Im getting mixed answers on this as i browse google. Some say dexron III some say dexron vi. Real reason im asking is because i can get 12 quarts of Dex3 at sams club for $25.00. but if i jump up the the Dex4 it will be closer to $50.00. I know Dex3 is a bit thicker. Will that mean softer shifts? If so and it wont harm the tranny, i'd like to just use the Dex3.
Thanks
Ken

 

All GM vehicles (or late models anyway) are now recommended to use Dex VI, they put out a TSB. The main diff is Dex VI is synthetic and long life.

Thousands of people are running Dex IV with no harm, do what you want. 2006 and maybe 2007 came with Dex IV. I don't think I'd chance Dex III.

Somebody will correct me, I get roman numerals mixed up sometimes.

 

I'd stick to the recommendation of the manufacturer which is Dexron VI

 

GM always allows the newer tranny fluid to be retro fitted into previous versions,the dexron vi is superior to the 3.

 

Even the 2006 and 2007 came with Dex 6 in the Auto trans.

 

The 2007 owners manual says Dexron VI (6). If that's what it recommends, I would go with that. Not even sure how Dexron III (3) would be a consideration.

Me and my neighbor (who owns a transmission shop) were having a conversation about this recently. He said a good way to tear up a automatic trans is by running the wrong fluid. Seems that some have a more abrasive quality manufactured into them. We were specifically talking about the different Dexrons out there. Don't remember the exact facts but I remember him saying he's seen the transmission bands get worn out prematurely by folks using the incorrect fluid.

I would stick with the GM's recommendation.
If you're worried about a difference in cost of only $25, well that's a small price compared to a transmission rebuild.

 

Three years of private school Latin for me. No, I can't speak any of that dead language but I'm pretty darn good with them Latin numerals.

 

The difference in cost DexIII and Dex VI is going to be closer to $75.

Here is the TSB: TSB 04-07-30-037D dated 11/21/07. I think there is an update with an "E" on the end.
I guess they did jump from III to VI.

 

The 'E' suffixed TSB has to do with manual transmissions that previously used DexronIII like the 2006 HHR w/manual trans. Those manuals transmissions would use the GM Syncromesh Trans Fluid rather than DexronVI.

 

Dex VI came out in 2006 when we ran a lot of 4T45E.

It always tasted the same to me...LOL