This may have been discussed before, but I tried searching to know avail. Can I get a definitive answer on whether or not Matic-D is simply a Dexron III (H) and not a (G)...in other words, any brand that uses dexron III (H) would work (w/o the use of any additives such as lubeguard). Because I'm having a hard time shelling out sixty bucks for a case of matic-d when I can get a case of chevron ATF (H approved) for almost a THIRD of that price...

Is the friction characteristics the only thing about matic d? and is there any advantage to using matic d over regular dino atf? seems like chevron, mobil, and pennzoil all meet the H rating..

 

H spec fluid has some FMs in it but what is important to note is the H spec calls for maintaining the stability of FMs over longer periods compared to G spec (in addition to other requirements like oxidation, shear, viscosity etc). Now, you could well change it to H spec and if you wanted limited slip add 1/2 of the Lubegard black bottle, and run it and if you are not happy with the shifts, gradually add the remaining.

I used Chevron Dexron(G) with Lubegard Black (the whole bottle) the last time I flushed my tranny. I intend to flush with Chevron Dexron(H) later this month and do exactly what I said, add FMs gradually till I am comfortable with the shifts and slip.

 

and with matic-d or synthetic you wouldnt have to add anything for FM??....then i'm just gonna do that since lubeguard is expensive and to save time

 

I didn't get what you said .... I don't know anything of syn ATFs.

Now dino DexronIII(H) has some FM's in it (costing $1.69 a quart) and you may/maynot have to add FMs and the choice is left to u. Now remember Matic-D is a FM fluid costing $4.99/Q ie equal to Mobil1 syn.

My take is OEM Matic-D is a poor fluid and there are many superior OTC fluids (like Chevron ATF) with FM's (like Lubegard) to bring it to Matic-D spec.

 

Highly doubt that Matic-D is a poor fluid. Effin GM uses semi-syn in their trannies now. Most OEM fluids are pretty good and not inferior quality.

BTW, since lubeguard black down here is 13.16 w/ tax, And it is good for about ten quarts, I am just going to spend my extra 13 and whatever at the dealer for fluid. It basically comes to the same price.

 

^^ thats what i think too

 

My UOA was quite the opposite.. I was alarmed by the report taken @43K.

FYI, I haven't sent my present tranny oil (@85k) for analysis to really see how good/bad the OTC fluids are against OEM fluid. But, there are many folks who have used OTC fluids (across different transmissions) and gotten better results than that was in my report.

 

How was the UOA alarming? I will have to say I am not surprised. I can not say that Matic-D is a superior fluid, but that would be my guess. If your UOA says otherwise though, you will have changed my mind, but it would be interesting if you get another UOA and see if it has changed.

My only suspicion would be the use of no filter, but htat dinky screen. I bet most max/altima trannies prior to their first fluid exchange have fluid full of contaminants.