid is added, then experts recommend using products of a class higher or at least not lower than the one filled. But if its resource has reached 70 thousand kilometers, a complete replacement is necessary. It is advisable to perform additional washing. This operation requires an additional 20 liters of oil. It is not cheap, but, judging by the reviews, this operation perfectly washes out the chips. And its presence, as is known, complicates the operation of the automatic transmission.

So, we found out what ATF oil for automatic transmission is.

I have already touched a little on the acronym “ATF” in the article. But today I want to tell you more about it. Let's analyze all aspects of the meaning, decoding, why it is categorically different from fluids in a manual transmission, and how it works. There are really a lot of questions, even a trivial one: is it a liquid or is it oil? Let's find out...

Let me start with a definition.

ATF ( Automatic Transmission Fluid ) – stands for automatic transmission (automatic) fluid. It is used only in “torque converter” automatic transmissions, also in some CVTs; it is practically not used in robots. Serves to lubricate internal components, as well as transmit torque from the engine - through the transmission - to the wheels.

I read on some forums that they call the “blood” of a machine gun, because the liquid is really red.

Is butter not butter?

Let's start with the easiest question: what is this oil or not oil at all? Guys, this is liquid transmission oil, it is much thinner than, say, mechanical transmissions. This is said by many features: here the torque is transmitted using a torque converter, but as we have already discussed, it is necessary high pressure- fluid oil. Due to its high fluidity, it is usually called a liquid.

For example, transmission oils for mechanics have viscosity tolerances and are divided into winter, summer and universal. You can often see numbers such as SAE 70W-85, SAE 80W-90, etc., choose for your weather conditions, however, most now use universal ones.

There are no traces of such tolerances on automatic machines! SAE viscosity is not used in these liquids; they must always remain fluid in any weather, and they must also withstand much higher temperatures than their “mechanical” counterparts. ATF fluids carry greater loads, this manifests itself in lubrication, protection of components from contamination and oxidation (rust), and also from overheating.

So the mechanics can heat up to 60 degrees Celsius during operation.

But the machine often works with temperatures of 90 – 110 degrees. For example, Chevrolet automatics can heat up to 120 degrees.

Therefore, cooling radiators are installed on machines so that the oil does not burn at high temperatures. So it is an oil, but it is not the same as the other two, transmission, mechanical and engine.

Why bright red?

As we have already discussed above, ATF oils are not like any other type of lubricant. And therefore you can’t fill it anywhere else, if you confuse it there may be serious damage. Also vice versa - if you pour a regular “manual transmission” into an automatic transmission. This is almost instant “death”. And such cases happened, often they poured engine oil and after a few kilometers the automatic transmission stopped.

To avoid such incidents, it was customary to paint the ATF red - that is, this is nothing more than a simple difference, nothing more. Well, think for yourself, you will never pour red liquid into the engine, although anything can happen...

How does it workATF fluid?

I have already touched on several aspects of the work, but now I would like to talk in detail about how it works.

Temperature

Average working temperature liquid is about 80 - 95 degrees Celsius, although at some moments, for example in traffic jams in the summer, it can heat up to 150 degrees. But why? It's simple - the automatic machine does not have a rigid transmission of torque from the engine to the wheels. Therefore, sometimes the engine gives increased power, which the wheels do not need to overcome road resistance - excess energy must be absorbed by oil and spent on friction, hence the heating in traffic jams is simply enormous.

Foaming and corrosion

Large masses of oil that move under enormous pressure create a favorable environment for ATF fluid to foam. And in turn, this process leads to oxidation of the oil itself, and metal parts. Therefore, the liquid must have necessary additives to minimize these processes. Moreover, the additives selected are different each time; there are no identical ATF oils. All because internal structure Automatic transmissions are different everywhere, in some devices there is more metal, in others there is metal - cermets, in others there is steel - bronze, this must be taken into account.

Liquid life

As you understand, this liquid is essentially unique; it works in very unfavorable conditions, however, even at such temperatures it can operate for many thousands of kilometers. Its resource is approximately 50 - 70,000 kilometers. However, do not forget that it does not last forever, and after 70,000 kilometers its properties are lost, replacement is required.

Evaporation

Not many people know, but ATF oils can evaporate, so some manufacturers install dipsticks (to measure the level) on their machines. The level may drop due to the release of vapors through the ventilation system of the automatic transmission cavities, in simple words through the "breather". Therefore, it is important to monitor the level, this is a kind of mandatory practice.

Why "ATF is so expensive

But really, why can a liter reach a price of 700–800 rubles, while a vending machine often requires about 8–10 liters? But as you understood from above, this is the most technologically advanced liquid, and it evolves every year.

It is much more advanced than motor oil, and even more so than regular transmission oil, hence the prices. However, again, I repeat, it works in an aggressive environment and for a fairly long period of time, 60 - 70,000 kilometers.

This is what ATF oil is, I think you liked the article. Read our AUTOBLOG, subscribe to updates.

With the advent of modern automatic transmissions The issue of protecting mechanisms and assemblies became acute. Oils for manual transmissions were unsuitable because their characteristics did not meet the necessary requirements. An automatic transmission, like a manual transmission, changes gears, but the automatic transmission operates independently, and this greatly complicates its design. In addition, the operating conditions of the mechanisms and components of the machine do not correspond to the operating conditions of the mechanics, so a new ATF type of lubricant was developed for it.

ATF lubricant

ATF fluids are special oils, used to work in automatic transmissions with a hydraulic transformer, as well as in some models of CVTs. The abbreviation for lubricants stands for: ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid, fluid for automatic transmissions). The purpose of lubricant is protection. internal parts boxes from corrosion, overheating and wear, in addition, the impulse from the power plant transmissions. Liquid lubricants with increased fluidity, mineral or synthetic base.

Transmission fluid performs the following functions:

1. Monitoring and control of automatic transmission;
2. Cooling of parts and mechanisms;
3. Education protective film on the surface of parts;
4. Corrosion protection;
5. Preventing early wear of mechanisms from friction forces;
6. Transfer of impulse from the power plant to the transmission;
7. They help the friction discs work.

Working fluid V mechanical boxes and ATF oil for automatic transmission, lubricants, not similar friend on a friend. ATF fluid performance differs from regular oil according to many characteristics. To create the desired consistency, use mineral oils, adding to them special additives. Each automatic transmission is suitable for a certain type of oil, with its own set of characteristics. Using an inappropriate fluid will inevitably lead to failure of the mechanism, which is why it is so difficult to choose a product similar to the original.

For the first time, the specification of transmission lubricants was introduced into use in 1949. The concern that proposed to do this, General Motors, had no competitors or analogues at that time, but liquid ATP was specially developed for the automatic transmission designed by the company. IN given time, the development and standardization of transmission fluids are carried out by: Hyundai, Toyota, Ford, Mitsubishi, GM.

Types of ATF fluids

The first type of ATF in automatic transmissions was produced by GM, it was called ATF-A. In 1957, modernization was carried out and a new fluid called Type A Suffix A.

Types of ATF fluids on the market today:

• Type Mercon, developed in 1980, built by car manufacturer Ford. Compatible with other types of lubricants, since their characteristics are identical. The difference from competitors is the calculation for the use of fluids in mechanisms where speed is required when changing gears.
• Beginning in 1968, GM began producing a lubricant called Dexron. Didn't tolerate liquid high temperatures, in addition, it was based on whale fat, so production was soon stopped. Since 1972, the type was replaced by a new fluid called Dexron IIC, but the product was prone to creating corrosion in some box components, so it was also replaced by Dexron IID, which used anti-corrosion additives. Until 1993, GM produced oil with the IIE prefix, which was famous for its ability to minimize the amount of moisture in the box. GM gained fame with the release of liquid Dexron III, in 1993. The product had increased fluidity and performance at low temperatures, as well as improved properties with respect to rubbing surfaces. Suitable for hydraulic boosters and hydraulic systems. In 2005, a new liquid with index IV was released. The product was developed for a six-speed gearbox and has improved performance, extended service life, and increased fuel efficiency.
• Alison C-4 lubricant, used on trucks and construction machines.

Especially for automatic transmissions Toyota cars And Lexus company Toyota has developed ATF WS fluid. Successfully used in automatic transmissions and automatic transmissions with the ability manual switching. ATF WS Toyota lubricant is a priority when it comes to its use on cars manufactured by the company.

Replacing ATF fluid

Transmission fluid is classified as consumables, which change periodically. Timely replacement ATP in automatic transmission increases the service life of transmission parts and mechanisms, because during operation they are subjected to increased wear, the products of which settle in the oil.

Conditions affecting the oil change interval:

• Intermediate vehicle mileage between fluid changes;
• The environment and conditions in which the vehicle was operated;
• The nature of operation and driving style of the vehicle.

The design of automatic boxes requires the mandatory removal of the tray and cleaning of the magnets from metal shavings and accumulated debris. Changing the oil in mandatory The filter element is also changed to remove impurities and ensure further purification of the liquid.

It is advisable to carry out the procedure at branded service stations equipped with special devices for pumping out remaining liquid from the system. Carrying out the operation yourself will only allow you to complete partial replacement liquid, which may adversely affect the operation of the unit in the future.

Checking the ATF level in the box

The quality of function performance and the service life of the box directly depend on the level of lubricating fluid in the product. The procedure for checking the oil level is carried out regularly, since deviation from the established standards entails unpleasant consequences:

• Lack of oil leads to air bubbles being picked up by the pump and rapid wear clutches in the future. They also burn, which disables the system.
• An excess of lubricant leads to its leakage through the ventilation valve, which is fraught with the loss of a significant amount of fluid and also failure of the clutches.

The liquid level on each box model is monitored in accordance with the requirements. Before performing work, you must read the documentation for the product and carry out the procedure strictly following the established regulations.

Selecting fluid according to ATF specification

• Dexron B: first ATF specification liquids, developed in 1967;
• Dexron II: development began in 1973, the standard received worldwide recognition;
• Dexron IID: introduction began in 1981, intended for automatic transmissions operating at temperatures not lower than -15°C;
• Dexron IIE: introduction began in 1991, designed for automatic transmissions operating at temperatures down to -30°C. Synthetic base, improved viscosity characteristics;
• Dexron III: introduced in 1993, designed for use in modern boxes, increased requirements for viscosity and friction;
• Dexron IV: Synthetic product, filled into modern boxes.

Ford also has a specification, its name is “Mercon”, however wide application did not receive the marking, it is unified with the GM specification. For example: DesxronIII / MerconV.

Chrysler also specifies its products, the specification is called "Mopar". It is not common in our region, and if it is found, it is also unified with Dexron.

Mitsubishi (MMC)-Hyundai classification:

• Type T (TT): used in boxes with all-wheel drive A241N and A540N, released in the 80s;
• Type T-II: designed for automatic transmissions with electronically controlled, produced in the early 1990s;
• Type TT-II: automatic transmissions with electronic control from 95-98;
• Type TT-III: automatic transmissions with electronic control from 98-2000;
• Type TT-VI: automatic transmissions with electronic control after 2000;
• ATF WS: generation synthetic lubricants, used in modern transmissions manufactured by Toyota.

Incorrect selection of the mixture entails a large number of breakdowns, so it is necessary to refer to the documentation for the product and follow the recommendations that are written there.

Interchangeability of ATF fluids

Important! Transmission Toyota fluid ATF WS is not interchangeable with fluids produced by Toyota and Dexron. WS grease has the ability to absorb moisture, so the storage container is opened only once.

If necessary, transmission ATF lubricant WS is replaced with oils from third-party manufacturers with similar characteristics: Idemitsu, Aisin, Zic.

When changing the lubricant in an automatic transmission, you must remember that modern transmission fluids, this is a mixture of components in a certain proportion, each of which individually represents the final product. The settings of modern automatic transmissions after 2003 are sensitive to changes in components and take into account their specifics during operation. Thus, if there is any doubt about the type of old oil, it must be completely replaced.

Gearbox oils are a separate group of oils. Automatic transmission oil has more high viscosity, it uses completely different additive packages than motor oil. Such oil is subject to higher requirements for its anti-wear, anti-friction and antioxidant properties, since the service life of the oil in an automatic transmission ranges from 30 – 40,000 km to the entire life of the car. The diverse tasks performed by oil in automatic transmissions place very high demands and restrictions on its properties. Oil cools, lubricates, provides friction, and transmits torque. The operating temperature range of automatic transmission oil is from 90°C to 150°C. Absolutely different materials used in automatic transmission friction pairs (steel - bronze, steel - metal ceramics, steel - steel, steel - composite materials) determine the use of different packages in oil antifriction additives, not always compatible with each other. In this case, it is necessary to prevent aeration, and as a result, foaming of the oil in the automatic transmission, which occurs when the flow of hot oil swirls under pressure. The result of aeration and foaming of the oil is oxidation of the oil and corrosion of the materials from which the automatic transmission is made. An automatic transmission is a highly loaded unit, during operation of which part of the energy converted into translational motion is spent on internal friction of the oil, which leads to its significant heating. As a result, the requirements for oil viscosity in automatic transmissions are opposite: to reduce internal friction of the oil during operation of the torque converter, the oil must have a low relative viscosity, and to ensure lubrication of the gears, on the contrary, the oil must have a sufficiently high viscosity.

Types of automatic transmission oil.

There are three main types of oil used in automatic transmissions: Dexron, Mercon and MB. This is due to the historical specification for automatic transmission oil. The first oil specification was formulated in 1949 by GM. At the turn of 1990 the requirements of different specifications have become almost the same, so much so that all gearbox oils have become interchangeable. Dexron IV class oils are designed for use in automatic transmissions with an electronically controlled torque converter clutch.

GM automatic transmission oil specifications (GENERAL MOTORS)

GM was the first to face the need to develop and formulate separate specifications for the classification of automatic transmission fluids (Automatic Transmission Fluids - ATF, another name for automatic transmission oil).

ATF type A designates a type of transmission oil that is suitable for automatic transmissions passenger cars. Oils that passed the tests received AQ qualification numbers. AQ qualification numbers were assigned by agreement with GM research center "Amour Research" in the "Amour Qualification N" format. The specifications are no longer relevant.

DEXRON (B) - current and current specifications for GM automatic transmission fluids (automatic transmission oils). Many manufacturers or buyers of such automatic transmissions also use these specifications. Admission is made under the so-called “B” type.

DEXRON II, III, IV are the latest GM oil (automatic transmission fluid) specifications. They tighten the requirements for automatic transmission fluids. Includes and exceeds all previous specifications and meets increased security requirements environmental safety. Allizon fluids: “type C1” and “type C2” specifications are being replaced technical specifications DEXRON II; “type SZ” - MIL-L-2104D.

FORD Specifications

Fluids for automatic transmissions “type F”, according to the latest Ford specifications M2C33F and M2C33G, in some parameters (for example, friction coefficient) differ significantly from DEXRON oils. The main difference is in the coefficient of friction, which in the case of Ford increases with decreasing sliding speed, while General Motors, on the contrary, requires a decrease in the coefficient of friction in the same case.

ATF type automatic transmission fluids according to specifications Ford M2C138-CJ and M2C166N can be partially replaced DEXRON fluids II, however, a complete oil change in the automatic transmission is most preferable.

Automatic transmission fluids of the ATF Dexron II, Plus Dexron III and ATF-A series are designed for transmissions operating under conditions of high mechanical and thermal loads; they can be used in transmissions of passenger cars of any automaker, hydraulic power steering and clutch units. Automatic transmission fluids of the ATF group are produced under two brands: ATF II D Plus and Dexron III. ATF II D Plus is designed to work in highly loaded transmissions and belongs to the Extrimal Pressure category. A balanced high-tech additive package provides high anti-corrosion properties. In terms of its parameters, this automatic transmission oil meets the requirements of most of the world's leading automakers. Dexron III is used in automatic transmissions of passenger cars, light commercial vehicles and minivans.

Other specifications.

In addition to General Motors and Ford specifications, factory specifications from Chrysler, MAN, Toyota, Allison, Renk, Voith, and ZF are used for automatic transmissions. For cars sold in Europe and having an automatic transmission manufactured by ZF, automatic transmission oils are selected according to GM specifications. IN Automatic transmission Audi, BMW and Mercedes recent years release is filled only synthetic oil for automatic transmission!

Changing the oil in the automatic transmission.

Changing the automatic transmission oil must be carried out in strict accordance with the operating instructions for your car! Violation of oil change intervals, as a rule, leads to a sharp deterioration in the functionality of the automatic transmission and a reduction in its service life. At harsh conditions operation of the vehicle (driving with fully loaded, driving with a trailer, frequent engine braking, use of vehicles on roads with dirt, sand and snow surfaces, high or low temperature environment, wheel slipping, using the car in start-stop mode (city traffic jams), sudden acceleration from a standstill - all automakers recommend reducing the transmission oil change intervals by half. In practice, this leads to a reduction in the service interval for automatic transmission oil in Moscow to 30, maximum 40,000 km! Change the oil more often - your automatic transmission will last longer!

Mixing automatic transmission oils of different types when replacing them.

Mixing is possible, but it’s better to avoid it. To quickly identify the oil poured into the automatic transmission, a dye is added to the oil, the addition of which does not lead to a change in the properties of the oil. However, in conditions where you cannot clearly identify the previously filled oil, it is strongly recommended to completely change the automatic transmission oil. The cost of even the smallest automatic transmission repair is tens of times higher than the cost complete replacement automatic transmission oils.

Non-original oil for the automatic transmission of your car.

When changing automatic transmission oil, some automakers, such as Honda and Mitsubishi, require the use of specialized oils under their brands. It is necessary to understand that neither Honda nor Mitsubishi produce oil on their own, but order its production from leading petrochemical corporations (ExxonMobil, BP, Chevron, PetroCanada, and so on). In addition, information has recently appeared in the press that automakers have begun to place orders for motor and transmission oils, poured into engine units on an assembly line, at private factories in Europe (Ravenol, Addinol, and so on) according to their specifications. At the same time, transmission and motor oils, produced by Ravenol under its own brand for use in cars, say, Hundai and KIA, for the most part, their performance is superior to oils produced by the same Ravenol, but distributed in packaging and under the Hundai brand - the automaker saves money and is not interested in making the car work without breakdowns and after the warranty period expires. Therefore, according to experts, the use of oils produced by private European factories directly for use in automatic transmissions of cars of one or another car manufacturer is the best option for those car owners guarantee period for cars which have already run out.