Allison ATF

[Heavytruck]

I bought this truck used and it's missing some manuals. I have done online searches and it's amazing how much confusion there is when it comes to doing a fluid change on the Allison transmision. I was almost prepared to use Dexron III, then Mobil 1 synthetic ATF. Then there's the whole TES-295 and TES-389 issue. Even Allison makes a point to tell users to be carefull of claims from oil companies whose oils "meet" or "exceed" specs for Allison, TES-295, or 389. When it comes down to it, they say on THEIR site to use ONLY oils that are listed including the Allison approval number. I am doing a "double" oil change. First change will be a pan drain, and screw on filter, adding about 2 gallons of Mobil Delvac Synthetic ATF. I plan on driving the truck for a week, then dropping the pan, and changing the internal filter, the screw on(again), and refilling. My local distributer is going to sell me the oil for $146.50/4GAL case. That's not too bad I thought. I'm just posting this in case anyone else had the same question.

[oldred95]

GM recommends Dexron 6 only. Dexron 3 will work but the service life of the fluid is half that of Dexron 6. Instead of changing it at 50,000 miles under severe usage you would want to change it at 25,000 miles. Also some of the Kodiak and Topkicks with the Allison 1000 used this stuff called Transyn fluid. It was more of an amber color like traditional hydraulic fluid and to me it feels like its a little thicker viscosity.

[Heavytruck]

Transynd is a Trademark of Castrol. There are about 6 or so different listings on Allison's website for approved fluids for the 1000. It is amazing how confusing this topic is. If it where motor oil for the engine it's not an issue. Why are the transmissions so jacked up?

[Roehl_909]

Just use Dex VI. Unless you routinely drive in extreme cold or beat the absolute piss out of it, then use Transynd if you feel like paying $250 for fluid.

But seriously, just use Dex VI.

[Jmac72]

I had heard the dex VI is not good for the 01-05 trannys,something about the seals.It is very confusing.I'm almost do for the 100k service.Not sure what I'm gonna use yet.

[SlvrdoHDmax]

I only paid about $60 for 2 gallons of transynd from an Allison dealer.

[oldred95]

I had heard the dex VI is not good for the 01-05 trannys,something about the seals.It is very confusing.I'm almost do for the 100k service.Not sure what I'm gonna use yet.

I call BS. Dexron 6 replaces anything pre Dexron 6 but Dexron 3 is not supposed to be used in anything calling for Dexron 6.

[ATH0201]

Run Transynd - You can get 100-150k mile oil change intervals once fully synthetic on it. You can get a 5 gallon jug for $200 on eBay. Run Transynd in your transfer case as well. Look on dieselforum.com at the sticky for reinforcement. The guy that invented it and worked for GM for over 20 years retired and has a 45 page thread or so - uses oil analysis to back everything.

[Mark13]

I run transynd in my transmission, havn't swapped out the fluid in my tcase yet. Will do when I put the pump rub plate in.

[jmacali]

I would use transynd. We have a fleet of motor coaches with Allison B500 some have retarders, We have been useing it since 1999 and all i can say we have almost zero trans. problems. We have coaches with 600,000 miles and with regular pm's they have been great. before we started useing transynd TES-295 we were lucky to get 200,000 miles and you were changing the fluid every 12,000 for warranty. I do alot of side work and every Allison gets Transynd when serviced.

[mudbuddy]

Some of you need to get with the times Allison only recommends the use of a TES 295 in their transmissions ever since GM came out with the Dex6. I have worked with the Allison rep in my area to keep the fleet in compliance. Allison will void a warranty on ant trans running Dex6 in it. Even GM puts the TES 295 in it from the factory.
For a list of approved fluids see link below.
http://www.allisontransmission.com/s...jsp?ThisPage=3

[Jmac72]

I don't dispute that the 295 fluids are better.My 03 owners manual calls for dex 3,AND MY Buddys 08 manual calls for dex6.When did GM change their specs on the fluid?

If it is so critical,why don't the dealers stock transynd?Both of the local dealers arond here tell people dex6 because that is what they have,and what they use if you bring your truck in for service.

Does GM or Allison cover the warranty on newer 3/4 and 1ton trucks? Just wondered.

[mudbuddy]

When I have a warranty claim on my IHC's it goes to the Allison shop.

http://www.allisontransmission.com/s...t=SA5429EN.pdf

A complete list of approved fluids can be found at www.allisontransmission.com; click Service,
then Fluids. C4 fluids and DEXRON®-VI are no longer recommended in any commercial on-highway
transmission.

I'll stick with what Allison says to use you can use the Dex6 if you want.