What cars use ATF 4 transmission fluid?
ATF+4 is Mopar’s automatic transmission fluid specification and is commonly used in many Chrysler Group vehicles, including Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and Chrysler models built since the early 2000s. Not every vehicle uses ATF+4, so it’s important to verify the exact spec for your transmission in the owner’s manual or by checking with a dealer or trusted mechanic.
Overview of ATF+4 use in Chrysler Group vehicles
ATF+4 is designed for a wide range of Chrysler Group automatic transmissions and is typically recommended for many of the brand’s late-1990s through 2010s applications. Because transmission designs and service specifications can vary by year and model, always confirm the exact fluid requirement for your vehicle before a fill or drain. When in doubt, reference the owner’s manual or the official Mopar compatibility charts.
To determine if your car specifically requires ATF+4, you can follow these verification steps:
- Check the owner’s manual or maintenance schedule for the exact fluid specification (look for ATF+4, Dexron VI, or another specification).
- Inspect the transmission dipstick or fill cap—some labels indicate the required fluid type, including ATF+4.
- Look up your vehicle’s VIN on Mopar’s official compatibility charts or contact a dealership to confirm the recommended fluid for your transmission.
- Consult a qualified technician if you’re unsure, as using the wrong fluid can affect shifting performance and longevity.
Using the correct ATF+4 specification is important for proper shifting, heat management, and transmission life. If your vehicle is not explicitly listed as ATF+4-dependent in the manual or chart, do not assume compatibility and verify with a trusted source.
How to verify for your specific vehicle
Because exact requirements vary by model and year, the most reliable approach is to consult primary sources (owner’s manual or dealer guidance) and, if needed, reference Mopar’s official compatibility resources. This helps ensure you’re using the correct fluid and avoiding potential transmission issues.
Bottom line: ATF+4 is widely used in Chrysler Group automatics, especially in Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and related models produced since the early 2000s. Always confirm the precise specification for your particular year and transmission before purchasing or servicing.
Summary
ATF+4 is Mopar’s transmission fluid specification and is commonly required by many Chrysler Group vehicles—such as certain Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, and Ram models—produced in the 2000s and beyond. Always verify the exact fluid type for your specific vehicle by checking the owner’s manual, the transmission label, or a dealer service chart. Using the correct ATF+4 fluid helps ensure smooth shifting and long transmission life.
What vehicles take ATF 4 transmission fluid?
Valvoline ATF +4 is suitable for most Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and other Stellantis (formerly FCA) vehicles with automatic transmissions that require ATF +4 fluid. It's fully back-serviceable for use wherever ATF +, ATF +2 or ATF +3 is specified.
Is ATF-4 the same as type F?
ATF+4 is a modern fluid for Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles, while Type F is an older fluid designed for specific older Ford and import vehicles. The main difference is their chemical makeup and intended applications; ATF+4 contains advanced friction modifiers for smooth shifts in modern transmissions, whereas Type F is made without these modifiers to create quicker clutch engagement for older transmissions. Using the incorrect fluid can damage your transmission.
| Feature | ATF+4 | Type F |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Application | Modern Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles | Older Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles from 1980 and earlier; some older imports |
| Friction Modifiers | Contains friction modifiers for smooth shifts | Minimal to no friction modifiers, designed for quick clutch engagement |
| Vehicle Age | For newer vehicles with modern transmission technology | For classic or antique vehicles |
| Compatibility | Not compatible with vehicles requiring Dexron, Mercon, or Type F | Not for use in most modern transmissions |
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This video explains the different types of automatic transmission fluids: 57sProject FarmYouTube · Jun 4, 2023
ATF+4
- Purpose: Developed by Chrysler, this fluid is a modern, fully synthetic fluid designed to meet the specific needs of their transmissions.
- Key characteristic: Includes friction modifiers for smoother gear engagements in modern vehicles.
- Compatibility: It is not interchangeable with Dexron, Mercon, or Type F fluids.
Type F
- Purpose: It was originally designed for older Ford vehicles with bronze clutches.
- Key characteristic: Lacks modern friction modifiers to provide faster, firmer clutch engagement.
- Compatibility: Primarily for older Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles from 1980 and earlier, and some older imports that require it. It is not suitable for modern transmissions.
What is compatible with ATF4?
ATF+4 is compatible with many Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles that specify an automatic transmission fluid. It is backward compatible with older fluids like ATF+, ATF+2, and ATF+3, and can also be used in certain manual transmissions and power steering systems where an MS-9602 fluid is specified. However, it is not compatible with or a replacement for fluids that specify Ford Mercon or GM Dexron.
Compatible applications
- Automatic transmissions: Most Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles that require the ATF+4 specification.
- Older transmissions: Applications that previously specified ATF+, ATF+2, or ATF+3.
- Manual transmissions: Some manual transmissions that require an MS-9602 fluid.
- Power steering systems: Certain power steering systems, especially from 1999 and later, that require an MS-9602 type fluid.
- Other vehicles: Some Mitsubishi and Hyundai applications that specify an MS-9602 type fluid.
What to avoid
- Ford Mercon: Do not use ATF+4 in place of fluids that specify Ford Mercon.
- GM Dexron: Do not use ATF+4 in place of fluids that specify GM Dexron.
Important considerations
- Always check your owner's manual: Before using any fluid, it is essential to consult your vehicle's owner's manual to confirm the correct specification and any specific warnings.
- Use licensed fluid: For vehicles that specify ATF+4, using a fluid that meets the "licensed" ATF+4 standard is recommended to ensure proper performance and prevent potential damage or warranty issues, especially for Stellantis (formerly FCA) vehicles.
What is ATF +4 used for?
ATF+4 is an automatic transmission fluid primarily used in Chrysler, Jeep, RAM, and Dodge vehicles that require the MS-9602 specification. It is a full-synthetic fluid that is backward compatible with older specifications like ATF+3, ATF+2, and ATF+. It is also suitable for use in certain power steering units and transfer cases for those manufacturers.
Primary uses
- Automatic transmissions: It is the officially licensed and recommended fluid for most modern Chrysler, Jeep, RAM, and Dodge automatic transmissions.
- Power steering and transfer cases: It can be used in the power steering and transfer cases of Chrysler vehicles that require it.
- Backward compatibility: It is designed to replace and is recommended for all transmissions previously filled with ATF+3.
Why it is used
- Performance: It provides proper frictional properties and wear protection for Chrysler-designed transmissions.
- Durability: It offers excellent thermal stability and resistance to breakdown, which helps extend the life of the transmission.
- Warranty: Using the officially licensed fluid helps maintain the manufacturer's warranty.
- Licensing: Only fluids that are part of the official Chrysler licensing program and have "ATF+4" as part of their name with a valid license number are guaranteed to meet the specification.
