this is what dodge have said about service fluids, (i've been searching for suitable alternatives)
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Date: April 14, 2006
THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 21-004-04, DATED
MARCH 16, 2004, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. THIS IS A
COMPLETE REVISION.
Models: All 89 - 07 Ram Trucks (AD, BR/BE, DR/DH/D1, DC)
1989 - 1995 (AA) Spirit/Acclaim/Lebaron Sedan
1989 - 2003 (AB) Ram Van/Wagon
1989 - 1993 (AC) Dynasty/New Yorker/New Yorker Salon
1989 - 1993 (AD) Ram Truck
1989 - 1994 (AG) Daytona
1989 (AH) Lancer/Lebaron GTS
1989 - 1995 (AJ) Lebaron Coupe/Lebaron Convertible
1989 - 1990 (AK) Aries/Reliant
1989 - 1990 (AL) Horizon/Omni
1989 (AM) Diplomat/Gran Fury/New Yorker fifth Avenue
1989 - 2004 (AN) Dakota
1989 - 1994 (AP) Shadow/Sundance
1990 - 1991 (AQ) Maserati
1990 - 1993 (AY) Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue
1994 - 2003 (BR/BE) Ram Truck
2004 - 2007 (CS) Pacifica
1998 - 2003 (DN) Durango
2002 - 2007 (DR/DH/D1) Ram Truck
2007 (DC) Ram 3500 Cab Chassis
1995 - 2000 (FJ) Sebring/Avenger/Talon
1996 - 2000 (GS) Chrysler Voyager (International Market)
2004 - 2007 (HB) Durango
1995 - 2000 (JA) Cirrus/Stratus/Breeze
2007 (JK) Wrangler
2001- 2006 (JR) Sebring Sedan & Convertible/Stratus Sedan
2007 (JS) Avenger/Sebring
1996 - 2000 (JX) Sebring Convertible
2002 - 2007 (KJ) Liberty
1993 - 2004 (LH) Concorde/Intrepid/Vision/LHS/New Yorker/300M
2005 - 2007 (LX/LE) 300/Magnum/Charger
1996 - 2000 (NS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
1995 - 2005 (PL) Neon
2002 - 2003 (PG) PT Cruiser (International Markets)
2001 - 2007 (PT) PT Cruiser
1997 - 2002 (PR) Prowler
2001 - 2007 (RG) Chrysler Voyager (International Markets)
2001 - 2007 (RS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
1997 - 2006 (TJ) Wrangler
2001 - 2004 (WG) Grand Cherokee (International Markets) Vehicles equipped with Gas engines
1999 - 2004 (WJ) Grand Cherokee
2005 - 2007 (WK/WH) Grand Cherokee
2006 - 2007 (XK/XH) Commander
1989 - 1995 (YJ) Wrangler
1996 - 1998 (ZG) Grand Cherokee (International Markets)
1994 - 1998 (ZJ) Grand Cherokee/Grand Wagoneer
NOTE: This Service Bulletin DOES NOT apply to AW-4 transmissions, Sprinter
transmissions, Crossfire transmissions, MK/PM vehicles equipped with
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and WG vehicles equipped with a
diesel engine (sales code ENF) and a W5J400 or NAG1 transmission (sales
code DGJ).
Discussion:
ATF+4® - (Type 9602) is being used as factory fill for Chrysler Group automatic
transmissions. ATF+4® is recommended for all vehicles equipped with Chrysler
Group automatic transmissions EXCEPT FOR THOSE NOTED ABOVE.
NOTE: ATF+4® must always be used in vehicles that were originally filled with
ATF+4®. DO NOT USE ANY OTHER FLUID.
NOTE: ATF+4® is backward compatible with ATF+3 , ATF+2, and ATF+. Additionally,
ATF+4 can be used to top off vehicles that used ATF+3, ATF+2, or ATF+.
NOTE: If ATF+4® is used to service models originally filled with ATF+3 , ATF+2, and
ATF+ the fluid maintenance schedules listed for that model does not change.
The service interval currently in effect for a given model should continue to
be followed. Refer to the Service or Owners manual for maintenance
schedule directions.
In general terms, If ATF+, ATF+2 or ATF+3 was the recommended fluid, it is now
recommended to use ATF+4.
BENEFITS
Better anti-wear properties
Improved rust/corrosion prevention
Controls oxidation
Eliminates deposits
Controls friction
Retains anti-foaming properties
Superior properties for low temperature operation
FLUID COLOR
Mopar ATF+4® has exceptional durability. However, the red dye used in ATF+4® is not
permanent; as the fluid ages it may become darker or appear brown in color. ATF+4® also
has a unique odor that may change with age. With ATF+4® fluid, color and odor are no
longer indicators of fluid condition and do not necessarily support a fluid change.
Parts Required:
Qty. Part No. Description
AR 05013457AA Fluid, Transmission, ATF+4® (Type 9602), Quart
AR 05013458AA Fluid, Transmission, ATF+4® (Type 9602), Gallon
Policy: Information Only
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i know only the last few apply to jeeps but its info from another perspective
basically, jeep have just gone with the flow of improved oils. dexron is GM's stamp and ATF+ is Chrysler.
dexron ii -> dexron iii -> atf+3 -> atf+4
its the improvement of mineral oils to include additives and then the move to semi synthetics. and the simplicity of quoting one oil and one price.
with the aw4 i think they are still saying use dexron iii ( even where dexron ii is stated) but chrysler will tell you atf+4.
i'm sure i have read in the last few days mopar 7176 was updated to use dexron iii ( or at least dexron iii is backwards compatible to mopar 7176)
I'm still searching for this "or equivalent synthetic ATF" as i can get fully synthetic ATF cheaper than ATF+4. but i cant find anything to back up what my parts store have told me about it.