What brand Dexron VI ATF for 6l80e?

[rav3]

As the title says, what brand Dexron VI are you using in your 6l80e transmission? Are you using AC Delco Dexron VI? FYI, I saw Valvoline Dexron VI at Walmart (blue bottle) for $6.88/qt. So what's the best bang for the buck that you found. I go by the assumption that any ATF that is Dexron VI certified is ok for this 6 speed. BTW mine is a 2017 LTZ 5.3L that has the TCM HP Tuned.

[Grumpy Bear]

I use Red Line D6 in Pepper. 

[mjohnson629]

I used AC Delco in mine when I did a drain and fill in January. 

[Z45]

Use any brand you want. Anything with Dexron name on the label its basically all the same, just different packaging and propaganda. 

 

GM is making money from allowing them to use the name  Its not an indication of superior quality, just that its good enough to meet GM spec. And we all know the reputation of GM transmissions. 

 

 

[newdude]

Any that is actually a Dexron VI fluid.  I'd stay away from "multi vehicle" ATFs IMO.  Have people used them with no issues?  Yes.  Have there been issues with some people using them?  Yes.  I do know that GM 8 speeds are fluid sensitive, as are the ZF 8 speeds if you use anything but ZF 8/9 Speed ATF.  We had a Ram at our sister store that had a transmission service done at 45,000mi using BG 315  Low Viscosity ATF which is a multi-vehicle fluid.  It came back in 500mi shifting like garbage.  Drained it all out for the ZF/Mopar stuff and it fixed it.  

 

The ACDelco Dexron 6 (the factory fluid) I'm pretty sure is a synthetic blend ATF, so you could upgrade to a full synthetic variant. 

 

There is a full synthetic ACDelco version, P/N 10-9244 for a gallon or 10-9243 for a quart.  You can also run Redline D6, Valvoline Dexron VI/Mercon LV, etc.  

 

Afton Chemical has a great article on Multi Vehicle ATFs - Myths-of-the-MV-ATF-LNG.pdf

 

 

Edited April 8 by newdude

[rav3]

19 hours ago, newdude said:

Any that is actually a Dexron VI fluid.  I'd stay away from "multi vehicle" ATFs IMO.  Have people used them with no issues?  Yes.  Have there been issues with some people using them?  Yes.  I do know that GM 8 speeds are fluid sensitive, as are the ZF 8 speeds if you use anything but ZF 8/9 Speed ATF.  We had a Ram at our sister store that had a transmission service done at 45,000mi using BG 315  Low Viscosity ATF which is a multi-vehicle fluid.  It came back in 500mi shifting like garbage.  Drained it all out for the ZF/Mopar stuff and it fixed it.  

 

The ACDelco Dexron 6 (the factory fluid) I'm pretty sure is a synthetic blend ATF, so you could upgrade to a full synthetic variant. 

 

There is a full synthetic ACDelco version, P/N 10-9244 for a gallon or 10-9243 for a quart.  You can also run Redline D6, Valvoline Dexron VI/Mercon LV, etc.  

 

Afton Chemical has a great article on Multi Vehicle ATFs - Myths-of-the-MV-ATF-LNG.pdf

 

 

Thanks, that was good article. Many on the Chevy forums say "Valvoline Multi Life Multi-Vehicle" ATF is Dexron VI. I'm not sure that it is actually approved Dexron VI fluid (But recommended for Dexron VI). Two different thinks. (Approved versus Recommended)   I'll stick with the Approved/Certified/Licensed Dexron VI ATF.

Edited April 9 by rav3

[Z45]

19 hours ago, rav3 said:

Thanks, that was good article. Many on the Chevy forums say "Valvoline Multi Life Multi-Vehicle" ATF is Dexron VI. I'm not sure that it is actually approved Dexron VI fluid (But recommended for Dexron VI). Two different thinks. (Approved versus Recommended)   I'll stick with the Approved/Certified/Licensed Dexron VI ATF.

GM approved lubes are minimum requirement, aka 'good enough lubricants'.   

There's obviously better made lubricants on today's market that meet and exceed GM specs and do a much better job.  It doesn't mean by any means they are indeed the absolute best. It just means that are not paying GM to be on a list.   

Quote

While a direct dollar figure is unavailable, the 50–90 cpg royalty on millions of gallons indicates a substantial, consistent revenue stream from the licensing of DEXRON-VI. 

 

[rav3]

@z45....yes, I agree with you. However, being a retired tooling engineer that has worked directly with the Tier 1 supplier engineers, I know how they work. If it is an "OE" supplier I will use those parts. But when it comes to fluids and I don't have the option of knowing the specs of a fluid, I default to certifications. There i know it at least meets the minimum standard. I also know how marketing words things to make you think it's OK but no data to back it up. Read the article that New dude linked about multiplieds this is above. It sort of explains my doubts. Not trying to change your mind, just wanting to explain the difference. I just don't want to take that risk at this time in my life

[Black02Silverado]

As stated before, any dexos VI fluid will work. But if you want a quality fluid then AMSOIL's ATL transmission fluid is a great choice.  If interested let me know. I can get you a quote.

https://www.amsoil.com/p/amsoil-signature-series-fuel-efficient-100-synthetic-automatic-transmission-fluid-atl/?zo=521390