Tranny fluid? Dexron III/ Or ATF4? 2002 Intrigue

[redcloud157]

Hey!!
Recently had my trans fluid changed and serviced, Never could get a straight answer if they used Dexron III or ATF 4, YES, There is a difference, Mech who did service said trans was real clean not hardly any sludge etc, And he wouldnt do that etc.etc. I never Actually found out what Brand and type was used, just that it was compatible with my trans etc.etc. blah ,blah! 2002 Olds Intrigue 104,000 plus mile , excellent with oil chaanges from one previous owner, tires and all, not sure if trans fluid EVER changed, My question is ....IF ATF 4 was used, should I have it removed or add some lubeguard or something to it ? and is there a way to tell by smell or feel about what kind trans fluid it is?? The stuff in my trans now smells a little funky, like maybe high phosphorus?? content ,, Similar to ATF 4 type, not the oily usuall trans oil smell , any experts out there Know what I mean? IM NOT, But can do my own work AND homework. WHat are my potential best options ?? have driven car several hundred miles and still pretty much does as it did before change, Only when I wiped fluid off stick with my fingers and smeard it around it started leaving black oil film on my fingers, is this normal?? What the heck is going on in my trans then? also after 100 mile drive I checked fluid only minutes after stopped at home and was not very hot, Good Thing.. This fluid stuff really bugs me though, Please help ease my mind if you know.
Thanks
Robert

[BNaylor]

Welcome to AF.

If ATF 4 was used that is incorrect. GM does not recommend the use of ATF 4 which is a full synthetic. I guess if you have a Chrysler or Jeep it would be OK. The current recommended GM replacement ATF for Dexron III is Dexron VI which works fine in any GM car with a 4T65E autotransaxle.

[harmankardon35]

yes, dexron III is the original specification for your car, however recently GM introduced dexron VI wich is an 'improved' version of the old dexron III, and apperenty compatible with any transmission requiring dexron III or Dexron VI

[Tobey]

A little paranoid are we?

As far as I know, there's no way to tell what type of fluid it is by smelling it. Most tranny fluid will smell a little funky once it has been run through the transmission, so that means nothing. Not sure about the black film, dirty fingers maybe?

I highly doubt they'd throw more expensive ATF+4 in there. They likely used some cheap Dex/Merc ATF, which is fine. As long as it's not slipping, don't worry about it.