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Can I use Dexron 6 ATF in a 2004 Clio 1.4 automatic?



  Clio
Dexron 6 claims to be better and fully backward compatible with Dexron 3, even mixing. In changing the ATF, I gather about a third will be left in the system and will mix with the new. So I'm thinking of using Dexron 6. Anyone know ?
 
  Clio
The reason I want to change it is there is a whirring noise , relative to rpm, and I wonder if changing the ATF will help. Somebody said it's a normal noise for an automatic, I'm not so sure, and as the car is 18 years old I'm wondering if the auto gearbox has a low fluid level or if the fluid is bad.
 

R3k1355

Absolute wetter.
ClioSport Club Member
I'd use Dex III if you're investigating a fault, you don't wanna be in the position where the noise remains and you're not sure if the incorrect fluid is now causing it.
 

Bankrupt_drunk

ClioSport Club Member
  Clio 172
As above, I'd change it for the Renault recommended stuff first. ATF does degrade over time so a fluid change would be a good start.
If you're concerned you can put the oil through a paper filer to check for metal particles. If you're really worried you can send the oil off for a technical analysis and they will tell you if the oil has microscopic metal particles in it, and what they're made of.
 
  Clio
Thanks. From the info I can find, the manual says it's dry capacity is 6l and changing it involves draining and then putting in 3.5 to 4l . So I'm only able to change 2/3 of it as 1/3 seems to be stuck in the transmission and I don't have the equipment to do a full flush. So it will be a mix of old and new.
 
  Clio
I suppose I can change it once 60% and then if there's any improvement change it again after a month and then it would be 80/90% new fluid.
 
  Clio
I doubt the fluid is low as I think I would be getting gear change issues, but it is certainly old.

Tried to source renaultmatic but couldn't find it here in uk except from Germany, went for Mannol Dex 3 on Amazon - guess where it's been sent from - Germany!
 

Bankrupt_drunk

ClioSport Club Member
  Clio 172
I've not changed the gearbox oil on an automatic clio. Would it be possible to use a pump to suck out more of the old oil?
 
  Clio
From what I read the way to do a flush is via the ATF cooling pipes (if there are any on a Clio, I don't know). Using an external pump can cause any metal deposits to be sucked into the wrong places and cause tramsmission problems - makes sense.
 

R3k1355

Absolute wetter.
ClioSport Club Member
I've not changed the gearbox oil on an automatic clio. Would it be possible to use a pump to suck out more of the old oil?

Nah the excess oil is usually stuck in the torque converter and other gubbins, there is some specialist equipment to do full changes but I don't know if it's universally compatible or just for certain brands.

Either way just drop the pan, change the filter and fill it back up.
 
  Clio
It's got no pan to drop and the filter is built into the transmission somewhere, major job to change it.

A helpful video of how to change the ATF:

 
  Clio
The ATF instruction are to get the oil at 60 degrees for the level check. Seems really precise. But surely the amount of old oil stuck in the rest of the transmission (about 2.5l or 40%) can vary a bit, in which case the level check can't be that precise when you include the old oil left elsewhere.
 
  Clio
Manual gearbox oil is 75w-80, engine oil 10w-40. Why isn't automatic gearbox oil specified in these type of figures and just out of interest what roughly would it be?
What would happen if you put manual 75w-80 in an automatic?
 
  Clio
Found this helpful page

Low Viscosity


Automatic Transmission Fluid is essentially thin hydraulic oil. In order to effectively lubricate the delicate parts of the system, the viscosity of the oil is kept low - generally around 0W/5 or 5W/10. Most importantly it needs to be relatively free flowing in order to transmit power from the engine to the transmission. The challenge presented to transmission fluid to maintain lubrication, whilst keeping clutch engagement consistent.

 

R3k1355

Absolute wetter.
ClioSport Club Member
Yea essentially that, ATF is much thinner than manual gearbox oil and stuff like diff oil. It also does a slightly different job as it's used to transmit power and not just keep the cogs lubricated.

Part of the reason why it needs regular changing and can go bad if that ain't done.
 


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