Transmission Fluid Evacuation Service:
Bulletin From Filter Manufacturers Council (16k PDF)
Transmissions in commercial vehicles, SUVs, trucks and vans – particularly
those used for hauling or towing – are subjected to severe-service
operation and increased heat. Elevated temperatures cause fluids to
break down, allowing damaging metal-to-metal contact and the formation
of sludge and deposits. The problem is worse in modern transmissions
with more gears, clutch packs and narrow oil passages that require
clean, high-quality fluid to achieve maximum performance and life.
AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is
specifically formulated to withstand the rigors of heavy towing, elevated
temperatures and challenging terrain. It remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures
and provides reserve protection during heavy use and even
abuse.
Proven in 100,000-mile, Severe-Service Taxi Fleet Field Trial
To demonstrate its effectiveness in severe service, Signature Series Multi-Vehicle
Synthetic ATF was installed in vehicles owned by a Las Vegas cab company.
The vehicles routinely encountered demanding stop-and-go driving loaded with
passengers and cargo, while the desert environment presented extremely hot ambient
temperatures, placing enormous strain on the fluid. Following 100,000 miles, a
transmission was selected for analysis. The Aluminum Beaker Oxidation Test (ABOT)
is one industry-accepted method used to determine a transmission fluid's oxidation
resistance, which is a good indicator of its service life. Testing by an independent,
third-party lab reveals that after 100,000 miles in severe service, Signature Series
Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF resisted oxidation longer than required for new fluid to
meet the Chrysler ATF+4 specification (see graph). Internal components, including
the valve body and clutch plates (pictured), were virtually free of damaging sludge,
deposits and wear, confirming the lubricant’s high level of protection for severe-service
applications.



Protects Against Thermal Breakdown
Signature Series Synthetic ATF is formulated with high concentrations of
antioxidants, making it naturally heat resistant. As a result, it provides outstanding
protection against sludge and varnish deposits that clog narrow oil passages and
contribute to clutch glazing. After 100,000 miles in severe service, fluid analysis
revealed Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF contained 41 percent of its
original oxidation inhibitors, proving its long-lasting resistance to thermal breakdown.
Outstanding Wear Protection
Varying speeds and loads causes torque multiplication and extreme
stress on gears and bearings. AMSOIL formulated Signature
Series Synthetic ATF with high film strength and premium anti-wear/extreme-pressure additives to help prevent wear during severe
service. In the industry-standard FZG Gear Wear Test, Signature
Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF that had been used for 100,000
severe-service miles achieved a “Pass” at stage 12 – the highest
stage. The results exceeded the Ford MERCON V and Chrysler
ATF+4 specifications for new fluid, demonstrating the lubricant's
long-lasting wear protection.
Cold-Temperature Fluidity
Cold, thick automatic transmission fluid lengthens shift times and
reduces fuel economy. Signature Series Synthetic ATF is wax-free
and delivers extraordinary cold-flow properties (< -60°F pour point).
It helps improve shift response, energy efficiency and warm-up
times.
Friction Durability
Today’s transmissions are smaller and must withstand higher horsepower
and torque while delivering smoother shifts, all with longer
fluid life recommendations. AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic ATF
is formulated with friction modifier additives that deliver outstanding
clutch-holding capacity (static friction), torque-transfer ability
(dynamic friction) and anti-shudder properties (slipping torque-converter
clutches). Analysis reveals that after 100,000 miles in
severe service, Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
provides nearly identical friction properties as new fluid for smooth,
reliable shifts.
Applications
AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Synthetic ATF is recommended
for transmissions and other applications that require any
of the following specifications:
Ford MERCON® LV, SP; GM DEXRON® VI; Audi G 055 005, G 055 162, G 060 162; BMW 83
22 0 142 516, 83 22 2 152 426; Honda DW-1®; Hyundai/Kia SP-IV; JWS 3324; Mitsubishi SP-IV, ATF J2; Nissan Matic-S; Saab 93 165 147; Shell M-1375.4, M-1375.5, M-1375.6,
M-L 12108; Toyota WS; Volkswagen G 055 005, G 055 162, G 060 162.
Note: Not for use with CVT applications.
AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Synthetic ATF is
backward compatible and replaces DEXRON III fluids in older GM
automatic transmissions. (DEXRON VI specification
supersedes the obsolete DEXRON III in GM vehicles.)
SERVICE LIFE
Normal Service: Follow the vehicle manufacturer's
normal-service drain interval.
Severe Service: Double the vehicle manufacturer's
severe-service drain interval.
Change at the vehicle manufacturer's recommended drain interval
outside U.S. and Canada.
HEALTH &
SAFETY
This product is not expected to cause health concerns when used
for the intended application and according to the recommendations
in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). An SDS is available via the Internet
at www.amsoil.com or upon request at (715) 392-7101. Keep Out
of Reach of Children.
TYPICAL TECHNICAL PROPERTIES
AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Synthetic ATF | ATL |
Kinematic Viscosity @ 100°C, cSt (ASTM D 445) | 5.9 |
Kinematic Viscosity @ 40°C, cSt (ASTM D 445) | 28.5 |
Viscosity Index (ASTM D 2270) | 159 |
Pour Point °C (°F) (ASTM D 97) | -53 (-63) |
Flash Point °C (°F) (ASTM D 92) | 224 (435) |
Four Ball Wear Test @ 75°C, 1200 rpm, 40 kg, 1 hr, Scar, mm (ASTM D 4172) | 0.40 |
Brookfield Viscosity, cP (ASTM D 2983) | 9015 |