Which transmission fluid to use?

[pegasus77]

Hi everybody,
I have a question concerning what type of transmission fluid to use.

Firstly, for a 1998 lumina with the 3800 series 2 engine. I have read that I need Dexron 3, but my local GM Dealer told me that Dexron 3 has been replaced by GM with Dexron 6. I read the label on the Dexron 6 bottle and it actually said that it is a replacement for all former Dexron 3 fluid applications. Is it safe to put Dexron 6 into the my transmission and is Dexron 6 really now the substitute for Dexron 3?

Secondly, for a 1990 lumina with the 3.1L engine. I have read that I need Dexron 2 transmission fluid, but again my GM Dealer advised me to use Dexron 6, eventhough Dexron 2 still exists.

I am not quite sure that my Dealer really knows what he is talking about, since he is actually an OPEL Dealer - which is ususally the case here in Europe.
Furthermore, the price of the Dexron 6 fluid seems quite high to me.

Now I am not sure which Dexron fluid to use in each case.
Could anyone please give me some advice?

[jeffcoslacker]

When they keep the product name on a lubricant or hydro fluid (like Dexron, Rotella, etc) each upgraded version exceeds it's predecessor, while keeping the properties of the original needed for older applications.

It's your call really...personally I'd just use Dexron 3 in both...unless it's hard to find for some reason...it's everywhere here...

[jeffcoslacker]

I just checked...Dex 6 is semi-synthetic...I hadn't even heard of it.

Explains the price difference. Probably a better product, but not required by any means...

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by pegasus77

Hi everybody,
I have a question concerning what type of transmission fluid to use.

Firstly, for a 1998 lumina with the 3800 series 2 engine. I have read that I need Dexron 3, but my local GM Dealer told me that Dexron 3 has been replaced by GM with Dexron 6. I read the label on the Dexron 6 bottle and it actually said that it is a replacement for all former Dexron 3 fluid applications. Is it safe to put Dexron 6 into the my transmission and is Dexron 6 really now the substitute for Dexron 3?

Secondly, for a 1990 lumina with the 3.1L engine. I have read that I need Dexron 2 transmission fluid, but again my GM Dealer advised me to use Dexron 6, eventhough Dexron 2 still exists.

I am not quite sure that my Dealer really knows what he is talking about, since he is actually an OPEL Dealer - which is ususally the case here in Europe.
Furthermore, the price of the Dexron 6 fluid seems quite high to me.

Now I am not sure which Dexron fluid to use in each case.
Could anyone please give me some advice?

the other dextron fluids are obsolete this is the replacement fluid... prices have increased alot on these fluids....on GM vehicles this is fully compatable even if its dextronII/III..... if it is ford or another vehicle you have to look at the model/year for proper useage....

[pegasus77]

Thank you very much