Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Release Of DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) (04-07-30-037E)
Reference number: 04-07-30-037E
Supersedes refnos: 04-07-30-037, 04-07-30-037A, 04-07-30-037B, 04-07-30-037C, 04-07-30-037D
RELEASE OF DEXRON®-VI AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID (ATF)
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
| Affected Model(s): | 2008 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks; 2003-2008 HUMMER H2; 2006-2008 HUMMER H3; 2005-2007 Saturn Relay; 2005 and Prior Saturn L-Series; 2005-2007 Saturn ION; 2005-2008 Saturn VUE with 4T45-E; 2005-2008 Saab 9-7X; ; Except 2008 and Prior Chevrolet Aveo, Equinox; Except 2006 and Prior Chevrolet Epica; Except 2007 and Prior Chevrolet Optra; Except 2008 and Prior Pontiac Torrent, Vibe, Wave; Except 2003-2005 Saturn ION with CVT or AF23 Only; Except 1991-2002 Saturn S-Series; Except 2008 and Prior Saturn VUE with CVT, AF33 or 5AT (MJ7/MJ8) Transmission Only; Except 2008 Saturn Astra |
| Attention: | DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is the only approved fluid for warranty repairs for General Motors transmissions/transaxles requiring DEXRON®-III and/or prior DEXRON® transmission fluids. |
| Supercedes: | This bulletin is being revised to update information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-07-30-037D (Section 07 - Transmission/Transaxle). |
MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS / TRANSFER CASES and POWER STEERING
The content of this bulletin does not apply to manual transmissions or transfer cases. Any vehicle that previously required DEXRON®-III for a manual transmission or transfer case should now use P/N88861800. This fluid is labeled Manual Transmission and Transfer Case Fluid. Some manual transmissions and transfer cases require a different fluid. Appropriate references should be checked when servicing any of these components.
Power Steering Systems should now use P/N9985010 labeled Power Steering Fluid.
Consult the Parts Catalog, Owner's Manual, or Service Information (SI) for fluid recommendations.
Some of our customers and/or General Motors dealerships/Saturn Retailers may have some concerns with DEXRON®-VI and DEXRON®-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) and transmission warranty claims. DEXRON®-VI is the only approved fluid for warranty repairs for General Motors transmissions/transaxles requiring DEXRON®-III and/or prior DEXRON® transmission fluids (except as noted above). Please remember that the clean oil reservoirs of the J-45096 - Flushing and Flow Tester machine should be purged of DEXRON®-III and filled with DEXRON®-VI for testing, flushing or filling General Motors transmissions/transaxles (except as noted above).
DEXRON®-VI can be used in any proportion in past model vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission/transaxle in place of DEXRON®-III (i.e. topping off the fluid in the event of a repair or fluid change). DEXRON®-VI is also compatible with any former version of DEXRON® for use in automatic transmissions/transaxles.
DEXRON®-VI ATF
General Motors Powertrain has upgraded to DEXRON®-VI ATF with the start of 2006 vehicle production.
Current and prior automatic transmission models that had used DEXRON®-III must now only use DEXRON®-VI.
All 2006 and future model transmissions that use DEXRON®-VI are to be serviced ONLY with DEXRON®-VI fluid.
DEXRON®-VI is an improvement over DEXRON®-III in the following areas:
| DEXRON®-VI | |
|---|---|
| Fluid Service Change Interval | 160,000 km (100,000 mi) For Cars and Light Duty Trucks* 80,000 km (50,000 mi) (Severe Use) For Cars and Light Duty Trucks* |
| Clutch Friction Stability | Improved 100% |
| Clutch Durability Due To Fluid | Improved 120% |
| Oil Film Thickness | Increased 20% |
| Fluid Oxidation | Improved 100% |
| Foam/Aeration | Improved 150% |
| Shear Stability | Improved 200% |
* These ATF change intervals remain the same as DEXRON®-III for the time being.
2006-2008 TRANSMISSION FILL AND COOLER FLUSHING
Some new applications of the 6L80 six speed transmission will require the use of the J 45096 - Flushing and Flow Tester to accomplish transmission fluid fill. The clean oil reservoir of the machine should be purged of DEXRON®-III and filled with DEXRON®-VI.
PARTS INFORMATION
| Part Number | Description |
|---|---|
| 88861003 (US) | DEXRON®-VI Auto Trans Fluid (1 qt bottle) |
| 88861045 (US) | DEXRON®-VI Auto Trans Fluid (1 gal bottle) |
| 88861046 (US) | DEXRON®-VI Auto Trans Fluid (55 gal drum) |
| 19264717 (Canada) | DEXRON®-VI Auto Trans Fluid (1L bottle) |
| 19264718 (Canada) | DEXRON®-VI Auto Trans Fluid (4L bottle) |
| 19264719 (Canada) | DEXRON®-VI Auto Trans Fluid (205L drum) |
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.