Allison service

[TO THE MAX]

I want to change the fluid in my Allison myself intead of paying the dealer $190. I drive mostly locally but will be towing shortly a 36ft 5th wheel to NY about 800 miles. What fluid should I use without swapping to synthetic and I believe it will take about 10 qts?? Also can I use the same fluid in my transfer case?

[DmaxMaverick]

You can use any Dexron III or higher fluid, dino or synthetic, but NOT Autotrac fluid. The drain/fill will be less than 9 qts (typically 8), including the spin-on filter. Use the same fluid for the TC.

[TO THE MAX]

Thanks for the info.

[carco]

I was told by my local Allison dealer to not use the new Dexron VI fluid. Anyone verify this?? I was also told the 07 D/A uses DexVI fluid, but not to retro back to older Allisons, use only DexIII or Allison syn or Castrol Syn. bob..........

[jbplock]

TSB 04-07-30-037, Dated June 12, 2006.

DEXRON(R) VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
Models: 2007 and Prior Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks
General Motors Powertrain has recently upgraded to DEXRON(R)-VI with the start of 2006 vehicle production.
Only 2005 and prior models that currently use DEXRON(R)-III may use DEXRON(R)-VI as a replacement.
All 2006 and future models that use DEXRON(R)-VI are to be serviced with DEXRON(R)-VI fluid only.

Some more info ...

http://www.gm.com/automotive/gmpowertrain/transmissions/DEXRON-VI-Service_Fill_Release.doc

"All DEXRON

[77TransAm]

I was told by my local Allison dealer to not use the new Dexron VI fluid. Anyone verify this?? I was also told the 07 D/A uses DexVI fluid, but not to retro back to older Allisons, use only DexIII or Allison syn or Castrol Syn. bob..........

From Allison Service Information Letter 10-TR-99, Rev. F (January, 2007)
Subject: Transmission Fluid/Filter Change Recommendations - New TES-389 Fluid Specification - DEXRON-VI


... In addition, GM has replaced DEXRON-III with DEXRON-VI effective January 1, 2007. Allison has made changes to 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 Product Families transmissions to be compatible with DEXRON-VI. Allison has also created a new automatic transmission fluid specification, Schedule 1 TES-389. The new Allison specification gives OEMs and customers another approved fluid choice.

Allison Transmission recommends that all customers use TranSynd or TES 295 equivalent fluids to extend drain intervals and enhance transmission performance and durability in all operating environments. Customers may continue to choose from a wide variety of Allison-approved fluids. General Motors no longer licenses DEXRON-III fluids effective January 1, 2007. DEXRON-VI fluids may be used in the 1000 and 2000 Product Families transmissions beginning with S/N 6310670488 and 6320784373.

Schedule 1 TES-389 and DEXRON-VI fluids will have the same fluid change intervals and will be the same as the current Allison approved Non-TES 295 fluid intervals.

That may be where the Allison dealer is getting the info that DEXRON-VI should not be used in older units, although GM says it is fully backwards compatible.

[Mark Rinker]

Sounds like the Dexron folks have been attending the pricing seminars held for software and cell phone plan program managers...

[Dakster]

Ok. I want to change the fluid in the transmission. I'm at 3500 miles and I drive loaded in the mountains for over 2k miles.

What is the BEST Fluid I can use?

[NutNbutGMC]

Ok. I want to change the fluid in the transmission. I'm at 3500 miles and I drive loaded in the mountains for over 2k miles.

What is the BEST Fluid I can use?http://www.thedieselpageforums.com/tdpforum/showpost.php?p=217163&postcount=5

[Dakster]

Thanks for the link, I read the article too.

[NutNbutGMC]

Thanks for the link, I read the article too.You are welcome. It was a link to post number 5 in this very thread.