Choosing the correct transmission fluid is critical for transmission performance, longevity, and smooth shifting.
This transmission fluid compatibility chart helps you quickly identify which transmission fluids work with specific manufacturers, transmission types, and fluid standards.
Transmission Fluid Compatibility Chart
GM (Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Buick)
| Transmission Model | Type | OEM Fluid Spec | Compatible Fluid | Notes / Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TH350 / TH400 | Automatic | Dexron II / III | Dexron VI | Dexron VI backward compatible |
| 4L60E / 4L65E | Automatic | Dexron III | Dexron VI | Most common GM swap |
| 6L80 / 6L90 | Automatic | Dexron VI | Dexron VI only | No backward use |
| 8L90 | Automatic | Dexron HP | Dexron HP only | High-performance units |
| 10L80 / 10L90 | Automatic | Dexron ULV | Dexron ULV only | Ultra-low viscosity |
| VT25-E CVT | CVT | DEX-CVT | DEX-CVT only | Never substitute ATF |
Ford / Lincoln / Mercury
| Transmission Model | Type | OEM Fluid Spec | Compatible Fluid | Notes / Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AOD / AODE | Automatic | Mercon | Mercon V | Mercon discontinued |
| 4R70W | Automatic | Mercon V | Mercon V only | No Mercon LV |
| 5R55 | Automatic | Mercon V | Mercon V | Model-specific |
| 6R80 | Automatic | Mercon LV | Mercon LV only | Lower viscosity |
| 10R80 | Automatic | Mercon ULV | Mercon ULV only | Not backward compatible |
| CFT30 CVT | CVT | Motorcraft CVT | CVT-only | Ford-specific |
Related Aisin Transmission Fluid Compatibility Chart(For All Models)
Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep / Ram
| Transmission Model | Type | OEM Fluid Spec | Compatible Fluid | Notes / Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42RE / 46RE | Automatic | ATF+3 | ATF+4 | ATF+4 backward compatible |
| 545RFE | Automatic | ATF+4 | ATF+4 only | Common Jeep/Ram |
| 62TE | Automatic | ATF+4 | ATF+4 | Minivan units |
| ZF 8HP45 / 8HP70 | Automatic | ZF Lifeguard 8 | LG8 only | No ATF+4 |
| ZF 9HP | Automatic | ZF Lifeguard 9 | LG9 only | Front-wheel-drive |
Toyota / Lexus / Scion
| Transmission Model | Type | OEM Fluid Spec | Compatible Fluid | Notes / Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A340 / A341 | Automatic | Type T-IV | T-IV / JWS 3309 | Older models |
| U660E / U760E | Automatic | Toyota WS | WS only | Not T-IV compatible |
| AB60F | Automatic | Toyota WS | WS | Land Cruiser |
| K110 / K114 | CVT | Toyota CVT FE | CVT FE only | Corolla, Camry |
| Hybrid eCVT | CVT | Toyota ATF WS | WS only | Prius models |
Related ULV Transmission Fluid Compatibility Chart(For All Types/Models)
Honda / Acura
| Transmission Model | Type | OEM Fluid Spec | Compatible Fluid | Notes / Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-Speed Auto | Automatic | ATF-Z1 | DW-1 | DW-1 replaces Z1 |
| 5-Speed Auto | Automatic | DW-1 | DW-1 only | No ATF substitute |
| 6-Speed Auto | Automatic | DW-1 | DW-1 | Late models |
| Honda CVT | CVT | Honda CVT Fluid | CVT only | Steel belt CVT |
| 10AT | Automatic | Honda ATF 3.1 | ATF 3.1 only | Acura performance |
Nissan / Infiniti
| Transmission Model | Type | OEM Fluid Spec | Compatible Fluid | Notes / Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RE4F03A | Automatic | Matic D | Matic J | Limited backward |
| RE5R05A | Automatic | Matic J | Matic S | Model-dependent |
| 7-Speed Auto | Automatic | Matic S | Matic S only | Infiniti |
| Jatco CVT (Older) | CVT | NS-2 | NS-2 only | No NS-3 |
| Jatco CVT (Newer) | CVT | NS-3 | NS-3 only | Thin viscosity |
Related Is Transmission Fluid Green(Normal or a Warning)
Hyundai / Kia / Genesis
| Transmission Model | Type | OEM Fluid Spec | Compatible Fluid | Notes / Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A4CF1 / A5HF1 | Automatic | SP-III | SP-IV | Partial compatibility |
| A6LF / A6MF | Automatic | SP-IV | SP-IV only | 6-speed auto |
| A8TR1 | Automatic | SP-IV RR | SP-IV RR | Rear-wheel-drive |
| Hyundai CVT | CVT | CVT Fluid Green | CVT Green only | Never ATF |
| 7DCT | DCT | DCTF | DCTF only | Dual-clutch |
BMW / MINI
| Transmission Model | Type | OEM Fluid Spec | Compatible Fluid | Notes / Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZF 5HP | Automatic | LT-71141 | ZF Lifeguard 5 | Limited |
| ZF 6HP | Automatic | ZF Lifeguard 6 | LG6 only | Common BMW |
| ZF 8HP | Automatic | ZF Lifeguard 8 | LG8 only | Modern BMW |
| Getrag DCT | DCT | BMW DCTF-1 | DCTF only | M models |
Mercedes-Benz
| Transmission Model | Type | OEM Fluid Spec | Compatible Fluid | Notes / Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 722.5 | Automatic | MB 236.10 | MB 236.12 | Limited |
| 722.6 | Automatic | MB 236.12 | MB 236.14 | Partial |
| 722.9 (7G) | Automatic | MB 236.14 | 236.14 only | Electronic |
| 725.0 (9G) | Automatic | MB 236.17 | 236.17 only | Ultra-low viscosity |
| AMG DCT | DCT | AMG DCTF | DCTF only | Performance |
Related Car Lift Hydraulic Fluid(Top 5 Best Picks 2026)
Volkswagen / Audi / Porsche
| Transmission Model | Type | OEM Fluid Spec | Compatible Fluid | Notes / Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09G Tiptronic | Automatic | G 055 025 | OEM only | Aisin |
| DSG DQ250 | DCT | G 052 182 | DSG only | Wet clutch |
| DSG DQ381 | DCT | G 052 529 | DSG-specific | Newer DSG |
| Multitronic | CVT | G 052 180 | CVT only | Audi CVT |
| Porsche PDK | DCT | PDK Fluid | PDK only | No substitutes |
Subaru
| Transmission Model | Type | OEM Fluid Spec | Compatible Fluid | Notes / Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4EAT | Automatic | Dexron III | Subaru ATF-HP | Upgrade recommended |
| 5EAT | Automatic | ATF-HP | ATF-HP only | High pressure |
| Lineartronic CVT | CVT | CVTF / CVTF II | Model-specific | Never ATF |
Related Transmission Fluid Temperature Chart(Complete Guide)
Volvo
| Transmission Model | Type | OEM Fluid Spec | Compatible Fluid | Notes / Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW55-50SN | Automatic | JWS 3309 | T-IV / 3309 | Older models |
| TF-80SC | Automatic | AW-1 | AW-1 only | Newer Volvo |
| Volvo DCT | DCT | Volvo DCTF | DCTF only | Powershift |
Key Transmission Fluid Compatibility Rules
Automatic Transmission Fluids (ATF)
Older ATFs like Dexron III and Mercon have largely been replaced by more advanced fluids. While Dexron VI can replace Dexron III, the reverse is not true. Modern transmissions demand lower viscosity, higher friction stability, and improved heat resistance.
CVT Fluids
CVT transmissions require highly specialized fluids designed for steel belt or chain systems. Never substitute CVT fluid with ATF, even if it “fits.” Each CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific.
Dual-Clutch (DCT / DSG) Fluids
Dual-clutch transmissions use unique fluids for clutch engagement and gear lubrication. Using standard ATF will cause immediate damage.
OEM vs Multi-Vehicle Fluids
Some aftermarket fluids claim multi-vehicle compatibility. While convenient, these should only be used if the fluid explicitly lists your exact OEM specification.
Why Transmission Fluid Compatibility Matters
Using the wrong transmission fluid can result in:
- Hard or delayed shifting
- Overheating
- Torque converter failure
- Premature clutch wear
- Complete transmission failure
Modern transmissions rely on precise friction coefficients, and even small deviations can lead to major problems.
FAQs
Can you use any transmission fluid with any engine?
No, you cannot use any transmission fluid with any engine or vehicle. Transmission fluid is selected based on the transmission design, not the engine. Automatic, CVT, dual-clutch, and manual transmissions all require fluids with specific viscosity levels, friction modifiers, and additive packages.
Using a fluid that does not meet the manufacturer’s specification can lead to improper shifting, overheating, seal damage, and long-term transmission failure. Always match the fluid to the exact transmission type and OEM specification, not just the vehicle brand or engine size.
What happens if you use the wrong automatic transmission fluid?
Using the wrong automatic transmission fluid can cause both immediate and long-term damage. In the short term, you may experience hard shifts, slipping, delayed engagement, shuddering, or overheating. Over time, incorrect fluid can break down clutch materials, damage valve bodies, reduce hydraulic pressure, and lead to torque converter failure. In severe cases, continued operation with the wrong fluid can result in complete transmission failure, requiring a costly rebuild or replacement.
Can I use ATF 4 instead of Dexron 2?
No, ATF+4 should not be used as a replacement for Dexron II. ATF+4 is a Chrysler-specific fluid designed with a different friction profile and additive chemistry than Dexron fluids. Dexron II (and its modern replacement Dexron VI) is formulated primarily for GM-designed transmissions. Using ATF+4 in a transmission designed for Dexron can cause improper clutch engagement, erratic shifting, and premature wear. If Dexron II is specified, Dexron VI is the correct modern substitute.
Can all cars use the same transmission fluid?
No, all cars cannot use the same transmission fluid. Modern vehicles use a wide range of transmission technologies, including traditional automatics, CVTs, dual-clutch transmissions, and automated manuals, each requiring a specialized fluid. Even within automatic transmissions, manufacturers specify different fluids based on clutch materials, operating pressures, and electronic controls. While some multi-vehicle fluids exist, they are only safe to use if they explicitly meet the exact OEM specification required by your vehicle.
Is all transmission fluid universal?
No, transmission fluid is not universal. While older vehicles had fewer fluid types, modern transmissions demand highly specific formulations. CVT fluids, dual-clutch fluids, ultra-low-viscosity ATFs, and manufacturer-exclusive fluids are not interchangeable. Fluids labeled as “universal” are only universal within a limited compatibility list, not across all vehicles.
Final Thoughts
This transmission fluid compatibility chart provides a broad reference covering automatic, CVT, and dual-clutch transmissions across nearly all major vehicle manufacturers. While some fluids are backward compatible, many modern transmissions require strict OEM-specific fluids.
