What can be safely used on an Allison tranny? If it's Dextron 111 does it matter what brand? We have 76 Mercon V ATF fluid in our garage. Is it necessary to purchase a different brand?
Q. Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - Can I use synthetic fluid? A. Any fluid that meets DEXRON III requirements is suitable for use in the Allison 1000 Series™. Always verify that the container reads DEXRON III, regardless of whether it is mineral-based or synthetic.
Q. Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - Can I use TranSynd fluid? A. TranSynd is a fully synthetic transmission fluid available from Allison Distributors/Dealers or at GM dealers. TranSynd is a licensed DEXRON III product and has been extensively tested by Allison Engineering in a broad range of Allison products. While TranSynd was developed mainly to meet the harsh operating conditions of heavy-duty transmissions in severe operating conditions like transit buses, its benefits translate to the pickup truck market.
Q. Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - What type of Transmission fluid can I use? A. Transmission fluids licensed by General Motors to use the trademark DEXRON III are required in the Allison 1000 Series™ transmission.
Posted 2009-07-14 4:08 PM (#108021 - in reply to #108019) Subject: RE: Tranny Fluid
Expert
Posts: 3802
Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Make, Model and Year....??!!! Allison 1000 series? Theres more than one "Allison". Can't assume.
If it's a pre, 2006, 5 speed, stick to the Dextron III, 2006 through 2009 it was shipped with Dextron VI, that's what came from the factory, in the 2550 and 3500's.... If it's a 4500 or 5500 it came with TranSynd.
Use that 76 Mercon V ATF, to lube your trailer hinges and latches.
Posted 2009-07-14 8:44 PM (#108042 - in reply to #108019) Subject: RE: Tranny Fluid
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 317
Location: Barnesville, Ga.
Whats the recommended change interval? I bought a used truck and don't know if its ever been changed. Truck has 112K miles should I change it. It looks good and doesn't smell bad.
Posted 2009-07-14 9:13 PM (#108043 - in reply to #108019) Subject: RE: Tranny Fluid
Veteran
Posts: 105
Location: Illinois
GM suggests fluid and external filter change every 25K if driving conditions are in heavy city traffic,hilly or mountainous terrain,orfrequent trailer towing. Normal driving coditions change every 50K.
Posted 2009-07-15 4:58 AM (#108046 - in reply to #108019) Subject: RE: Tranny Fluid
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
Mobile 1 ATF and most synthetic oils meet and exceed the manufacturers' requirements. Using these products over a mineral based oil will lower your operating temperatures, increase the transmission's longevity, and will save some fuel mileage. These products are well worth the additional expense, and will save you money in the long run.
Posted 2009-07-15 8:24 AM (#108053 - in reply to #108019) Subject: RE: Tranny Fluid
Expert
Posts: 3802
Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Pull the drain plug, change the spin on filter... the internal filter inside the pan gets changed at overhaul time. Be sure to clean and replace the "ring magnet" on the filter and refill with aprox. 7.5 quarts of Dextron III, or equivlent. I change my filter and fluid every 25K. That's some cheap insurance. You'll be good to go.