If your vehicle calls for Auto-Trak II, using the correct fluid is essential because these transfer cases rely on specific friction characteristics, detergents, and temperature stability that regular ATF does not provide.
Even though ACDelco Auto-Trak II is the official factory fluid, many high-quality aftermarket alternatives can serve as compatible replacements.
GM Auto Trak II Fluid Equivalent
1. Valvoline Multi-Vehicle Transfer Case Fluid
- Meets the challenging demands of different all-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles with multi-powered axles
- Improves durability and reduces foam and oxidation with advanced anti-wear technology and full-synthetic base stocks and…
- Protects against extreme operating conditions like off-roading in dirt and sand or trekking over icy, snow-covered roads
Valvoline Multi-Vehicle Transfer Case Fluid is a popular replacement for GM Auto-Trak II in compatible transfer cases. Its synthetic formula provides reliable lubrication, smooth shifting, and excellent protection against wear in both daily driving and demanding conditions.
Features:
- Formulated for transfer cases requiring GM Auto-Trak II fluid
- Provides outstanding wear protection for gears and bearings
- Reduces transfer case noise and vibration
- Excellent high- and low-temperature performance
- Protects against rust, corrosion, and oxidation
- Helps extend transfer case service life
2. Royal Purple Synchromax
- Greater wear protection
- Smoother shifts
- Excellent rust / corrosion protection
Royal Purple Synchromax is a high-performance synthetic lubricant designed to improve transfer case operation while reducing friction and heat. It is well-known for delivering smooth engagement and long-lasting protection.
Features:
- Full synthetic performance fluid
- Advanced anti-wear protection
- Promotes smooth transfer case engagement
- Excellent cold-weather fluidity
- Resists heat and oxidation
- Reduces friction for improved efficiency
- Helps prolong transfer case component life
2. ACDelco Auto-Trak II Transfer Case Fluid
- Specifically approved for use in GM automatic four-wheel drive vehicles with transfer cases
- Improved oxidation resistance for extended life
- Withstands extended high-temperature operation
ACDelco Auto-Trak II Transfer Case Fluid is the genuine GM factory-recommended fluid for transfer cases that require the Auto-Trak II specification. It is formulated to provide smooth engagement, protect internal clutch packs, and ensure reliable four-wheel-drive performance.
Features:
- Genuine OEM GM transfer case fluid
- Meets the GM Auto-Trak II specification
- Designed for electronic and automatic transfer cases
- Provides excellent wear protection
- Helps reduce clutch chatter and noise
- Outstanding thermal and oxidation stability
- Maintains smooth 4WD operation in all driving conditions
Related GM Automatic Transmission Fluid(5 Best Options 2026)
4. ACDelco Gold 19540587 Transfer Case Auto Fluid
- Long lasting endurance
- Excellent lubrication to transfer case gears
- Some ACDelco Gold parts may have formerly appeared as ACDelco Professional
ACDelco Gold 19540587 Transfer Case Auto Fluid is a GM-approved transfer case lubricant designed for vehicles equipped with automatic transfer cases that require Auto-Trak II fluid. It provides the correct friction properties needed for smooth four-wheel-drive operation while protecting internal transfer case components from wear and heat.
Features:
- Designed for GM vehicles requiring Auto-Trak II transfer case fluid
- OEM-quality formulation from ACDelco
- Provides proper lubrication for transfer case gears, chains, bearings, and clutch packs
- Helps reduce transfer case noise, vibration, and clutch chatter
- Maintains smooth AutoTrac and automatic 4WD engagement
- Offers excellent resistance to heat and oxidation
- Protects internal components against wear and corrosion
- Helps extend transfer case service life
- Performs reliably in both normal and demanding driving conditions
- Suitable for many Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles equipped with compatible automatic transfer cases
Related GM Manual Transmission Fluid Chart(For All Models)
| Brand | Product Name | Equivalent to Auto-Trak II? | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACDelco (OEM) | Auto-Trak II Transfer Case Fluid | Official | GM Autotrac transfer cases (NP8, NV246, BW4482) |
| Valvoline | Valvoline Transfer Case Fluid | Yes | Transfer cases requiring specialized GM-type transfer case fluid |
| Royal Purple | Royal Purple Synthetic ATF (recommended for transfer cases) | Yes (commonly used) | GM transfer cases needing synthetic ATF-based fluid |
| AMSOIL | AMSOIL ATF / Fuel-Efficient ATF | Yes (widely used) | Modern GM transfer cases with ATF-compatible specs |
| Lucas Oil | Lucas Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF | Yes | GM transfer cases compatible with Dexron-style ATF |
| Mobil 1 | Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF | Yes (for many models) | Transfer cases that allow Dexron VI–compatible fluid |
| Castrol | Castrol Transmax ATF | Yes | Transfer cases accepting Dexron-type synthetic ATF |
| Pentosin | Pentosin ATF 1 | Conditional | For Dexron-spec transfer cases where Auto-Trak II is allowed as an option |
| Red Line | Red Line D6 ATF | Yes | High-performance synthetic ATF users seeking better thermal stability |
| Motul | Motul Multi ATF | Yes | Transfer cases compatible with multi-vehicle ATF |
| Fuchs | Fuchs Titan ATF 4400 | Yes | Select GM transfer cases using Dexron VI |
| Havoline | Havoline Multi-Vehicle ATF | Conditional | For Dexron-approved transfer cases |
| Triax | Triax Multi-Vehicle ATF | Yes | Broad compatibility transfer cases needing synthetic ATF |
| NAPA / Service Pro | Transfer Case Fluid (Auto-Trak II Compatible) | Yes (labeled for GM) | Cost-effective Auto-Trak II replacement |
| Carquest | Multi-Vehicle ATF | Conditional | Some models compatible with Dexron VI |
| O’Reilly / MasterPro | Auto-Trak II Compatible Transfer Case Fluid | Yes | Budget-friendly aftermarket replacement |
Related Mercon LV Transmission Fluid Equivalent(For All Brands)
What Makes a Fluid Equivalent to Auto-Trak II?
Auto-Trak II is not a standard ATF. It is specifically engineered for the clutch-on-demand system used in GM’s Autotrac transfer cases. To be considered an equivalent, a fluid must meet or exceed requirements such as:
1. Correct Friction Characteristics
The clutch packs in the Autotrac system need a certain level of slip and grip to properly engage. Incorrect friction modifiers can cause shudder, binding, or slipping.
2. High Thermal Stability
Transfer cases work under high temperature and rotational stress. Synthetic-based fluids offer better oxidation resistance and cooling.
3. Anti-Wear and Shear Stability
Proper load-carrying protection ensures the chain, bearings, and planetary gears last longer.
4. Compatibility With GM Transfer Case Seals
Some transfer-case seals can swell or degrade when exposed to incompatible ATF types.
5. Cold-Weather Flow
Low-temperature performance is particularly important in northern climates to prevent stiff engagement or whining.
Aftermarket equivalent fluids are engineered to satisfy these same performance features, making them safe options when Auto-Trak II is unavailable.
Related Automatic Transmission Fluid Color Chart(All Colors)
Should You Use an Aftermarket Alternative?
For most drivers, using a reputable aftermarket equivalent works perfectly fine. High-end synthetic ATF and transfer-case fluids from brands like Valvoline, AMSOIL, Mobil 1, and Royal Purple provide excellent wear protection and longevity.
However, if your transfer case specifically calls for Auto-Trak II in the owner’s manual, using the OEM product is the safest option—especially if you are maintaining a newer GM vehicle still under warranty.
Use OEM Auto-Trak II when:
- Your manual explicitly specifies Auto-Trak II
- Your GM vehicle still has a powertrain warranty
- You’re troubleshooting transfer-case noise or slipping
- You want guaranteed matching friction behavior
Use an aftermarket equivalent when:
- OEM Auto-Trak II is unavailable
- You prefer full synthetic performance upgrades
- You’re outside of warranty
- You want a more budget-friendly option
Related Allison Transmission Fluid Capacity Chart(All Models)
Signs You May Be Using the Wrong Transfer-Case Fluid
Using an incompatible fluid can lead to symptoms such as:
- Shuddering during 4×4 engagement
- Jerky or delayed transfer-case engagement
- Humming or whining noises at low speeds
- Transfer-case overheating
- Binding in tight turns
If you notice any of these signs after changing fluid, drain and refill with Auto-Trak II or a known, verified equivalent.
How Often Should You Change GM Transfer-Case Fluid?
Most GM trucks and SUVs recommend a transfer-case fluid change every 45,000 to 60,000 miles. If you frequently tow, drive off-road, or use 4×4 mode often, consider shorter intervals such as 30,000–40,000 miles.
Fresh fluid prevents:
- Chain stretch
- Clutch wear
- Gear pitting
- Overheating
- Seal damage
Related Transmission Fluid Viscosity Chart(For All Fluid Types)
How to Choose the Right Equivalent Fluid
Here’s a simple checklist to help you pick a proper Auto-Trak II replacement:
Check the Label
Look for clear wording such as “For GM Auto-Trak II” or “Compatible with GM transfer cases.”
Verify Synthetic or Multi-Vehicle ATF
Synthetic or multi-vehicle ATF often offers better protection and is widely compatible.
Confirm Compatibility with Your Transfer-Case Model
NP8, NP246, BW4482, and similar cases require fluids with exact friction properties.
Research Real-World Owner Feedback
Many GM truck owners have years of experience using equivalents like AMSOIL, Royal Purple, and Valvoline.
Avoid Traditional Dexron III Unless Listed
Older Dexron III fluids lack the friction behavior required for Auto-Trak II systems unless your manual specifically permits them.
FAQs
What can I use instead of Auto Trak 2?
You can use several high-quality aftermarket transfer-case or synthetic ATF fluids that are engineered to match the friction and thermal properties of GM Auto-Trak II. Common equivalents include Valvoline Transfer Case Fluid, AMSOIL ATF, Royal Purple Synthetic ATF, Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF, Lucas Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF, and store-branded “Auto-Trak II Compatible” transfer-case fluids. Always confirm compatibility with your GM transfer case model before substituting.
What is GM Auto Trak II fluid?
GM Auto-Trak II is a specialized blue transfer-case fluid designed specifically for GM Autotrac 4×4 transfer cases. It contains unique friction modifiers, anti-wear additives, and thermal stabilizers that allow the transfer-case clutch packs to properly engage and disengage during automatic 4WD operation. It is not the same as regular ATF and should only be replaced with fluids that explicitly meet its performance requirements.
What color is GM Auto Trak 2 fluid?
GM Auto-Trak II fluid is blue. The distinct color makes it easy to identify leaks and avoid mixing it with red ATF or other transfer-case fluids.
What fluid to use in GM transfer case?
The correct fluid depends on your GM model and transfer-case type. Many modern GM 4×4 vehicles with Autotrac systems require GM Auto-Trak II. Some older or non-Autotrac transfer cases may specify Dexron III, Dexron VI, or a specialized transfer-case fluid listed in the owner’s manual. Always follow the exact fluid specification in your vehicle’s manual, as using the wrong fluid can cause shudder, noise, or premature wear.
Can I use other power steering fluid in my GM car?
Most modern GM vehicles use Dexron-type ATF in the power steering system, not conventional power-steering fluid. However, you should always follow the specification in the manual. Using the wrong power-steering fluid can cause pump noise, leaks, or steering stiffness. Only use a fluid that matches the GM-approved type for your vehicle.
Can I use Dexron III instead of Dexron II?
Yes. Dexron III is generally considered backward compatible with Dexron II. Many fluids marketed as Dexron III/III-H can safely replace Dexron II in older GM transmissions and systems that originally required it. However, always verify compatibility because certain specialized systems, such as GM Autotrac transfer cases, may require Auto-Trak II instead of any Dexron ATF.
Final Thoughts
GM Auto-Trak II is a specialty transfer-case fluid that maintains the performance and reliability of GM’s Autotrac systems. While ACDelco Auto-Trak II remains the safest and most precise option, many high-quality aftermarket alternatives perform exceptionally well when chosen correctly.
Whether you prefer OEM reliability or want a premium synthetic equivalent, the table above gives you a complete list of safe options for replacing or topping off your transfer-case fluid.
