ATF 4 transmission fluid

windeguy

Platinum
Jul 10, 2004
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Was at David Tire Shop getting an oil change yesterday and I looked to see if they had ATF 4 available that I need for a Dodge Grand Caravan.
They had a variety of transmission fluids, but no ATF 4.

Does anyone know of a vendor on the north coast that has it in stock?
 

beeza

Silver
Nov 2, 2006
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Torfilco in POP will order it if they don't have it in stock. Talk to Luis, pay with bank deposit and they will send in a taxi. I did exactly that for some ATF for a Range Rover. These modern transmissions are very fussy with the oil spec. Get it wrong and your transmission is destroyed in an instant.
 

windeguy

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Jul 10, 2004
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Did you try Loty, across from Bavarian Butcher?
Not yet, but thanks.
I think Valvoline Full Synthetic MaxLife is compatible with ATF + 4
Compatible and the same are very sketchy when it comes to ATF-4. It has a higher viscosity than many things called compatible, which in a warm climate would not be my friend. I already looked at Valvoline MaxLife and it might be OK, but I don't think I would risk it. Nor do these people think it is a good idea;

 

windeguy

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Jul 10, 2004
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Torfilco in POP will order it if they don't have it in stock. Talk to Luis, pay with bank deposit and they will send in a taxi. I did exactly that for some ATF for a Range Rover. These modern transmissions are very fussy with the oil spec. Get it wrong and your transmission is destroyed in an instant.
Indeed on getting it wrong with so-called compatibles. Torfilco was on my list next time in Puerto Plata.
 

bob saunders

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Jan 1, 2002
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Thanks Bob, I see what they claim, but I don't trust some product that is compatible with almost everything.
That simply is not true when it comes to transmission fluids.
They also have an ATF transmission fluid, and an ATF-VI that is for Hyundai Santa Fe...etc.
 

chico bill

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May 6, 2016
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I avoid that place at all costs. I hate paying the gringo tax. If I'm really stuck, I'll ask a Dominican friend to buy there at the proper price.
I have had the same experience. The lady that runs the counter has to ask Loty for prices with you standing there and they size you up on what they will try to charge you.
 

chico bill

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May 6, 2016
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Thanks Bob, I see what they claim, but I don't trust some product that is compatible with almost everything.
That simply is not true when it comes to transmission fluids.
I have had good luck with that MaxLife synthetic from Valvoline and lots of transmission shops use it as does my German mechanic and I did my last transmission fluid change myself with it for a Kia Sorento.
If you don't have a history on your car and the fluid is dark and lost its original color (usually red) you should change it, drive 500 miles and do it again as not all can be drained from the torque converter.
I had to do mine 3 times to get it clean.
 
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bachata

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Aug 18, 2007
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Some vehicles use filters that in order to be properly serviced you must removed the oil Pan in somes autoservicios they vacuum the oil leaving dirty filter Element which cause low oil circulation and damage selenoides and torque converter.

JJ
 

chico bill

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May 6, 2016
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Some vehicles use filters that in order to be properly serviced you must removed the oil Pan in somes autoservicios they vacuum the oil leaving dirty filter Element which cause low oil circulation and damage selenoides and torque converter.

JJ
Newer cars you must remove the transmission to access filter inside the transmission. In reality they aren't meant to be serviced on sealed transmissions
 
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windeguy

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Jul 10, 2004
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Yes, caution must be used when servicing an exotic high performance vehicle like a dodge mini van.
Nonsense, Big. The correct fluid should be used for any transmission.
You are obviously clueless when it comes to automotive requirements.
 

Big

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Apr 24, 2019
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Nonsense, Big. The correct fluid should be used for any transmission.
You are obviously clueless when it comes to automotive requirements.
You are obviously clueless when it comes to anything mechanical. What "man" buys a Dodge mini-van. Do you also play badminton?
 

windeguy

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You are obviously clueless when it comes to anything mechanical. What "man" buys a Dodge mini-van. Do you also play badminton?
I got it because I can carry my musical gear in it easily with the seats stowed in the floor. Had one in California when I did the same for many years. On the older model I had to remove the seats. I was playing racquetball back then.

My other car was a Mitsubishi Eclipse convertible back then. Here we also have a Kia and and Hyundai.

I could care less what others think about my choices.... I am too old to suffer such fools.

Thanks to those that have made valuable comments.