Release of DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
| Subject: | Release of DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) |
| Models: | 2008 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks |
| 2003-2008 HUMMER H2 |
| 2006-2008 HUMMER H3 |
| 2005-2007 Saturn Relay |
| 2005 and Prior Saturn L-Series |
| 2005-2007 Saturn ION |
| 2005-2008 Saturn VUE with 4T45-E |
| 2005-2008 Saab 9-7X |
| Except 2008 and Prior Chevrolet Aveo, Equinox |
| Except 2006 and Prior Chevrolet Epica |
| Except 2007 and Prior Chevrolet Optra |
| Except 2008 and Prior Pontiac Torrent, Vibe, Wave |
| Except 2003-2005 Saturn ION with CVT or AF23 Only |
| Except 1991-2002 Saturn S-Series |
| Except 2008 and Prior Saturn VUE with CVT, AF33 or 5AT (MJ7/MJ8) Transmission Only |
| Except 2008 Saturn Astra |
| Attention: | DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is the only approved fluid for warranty repairs for General Motors transmissions/transaxles requiring DEXRON®-III and/or prior DEXRON® transmission fluids. |
This bulletin is being revised to update model/model year information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-07-30-037C (Section 07 -- Transmission/Transaxle).
MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS / TRANSFER CASES and POWER STEERING
The content of this bulletin does not apply to manual transmissions or transfer cases. Any vehicle that previously required DEXRON®-III for a manual transmission or transfer case should now use P/N 88861800. This fluid is labeled Manual Transmission and Transfer Case Fluid. Power Steering Systems should now use P/N 9985010 labeled Power Steering Fluid.
Consult the Owner's Manual or Service Information (SI) for fluid recommendations.
Some of our customers and/or General Motors dealerships/Saturn Retailers may have some concerns with DEXRON®-VI and DEXRON®-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) and transmission warranty claims. DEXRON®-VI is the only approved fluid for warranty repairs for General Motors transmissions/transaxles requiring DEXRON®-III and/or prior DEXRON® transmission fluids. Please remember that the clean oil reservoirs of the J 45096 - Flushing and Flow Tester machine should be purged of DEXRON®-III and filled with DEXRON®-VI for testing, flushing or filling General Motors transmissions/transaxles.
DEXRON®-VI can be used in any proportion in past model vehicles equipped with an 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®-VI ATF
General Motors Powertrain has upgraded to DEXRON®-VI ATF with the start of 2006 vehicle production.
Current and prior automatic transmission models that had used DEXRON®-III must now only use DEXRON®-VI.
All 2006 and future model transmissions that use DEXRON®-VI are to be serviced ONLY with DEXRON®-VI fluid.
DEXRON®-VI is an improvement over DEXRON®-III in the following areas:
DEXRON®-VI | |
|---|---|
Fluid Service Change Interval | 160,000 km (100,000 mi) For Cars and Light Duty Trucks* 80,000 km (50,000 mi) (Severe Use) For Cars and Light Duty Trucks* |
Clutch Friction Stability | Improved 100% |
Clutch Durability Due To Fluid | Improved 120% |
Oil Film Thickness | Increased 20% |
Fluid Oxidation | Improved 100% |
Foam/Aeration | Improved 150% |
Shear Stability | Improved 200% |
* These ATF change intervals remain the same as DEXRON®-III for the time being.
2006-2008 Transmission Fill and Cooler Flushing
Some new applications of the 6L80 six speed transmission will require the use of the J 45096 - Flushing and Flow Tester to accomplish transmission fluid fill. It is highly recommended that the clean oil reservoir of the machine be purged of DEXRON®-III and filled with DEXRON®-VI
Parts Information
Part Number | Description |
|---|---|
88861003 (US) | DEXRON®-VI Auto Trans Fluid (1 qt bottle) |
88861045 (US) | DEXRON®-VI Auto Trans Fluid (1 gal bottle) |
88861046 (US) | DEXRON®-VI Auto Trans Fluid (55 gal drum) |
88861004 (Canada) | DEXRON®-VI Auto Trans Fluid (1L bottle) |
88861043 (Canada) | DEXRON®-VI Auto Trans Fluid (4L bottle) |
88861044 (Canada) | DEXRON®-VI Auto Trans Fluid (205L drum) |
