Transfer Case Fluid?

[Baddawg]

My 2013 SSV has the transfer case switch- 2wd-AWD-4hi-4lo.
Supposed to use Dexron6 ATF?
My mechanic is suggesting BG Syncroshift II, which looks like compatible with AutoTrak or VersaTrak fluids.
I am concerned about the AWD position on my transfer case. There are friction clutches that would be affected?

 

[Rocket Man]

Why not go with the recommended fluid? That’s what I’ve always done. Never a problem.

 

[swathdiver]

The Magnapower transfer cases were made to run Dexron VI, been working fine in mine for a decade now.

Wait a second, you have a TC switch that says AWD? Sure you don't mean AUTO?

 

[Baddawg]

Yes, my bad. It does say Auto, my memory was off.

 

[Baddawg]

So , I have done some more internet research.
Bob the Oil guy has a thread that says Dexron 6 in a transfer case is a bad idea and GM came out with an update

Precaution: DEXRON-VI in Manual Transmissions

When DEXRON-III is indicated as the fluid fill for manual transmissions and transfer cases, DO NOT use DEXRON-VI. Instead, use GM Manual Transmission Fluid p/n 88861800 in these components.
TIP: Refer to PIP3836B (Feb. 2007).

This is at https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1626771

 

[Baddawg]

... but, SilveradoSierra.com has a bad result story from SyncroShift.
https://www.silveradosierra.com/tra...-aftermarket-transfer-case-fluid-t716019.html

So , I have done some more internet research.
Bob the Oil guy has a thread that says Dexron 6 in a transfer case is a bad idea and GM came out with an update

Precaution: DEXRON-VI in Manual Transmissions

When DEXRON-III is indicated as the fluid fill for manual transmissions and transfer cases, DO NOT use DEXRON-VI. Instead, use GM Manual Transmission Fluid p/n 88861800 in these components.
TIP: Refer to PIP3836B (Feb. 2007).

This is at https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1626771

 

[Fless]

Doesn't your owner's manual have a recommended TC fluid?

 

[Rocket Man]

So , I have done some more internet research.
Bob the Oil guy has a thread that says Dexron 6 in a transfer case is a bad idea and GM came out with an update

Precaution: DEXRON-VI in Manual Transmissions

When DEXRON-III is indicated as the fluid fill for manual transmissions and transfer cases, DO NOT use DEXRON-VI. Instead, use GM Manual Transmission Fluid p/n 88861800 in these components.
TIP: Refer to PIP3836B (Feb. 2007).

This is at https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1626771

Wait...are you seriously considering 9 year old information and applying that to your situation? Yours is a 2013, and isn’t it designed to run on Dex VI?

 

[swathdiver]

Bob the Oil guy has a thread...

... but, SilveradoSierra.com has a bad result

The first one is a Nissan! Both threads show knuckleheads putting fluid in their trucks it was not designed for. You have an MP3023 transfer case. It was designed for plain old Dexron VI and that's what your owner's manual and shop manual will call for. Pick your favorite brand but make sure it is Dexron VI. I run ACDelco or whoever made it for them.

 

[wjburken]

Wait...are you seriously considering 9 year old information and applying that to your situation? Yours is a 2013, and isn’t it designed to run on Dex VI?

DEX-VI is what’s recommended for 2013 vehicles. It amazing the information that’s available in the owners manual.

 

[Baddawg]

The first one is a Nissan! Both threads show knuckleheads putting fluid in their trucks it was not designed for. You have an MP3023 transfer case. It was designed for plain old Dexron VI and that's what your owner's manual and shop manual will call for. Pick your favorite brand but make sure it is Dexron VI. I run ACDelco or whoever made it for them.

Yeah, that's it. I don't want to be another KNUCKLEHEAD but when somebody is telling me the factory uses thinnest possible viscosity to get fractionally better MPG, well it does sound believeable.
Factory says Dex6, mine has run 100K so far and still seems good so I guess fresh Dex6 might run awhile longer.

 

[Baddawg]

DEX-VI is what’s recommended for 2013 vehicles. It amazing the information that’s available in the owners manual.
View attachment 231071

Yes, manuals are a great source.
Mine came from the police auction without.
I have a 2012 owners manual + a 2014 police supplement.
Just trying to verify (or refute) advice on updates to original factory recommendations.

Thanks to all for understanding and tolerance of dumb questions.

 

[wjburken]

Yes, manuals are a great source.
Mine came from the police auction without.
I have a 2012 owners manual + a 2014 police supplement.
Just trying to verify (or refute) advice on updates to original factory recommendations.

Thanks to all for understanding and tolerance of dumb questions.

I very much appreciate the desire to try and get solid information. As the saying goes - “trust but verify”. That being said, the owners manual is usually a good source of solid information.

As for YouTube videos, I have learned that a lot of unqualified people have posted videos on topics that they have no business discussing. Too many seem to be a “hold my beer and watch this” situation.

If you don’t have a manual, I suggest you get one. They available online as PDF’s or order one from GM.

 

[swathdiver]

Yeah, that's it. I don't want to be another KNUCKLEHEAD but when somebody is telling me the factory uses thinnest possible viscosity to get fractionally better MPG, well it does sound believeable.
Factory says Dex6, mine has run 100K so far and still seems good so I guess fresh Dex6 might run awhile longer.

Yes, manuals are a great source.
Mine came from the police auction without.
I have a 2012 owners manual + a 2014 police supplement.
Just trying to verify (or refute) advice on updates to original factory recommendations.

Thanks to all for understanding and tolerance of dumb questions.

I get where you're coming from Robert. These trucks respond better to factory parts and specs than aftermarket in a great many instances. There's a fellow on another forum with a Silverado that has a lifetime average of over 30 mpg. It's a 2WD with a V6 so don't get your hopes up but he uses Red Line oils and putting that in his transmission increased his mileage by just over 1 MPG. It's Dexron VI compatible and approved if memory serves. He recently got another jump in mileage by switching his rear axle fluid over to another Red Line product.

 

[swathdiver]

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