Some people here have used it. Haven't heard anything bad come of it.

However, I personally recommend using something that is an actual low viscosity ATF. I like Pentosin's product but other guys here use Amsoil's product.

You can check out Rock Auto which has the correct fluid's already selected for you (including MaxLife).

 

AMSOIL for me. Worth the price and compatible.

 

I've been avoiding Amsoil products because of their marketing tactics. I think they make good products but they're normally over priced in my opinion. The people that recommend them would probably bathe at night and drink it in the morning instead of that underperforming generic coffee if that was an option.


Here is a comparison between newest Asin ATF and Maxlife/Amsoil.

Maxlife is 5points higher viscosity with Amsoil being 3 points lower.

 

Just changed the trans fluid in my daughters 2011 1.4 with the Maxlife and no issues. My old 12 Cruze I changed it at 100K, 150K, and was going to again but traded it in at 190K. The old 12 had 90K on Maxlife doing a single dump and fill each time.

 

Right, but this is a diesel specific thread/issue which uses different fluid. No one is doubting if MaxLife is a decent product, just if it's fully compatible with our car.

 

Ah I see what's going on... they say it's compatible but doesn't meet the viscosity standards. So it's probably safe but a bit higher viscosity than specified.

 

I think I'll be using Amsoil OE which will be somewhat of a first for me. It seems their prices are fairly affordable right now. Maxlife or ASIN Atf-0ws would be my second choices currently.

 

I'm due for a transmission service soon and I'm really not sure what to do. I had been using Pentosin ATF 1 LV since I bought the car, but they don't make it anymore.

Looking at all of the alternatives, everything is quite a bit higher viscosity rating. Even Pentosin's replacement product, ATF 64, is a bit higher.

I really want to avoid the "multi vehicle" stuff because I don't see how something can truly cover that many specs but still be compatible. For example, that Valvoline covers both Dexron II and AW-1? How, they are completely different specs.

The AISIN ATF0WS seems to have the lowest viscosity rating (but still higher than Pentosin ATF 1 LV) and covers only a few specs close to what we need, so to me it seems like it would be a better option. The GM AW-1 part # is listed as an interchange # on RockAuto, in addition to being listed on the spec sheet above for the AISIN, so I believe they are compatible.

 

Little bit more proof that AISIN ATF0WS is compatible

Audi Volvo Automatic Transmission Fluid - Aisin 31256774

Audi Volvo Automatic Transmission Fluid - Aisin 31256774

www.fcpeuro.com

"The only oil approved oil for Aisin Gen2 TF80SC and TG81SC transmissions is this WS (AW-1) transmission fluid."

 

This is what I would use. It seems the lowest risk option. And it’s not crazy expensive.

 

I've been using AMSOIL Signature Series, and now a bottle of Lubegard Platinum.

 

Using the SS in our Fusion with the same Aisin trans and it has been perfectly happy for 2 or 3 years now.

 

I also find that the AF40-6 loves to lock the torque converter at all times, until you go to give it some gas, and then it unlocks. Makes for some "fun" times in certain speeds of stop and go traffic - I'll usually just pop it over to manual mode at that point so it doesn't do that.

 

Yes, the transmission has always been very stiff even when the car was super low miles. I remember seeing a 2014 or 15 diesel for sale at the time when I bought mine in 2016. The service record showed the person took it to the dealer for hard shifting but no problem found. I'm assuming the poor woman just thought there was a problem, when no, these transmissions just shift and ride hard. Very sporty feeling. But if you are not used to how these cars drives I absolutely can see how someone would assume there is a problem.

 

And the exhilaration of feeling like you've been rear-ended when it forgets to shift out of neutral in a timely fashion off a light and neutral-slams itself.

 

Mine's not done that, yet. Sometimes there is a very slight delay but it has never slammed into drive.

 

I think when it comes time to do the lines again, I'm either going the $5-fix route, or I'm just going to buy an external trans cooler and bypass the radiator entirely so it's never an issue again (because the radiator-side fittings are a nightmare).

 

I've been keeping an eye on mine, but since I replaced the cooler lines a few years ago they haven't started leaking again.

Did you guys replace the cooler lines and they started leaking again? @revjpeterson @MP81

 

I replaced my lines the first time around 4yr/76k miles. They held pretty well until I noticed them leaking last fall around 10yr/240k. it took about 6mo/21k to lose the quart of fluid I found was missing this spring. It looks like it's just one crimp out of the 4 that's leaking.

 

It's just funny to me reading this about leaks. On another forum I just got into an argument with a bunch of people about how you have to set the correct level on transmission. They are convinced you can just put back in what drained out and not worry if it's the correct fluid level or not.

 

I've been keeping an eye on mine, but since I replaced the cooler lines a few years ago they haven't started leaking again.

Did you guys replace the cooler lines and they started leaking again? @revjpeterson @MP81

Mine haven't yet (that I've noticed), but they're known to spout leaks eventually (in all vehicles) just due to the design.

It's just funny to me reading this about leaks. On another forum I just got into an argument with a bunch of people about how you have to set the correct level on transmission. They are convinced you can just put back in what drained out and not worry if it's the correct fluid level or not.

I mean, sure you can do that...provided you know that A) you didn't spill any and B) you're not starting with an incorrect amount to begin with.

 

I see GM has discontinued the part. Anyone have options for cutting the compressed fastener and installing a new one with new hoses, possibly with hydraulic hose couplers?

Also looks like you can import them from Europe for around $100 part# 39066190

 

This was the cheap fix that probably will never have an issue again: https://www.cruzetalk.com/threads/h...reads/how-to-fix-a-leaking-tranny-cooler-lines-for-6-bucks.226785/#post-3109537

 

Yeah after I posted I saw a video on YouTube where a guy did something similar. Having the barbed ends on the pipe make me feel more comfortable about cutting off the crimped fitting and using a clamp if for some reason I can't get the EU part. But so far after 120k miles since I installed them my new lines are not leaking ...yet.

 

You sir, are very lucky.

It's quite hit or miss when (or if) they go bad, but here's the kicker: they're specifically not covered under the powertrain warranty. It's infuriating.