Trans fluid

[mbalogh]

Hey all -

 

I was hauling some firewood the other day and my truck started slamming into second gear out of first. I checked the trans fluid level and the weight in the bed of the truck tilted the trans back just enough to lower the fluid level below full. I went to my local parts store and they couldn't tell me what fluid my truck takes, since there are multiple versions of Dexron III. I purchased Pennzoil Synthetic Blend that's approved for Dexron III, Mercon, and Mercon V. Is this the right stuff to top off my trans with? Much obliged.

 

~Mike

 

[JayMan]

A-ha, a fellow firewood gatherer!

 

First, all GM cars and trucks use Dex III. That parts dude must have been a space cadet - It's only the most widely used ATF on the planet!

 

Second, I've never noticed any unusual shift behavior after servicing my trans and leaving it at the ADD mark. I don't like to top it off until I've driven it and checked the final level good and hot.

 

Third, did you follow the proper trans Hot Check procedure as outlined in the manual? That is, at least 10 miles highway driving, at operating temp, slowly move the shifter out of Park down to 1, then back to Park, and check the stick.

 

Were you in Tow /Haul with the full load? That can cause a quite abrupt and/or firm shift from 1 to 2.

 

How many miles on the truck and have you had the trans serviced yet?

[SilveradoWV]

As a general rule, I think Dex III covers all previous Dex's.

[mbalogh]

Thanks, guys. Yes, I used the proper procedure to check the fluid level and it was only low with the wood in the back. Once I took the weight out the rear end came back up 3" to it's normal level and the problem was gone. I've checked it using the same procedure with nothing in the back and the level is just barely at the bottom of the "OK" zone. So I want to add just a little to get it back to where it's supposed to be.

 

Thanks for the confirmation on Dex III! I had suspected that this parts guy was not playing with a full deck.

 

~Mike