Wrong Trans Fluid In my Truck

[MelLandry]

2008 Silverado 1500 4.8 4wd 4L60-E 140,000 mi

 

My second gear is slipping and as I flipped through my service records i noticed that on my last transmission fluid change, they used MD-3 rather than Dex VI (as indicated on the dipstick).

 

Could this have resulted in these problems, or is that unlikely to cause such an issue?

 

Thanks,

 

Mel

[newdude]

I'd get that changed ASAP whether it fixes your issue or not. That is a Dexron 3 fluid. You need Dexron 6. Dexron 6 can be used to replace Dexron 3 but 3 can't be used on anything that calls for Dex6.

 

Condition/Concern:

The use of Dexron VI in place of Dexron III.

Recommendation/Instructions:

Dexron VI can be used in any proportion in past model vehicle equipped with a automatic transmission/transaxle in place of Dexron III i.e. topping off the fluid in the event of a repair or fluid change. Dexron VI is also compatible with any former version of Dexron for use in automatic transmissions/transaxles.

Dexron III must not be used in place of Dexron VI in models that specifically call for the use of Dexron VI, fluid and component life will be compromised.

DO NOT use Dexron VI in place of CVT fluid or in any component that does not specifically call for the use of Dexron III (or any former version of Dexron).

For further information please reference the latest version of tsb 04-07-30-037B.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.

 

[DaveH71]

How long ago was this transmission service, dex 3 is kind of hard to find anymore. Maybe they just mislabeled the bill.

 

That being said if they did use dex 3 i doubt it's what is causing your problem. Yes you should get the dex 3 out of the trans though, and fill it with fresh dex 6.

 

With 140,000 miles it more then likely something else, clutches maybe.

[MelLandry]

Thank you for your responses.

 

15H, can you point me to the TSB or other GM source for the quote you provided, so that I can print it out as a point of discussion when I return to the service provider? I found the TSB reference in the quote (04-07-30-037B) but it doesn't seem to contain the same language.

 

Dave: The change was about 20,000 miles ago (18 months). Reading up a bit, it would be about the range of time it would take the ware the band down.

[Black02Silverado]

Did a quick Google search and found this.

 

Is this what you were looking for?

 

I doubt they put the wrong fluid in if it was a GM dealership. I wouldn't think they would have any old stock of dexron III left since dexron VI has been out for a while now.

[MelLandry]

Did a quick Google search and found this.

 

Is this what you were looking for?

 

Thanks for the help Black. Found that too, but it doesn't contain the text from 15H's post, the key part being: Dexron III must not be used in place of Dexron VI in models that specifically call for the use of Dexron VI, fluid and component life will be compromised.

[Black02Silverado]

 

Thanks for the help Black. Found that too, but it doesn't contain the text from 15H's post, the key part being: Dexron III must not be used in place of Dexron VI in models that specifically call for the use of Dexron VI, fluid and component life will be compromised.

Try and PM MS3DALE on here. He might be able to help you.

[MelLandry]

This has a little stronger language but still not as good as what 15H posted above: http://www.sandyblogs.com/techlink/techlink_May_09.pdf

 

"earlier type fluids are NOT FOR- WARD COMPATIBLE with transmissions that were designed to use DEXRON-VI "

[MelLandry]

Service shop saying it's the correct fluid. Say they use MD-3 on everything (probably more indication that they don't know what they're talking about). Waiting to hear back from their "transmission guy" by phone. Apparently there's no one in the shop that can answer such a question... even more evidence they shouldn't be trusted with a vehicle.

 

Dealer says 2-4 band probably shot. Say they wouldn't be surprised if it was due to using the wrong fluid. Quoted me $3,200 on a new transmission with 36mo 100k mile warranty. Gave me the tech memo on Dexron VI to present to the service shop.

 

Lesson learned.

[sahls01gmc]

Ouch. Keep us posted on how it gets fixed, and who ends up footing the bill.

[newdude]

#PIP4066: Dexron VI Fluid Usage - keywords leak seal slip - (Mar 1, 2007)

 

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:

The use of Dexron VI in place of Dexron III.

Recommendation/Instructions:

Dexron VI can be used in any proportion in past model vehicle equipped with a automatic transmission/transaxle in place of Dexron III i.e. topping off the fluid in the event of a repair or fluid change. Dexron VI is also compatible with any former version of Dexron for use in automatic transmissions/transaxles.

Dexron III must not be used in place of Dexron VI in models that specifically call for the use of Dexron VI, fluid and component life will be compromised.

DO NOT use Dexron VI in place of CVT fluid or in any component that does not specifically call for the use of Dexron III (or any former version of Dexron).

For further information please reference the latest version of tsb 04-07-30-037B.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.

 

 

 

Some info from Chevron on MD-3: https://cglapps.chevron.com/msdspds/PDSDetailPage.aspx?docDataId=77329&docFormat=PDF

 

Some key quotes:

 

 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Formulated for applications that call for the former

DEXRON®-III H, MERCON®, and Allison C-4 fluids.1

 

FEATURES

Chevron Automatic Transmission Fluid MD-3 is a

passenger car and light truck automatic transmission

fluid for most pre-2006 automatic transmissions built

by General Motors, Ford Motor Company and other

makes requiring a high-performance, multi-purpose,

power transmission fluid.

 

 

 

APPLICATIONS

Chevron Automatic Transmission Fluid MD-3 is

designed for use in most pre-2006 automatic

transmissions built by General Motors, Ford Motor

Company and other makes requiring a high

performance, multi-purpose, power transmission fluid.

It is recommended for applications that call for the

former DEXRON-III H, MERCON, and Allison C-4 fluids.

 

 

It is also bottled as MD-3 under Havoline, a Chevron company. http://www.havoline.com/products/transmission-fluids5.aspx I'm going to take an educated stab in the dark and assume that MD-3 stands for Mercon-Dexron III.

[MelLandry]

Thanks 15HD for all of your help, and everyone else too. I'll keep you posted on how this plays out.