As more manufacturers shift to ULV-spec fluids, understanding which fluid is compatible with your transmission has become crucial for proper maintenance and performance.
This guide provides an in-depth ULV transmission fluid compatibility chart, explains key specifications, and helps you choose the correct fluid for your vehicle.
ULV Transmission Fluid Compatibility Chart
| ULV Fluid Type | OEM / Specification | Compatible Transmission Models / Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Mercon ULV | Ford Mercon ULV | Ford 10R80, 10R60, 10R140, F-150 (2017+), Ranger, Expedition, Mustang |
| GM Dexron ULV | Dexron ULV | GM 10L80, 10L90, Hydra-Matic 10-speed transmissions, Silverado, Sierra, Camaro, Suburban, Yukon |
| Toyota WS ULV | Toyota ULV / ATF WS-ULV | Toyota/Lexus Direct-Shift 8AT & 10AT, Avalon, Camry, Lexus ES, Lexus LS |
| Nissan ULV ATF | Nissan Matic ULV | Nissan 9-speed Jatco JR913E, Armada, Pathfinder, Infiniti ULV 9-speed |
| Honda ULV ATF | HCF-4 / ULV ATF | Honda 10-speed automatic, Accord 2.0T, Acura TLX, MDX, Odyssey |
| Hyundai SP-U / SP-ULV | Hyundai–Kia ULV ATF | Hyundai/Kia 8-speed wet DCT & automatic: Palisade, Santa Fe, Sonata, Telluride, Sorento |
| Mazda ULV ATF | Mazda ULV ATF | Mazda Skyactiv-Drive 8-speed AT, CX-5, CX-50, Mazda6 |
| ZF Lifeguard ULV | ZF ULV / ZF 8HP Gen3 ULV | ZF 8HP Gen3 ULV, Chrysler 8HP 8-speed, BMW, Audi, Jaguar, Land Rover |
| Allison TES-668 ULV | Allison TES-668 ULV | Allison 10-speed automatic, heavy-duty pickups, commercial fleet vehicles |
| Aisin ULV ATF | Aisin ULV | Aisin 8-speed & 10-speed ULV transmissions, Toyota, Lexus, Volvo, Ram |
| JWS ULV 2084 | JWS 2084 | Japanese OEM ULV spec for 8- and 10-speed transmissions |
| Mopar ULV ATF | Mopar ULV | Chrysler/ZF 8HP Gen3 ULV, Ram trucks, Jeep Grand Cherokee |
| Motul ATF ULV | Ford Mercon ULV; GM Dexron ULV; MB 236.17; BMW ATF7; VW G 053 001 | Modern 8-, 9-, 10-speed automatics across Ford, GM, BMW, VW, Volvo |
| Ravenol ATF ULV D-M | Ford WSS-M2C949-A (Mercon ULV), GM Dexron ULV | Ford 10R80, 10R60, 10R140; GM 10L80, 10L90 |
| Ravenol ATF T-ULV | Aisin AW-2; BMW ATF7; PSA 16 350 560 80; Volvo 31 492 172/173; VW G 053 001 A2 | Aisin-Warner 8-speed, PSA/Peugeot-Citroën 8AT, Volvo AWF8G45/55, VW 09S |
| TriTech SYN ATF ULV | Aisin AW-2; PSA 16 350 560 80; VW G 053 001; Ford ULV; Volvo 31 492 172/173; GM ULV; Mazda ATF A7 | 9- and 10-speed automatics in Japanese and European vehicles |
| Yacco ATF X ULV | Aisin AW-2; BMW ATF7; Mazda ATF A7; MB 236.15/16/17; Nissan Matic P; Ford Mercon ULV; GM Dexron ULV; VW G 053 001 | Multi-speed automatics in Stellantis, Mercedes, VW, BMW, Mazda, Nissan |
| MPM 16000ULV ATF | Aisin AW-2; Ford Mercon ULV; GM Dexron ULV | Ford 10-speed, Volvo automatics, hybrids, EV transmissions |
| Q8 Auto ATF ULV | Ford Mercon ULV; Mercedes MB 236.17; Dexron ULV | Passenger car step automatics requiring ULV spec |
Related Aisin Transmission Fluid Compatibility Chart(For All Models)
What Is ULV Transmission Fluid?
ULV transmission fluid is a specialized automatic transmission fluid formulated with extremely low viscosity, typically in the range of 4.5 to 5.5 cSt at 100°C. This makes it thinner than LV (low-viscosity) ATFs and significantly thinner than older Dexron/Mercon fluids. The purpose of ULV ATF is to:
- Increase fuel economy
- Improve cold-weather performance
- Enhance shift quality
- Support higher torque loads in modern 8- to 10-speed automatic transmissions
- Reduce internal drag and heat generation
ULV ATF is not backward-compatible with older transmission designs unless explicitly specified by the manufacturer.
Related Mercon LV Transmission Fluid Equivalent(For All Brands)
Guide to Using ULV ATF Correctly
Because ULV fluids vary between manufacturers, using the correct type is crucial. Unlike older ATF categories, where cross-compatibility was more common, ULV fluids are extremely specification-sensitive due to unique friction modifiers, viscosity requirements, and anti-wear chemistry.
1. Always Follow OEM Requirements
Each ULV ATF is formulated to exacting friction coefficients. Using a non-specified ULV ATF may cause:
- Harsh shifting
- Shudder
- Overheating
- Premature clutch wear
- Warranty issues
2. Do Not Use ULV ATF in Place of LV or Older ATF
ULV has much lower viscosity and may not provide proper lubrication for older transmissions designed for higher-viscosity fluids.
3. ULV Is Not the Same Across Brands
For example:
- Ford Mercon ULV ≠ , GM Dexron ULV
- Toyota WS-ULV ≠ Nissan Matic ULV
Each has its own formulation, even if the viscosity is similar.
4. ULV Fluids Require Clean Environments
Due to the thinness of ULV ATF, even minor contamination can impact performance. When servicing:
- Use new seals
- Replace the filter when possible
- Avoid mixing brands
Related Allison Transmission Fluid Capacity Chart(All Models)
Benefits of ULV Transmission Fluids
1. Better Fuel Economy
The reduced viscosity lowers drag within the hydraulic system and gears.
2. Improved Shift Quality
ULV ATFs provide smoother gear changes and quicker shift response.
3. Longer Transmission Life
Modern additive packages offer:
- Superior heat resistance
- Better oxidation control
- Advanced anti-wear protection
4. Support for High-Gear Transmissions
ULV ATFs are essential for 8-, 9-, and 10-speed transmissions, which require extremely precise hydraulic pressure control.
Related Transmission Fluid Level Chart(For All Types)
Signs You Are Using the Wrong ATF
Because ULV ATF is highly sensitive, incorrect fluid may produce noticeable symptoms, including:
- Delayed or clunky shifting
- Transmission slipping
- Shudder during acceleration
- Overheating
- Loud whining noises
- Poor fuel economy
If these issues appear shortly after a fluid change, the wrong ATF may have been used.
How to Identify Which ULV ATF Your Vehicle Needs
1. Check the Owner’s Manual
The simplest and most reliable source.
2. Look at the Transmission Model
Many ULV fluids are tied to specific transmissions:
- Ford 10R80 uses Mercon ULV
- GM 10L80 uses Dexron ULV
- Toyota Direct-Shift 8AT uses WS-ULV
3. Reference the Under-Hood Label
Some newer vehicles have a ULV ATF marking under the hood or on the dipstick.
4. Use OEM Parts Catalogs
These usually list the exact ATF specification.
FAQs
Is ULV transmission fluid compatible with all cars?
No, ULV (Ultra-Low Viscosity) transmission fluid is not compatible with all vehicles. It is specifically designed for modern 8-, 9-, and 10-speed automatic transmissions that require very low-viscosity fluids. Using ULV ATF in older transmissions or vehicles not designed for it can cause poor shifting, increased wear, or even transmission damage.
Is DEXRON VI compatible with Dexron ULV?
No, DEXRON VI and Dexron ULV are not directly compatible. Dexron ULV is an ultra-low viscosity fluid designed for modern transmissions, whereas DEXRON VI is a low-viscosity ATF for certain GM and other older automatic transmissions. Substituting one for the other can lead to improper lubrication, shifting issues, and potential warranty problems.
What transmission fluid is equivalent to Mercon ULV?
Fluids equivalent to Mercon ULV include some manufacturer-specific ULV ATFs designed for modern Ford 10-speed transmissions, such as certain Motul ULV, Ravenol ULV, and TriTech SYN ULV products.
However, you should always use OEM-specified Mercon ULV or a fully compatible ULV alternative approved for your exact transmission model.
What cars use Dexron ULV?
Dexron ULV is used in modern GM vehicles with 10-speed automatic transmissions, including trucks and SUVs like the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Cadillac Escalade, and Chevrolet Suburban, as well as some crossovers and performance vehicles equipped with GM’s 10L80 or 10L90 transmissions.
What happens if you put the wrong transmission fluid in a CVT transmission?
Putting the wrong transmission fluid in a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) can cause severe problems such as:
- Slipping belts or pulleys
- Overheating
- Erratic shifting or failure to engage gears
- Premature wear of transmission components
- Potential transmission failure
- CVTs require specific fluid formulations with friction modifiers designed for their unique pulley and belt system.
What is ULV transmission fluid used for?
ULV (Ultra-Low Viscosity) transmission fluid is used in modern automatic transmissions that require very low-viscosity fluids to improve fuel efficiency, provide smooth shifting, reduce frictional losses, and extend transmission life.
It is particularly common in 8-, 9-, and 10-speed automatic transmissions in vehicles from Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, BMW, Volvo, and others.
Final words
ULV transmission fluids play a vital role in the performance and efficiency of modern vehicles. Because each ULV specification is engineered for precise operating conditions, using the correct fluid type is essential. The compatibility chart above provides an easy way to identify which ULV ATF your transmission requires, helping ensure long-term reliability and optimal performance.
