Automatic Transmission Fluids

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 Automatic Transmission Fluids
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is a kind of transmission
fluid used in vehicles with self-shifting or automatic
transmissions. It is typically colored red or green to distinguish it
from motor oil and other fluids in the vehicle.
The fluid is optimized[1] for the special requirements of a
transmission, such as valve operation, brake band friction, and
the torque converter, as well as gear lubrication.
ATF is also used as a hydraulic fluid in some power-assisted
steering systems, as a lubricant in some 4WD transfer cases,
and in some modern manual transmissions.

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 Mechanics
Automatic Transmission Technology

or torque converter

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 Modern Use
Modern ATF consists of a base oil plus an additive package
containing a wide variety of chemical compounds intended to
provide the required properties of a particular ATF specification.
Most ATFs contain some combination of additives that improve
lubricating qualities,[2][3][4] such as anti-wear additives, rust and
corrosion inhibitors, detergents, dispersants and surfactants
(which protect and clean metal surfaces); kinematic viscosity
and viscosity index improvers and modifiers, seal swell additives
and agents (which extend the rotational speed range and
temperature range of the additives' application); anti-foam
additives and anti-oxidation compounds to inhibit oxidation and
"boil-off"[5] (which extends the life of the additives' application);
cold-flow improvers, high-temperature thickeners, gasket
conditioners, pour point depressant and petroleum dye.
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 Modern Use
. All ATFs contain friction modifiers, except for those ATFs
specified for some Ford transmissions and the John Deere J-
21A specification;[6] the Ford ESP (or ESW) - M2C-33 F
specification Type F ATF (Ford-O-Matic) and Ford ESP (or ESW)
- M2C-33 G specification Type G ATF (1980s Ford Europe and
Japan)[3] specifically excludes the addition of friction
modifiers.[3] According to the same oil distributor, the M2C-33 G
specification requires fluids which provide improved shear
resistance and oxidation protection, better low-temperature
fluidity, better EP (extreme pressure) properties and additional
seal tests over and above M2C-33 F quality fluids.
.

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 Modern Use
Note that the friction modifier only means that the fluid sticks to
the surface of the metal a little more strongly, and therefore only
helps to prevent early wear. It would be required for Ford,
BorgWarner to prove that their transmissions are somehow
harmed by friction modifiers. In many countries, Ford have said
that the modern Dex3 fluid is fine for the same transmissions
that they say require the older standard. [citation needed]
There are many specifications for ATF, such as the General
Motors (GM) DEXRON and the Ford MERCON series, and the
vehicle manufacturer will identify the ATF specification
appropriate for each vehicle. The vehicle's owner's manual will
typically list the ATF specification(s) that are recommended by
the manufacturer.

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 Modern Use
Automatic transmission fluids have many performance-
enhancing chemicals added to the fluid to meet the demands
of each transmission. Some ATF specifications are open to
competing brands, such as the
common DEXRON specification, where different
manufacturers use different chemicals to meet the same
performance specification.

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 Modern Use
These products are sold under license from the OEM
responsible for establishing the specification. Some vehicle
manufacturers will require "genuine" or Original Equipment
Manufacturer (OEM) ATF. Most ATF formulations are open
3rd party licensing, and certification by the automobile
manufacturer.
Each manufacturer has specific ATF requirements. Incorrect
transmission fluid may result in transmission malfunction or
severe damage, however this occurs where the viscosity is
extremely different.[citation needed]

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 Mechanics
Automatic Transmission Technology
Automatic Transmission Components and How they Work

Torque Converter

Hydraulic System

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 Function of ATF
ATF Performance

-ANTI-SHUDDER
-OXIDATIVE STABILITY
-COMPONENT COMPATIBILITY

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 Formulation of an ATF

Higher severity
No Group I base oils allowed!
Base Fluid Group II, II+ and III base oils
Predominately Group II+ & III

Shear stability
VM
Next generation performance
Performance Shudder resistant
Additive
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 Formulation of an ATF
Typical Automatic Transmission Fluid

Component % Volume Trend

Additive package
Friction modifiers Friction Durability/ Shudder Resistance
Oxidation inhibitors Sludge Resistance
Detergents/dispersants Oxidation Resistance/Friction
10-12 %
Corrosion inhibitors Shudder Resistance
Anti-wear Decreased Gear Wear
Seal swell agents Better Seal Compatibility
Anti-foam
Viscosity modifier 3–8% Very Shear Stable

Base oil 80 – 90% Group II & III base oils; Better Low Temp

Red dye 250 PPM Red Dye

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 Formulation of an ATF
Friction Modifier Systems

Type Low Static Friction High Static Friction

(Traditional) (LZ Generation III)

Properties: Low static μ Higher surface saturation

More thermally stable

Advantages: Controls green friction Friction durability

Excellent anti-shudder
Excellent torque capacity

Simplistic Structure:

Two-tail structure saturates surface; leads to higher static friction

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 Formulation of an ATF
Dialing in the Correct Friction Performance

High Static
High Static Durability
Friction

Medium Static
Anti-shudder Friction & Stability
Durability
HIGH µ

Low Static
Durability LOW µ Friction
Stability

Low Static & Torque Running in &

Converter Shudder Shift Quality
Mixtures of high μ and low μ are customized for a variety of friction materials.
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ATF Market Trends

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 Market Trends of ATF
Market Drivers

• Fuel economy
• Transmission requirements
becoming more demanding
– Increased driver comfort & reliability
• Reduced maintenance costs
– Fill for life fluids

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 Market Trends of ATF
CAFÉ Cost to OEM

• Heightened pressure to increase

light-duty CAFÉ (Corporate
Average Fuel Economy )
– CAFE is sales –weighted average fuel
economy rating
– 27.5 mpg for passenger car *
– 22.2 mpg for light duty trucks *

• Each 0.1 mpg over CAFE limit

carries $5.50 fine per vehicle
1.0 mpg…..$55 per vehicle *

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 Market Trends of ATF
Fuel Economy Contribution of AT

• Design a more efficient transmission

– Lighter
– More aggressive lock-up (ECCC)
– Utilize a lower viscosity fluid
• Operates at its most efficient gear ratios
– 6 & 7 Speed transmission
– CVT or IVT
– AMT
– DCT

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 Market Trends of ATF
Low Viscosity Fluids

• Typical ATF
– 7.0 – 7.5 cSt @ 100° C
• Low viscosity ATF
– 5.5 – 6.0 cSt @ 100° C
• Theoretical Gain = 0.1 mpg
• Small change for driver, but significant for
CAFE

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 Automatic Transmission Fluids
Two Main Product Types

Standard Viscosity (>6.8 cSt) Low Viscosity (5.5 – 6.5 cSt)

– Chrysler ATF+4 − MB NAG-2
– Ford Mercon V − Ford Mercon SP
– Toyota T-IV − Ford LV
– Honda Z-1 − GM Dexron-VI
– Nissan Matic-J − Toyota WS

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 Market Trends of ATF
Automatic Transmission Designs are Changing
Market Driver – Reduced Emissions and Improved Fuel Economy

1948 - Present Mid 1990’s 2002 2004

Conventional or Belt Drive 6-Speed Dual Clutch
Stepped Continuously Variable Conventional
Transmission Transmission
Transmission Automatic (DCT)
(AT)
(CVT) Transmission (AT)
• Conventional Stepped Automatics
− Lock-up AT
− More available speeds (6 & 7 Speed)
• Continuously Variable Transmissions
• Automated Manuals
− Dual Clutch

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 Market Trends of ATF
Transmission Designs Efficiencies
100

95
% Efficiency

90

85
Improving Fuel Economy
80

75

T
T
T

T
V

M
A

C
C

A
d

d
e

e
pe

pe

pe
S

S
4-

5-

6-

AI-May 2002
AEI-May 2002

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Driveline Hardware, Fluid and Market Driver
Overview
Overview of Driveline Components
Estimated Global Market Share (%) for Transmission Types
Transmission
2005 2010 2015 Geographic Region
Type
Europe, China,
MT 50 47 43
India
North America
AT 46 41 37
Japan and Korea

CVT <1 6 7 Asia Pacific

DCT <1 4 10 Europe

AMT 2 2 3 Europe

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 Formulation of an ATF
Unique Automatic Transmission Fluid
Component ATF CVT (versus ATF) DCT (versus ATF)
Friction modifiers Paper on Steel-on-steel (Paper on Paper on steel but very strong
steel steel) anti-shudder performance for
wet start clutch

EP/AW similar to MTF

Anti-wear EP/AW similar to MTF (synchronizers, more bearings
than ATF)
Oxidation inhibitors
Detergent/dispersants Similar to ATF
Corrosion inhibitors
Seal swell agents

Anti-foam
Need improved anti-foam
Viscosity modifier Very high shear stability More shear stable than ATF

Red dye Not included in CVTF Not usually included in DCTF

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ATF Specification Update
SF and OEM FF

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 Automatic Transmission Fluids
Specification Timeline

2004
Upgraded MERCON & MERCON-V
1992 Released MERCON-SP
Revised
Ford MERCON
2005
1987 1995 MERCON-C
Type A/B Type F/G MERCON MERCON-V
2007
MERCON LV
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

1990 1997 2005

1967 DEXRON-IIE
DEXRON DEXRON DEXRON-VI
-IIIG
1957
TASA 1973 1993
DEXRON-IID DEXRON-IIIF
2003
1995 DEXRON-IIIH
General Motors DEXRON-IV
(never formally released)

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General Motors ATF Specifications

Factory Fill (FF) since 2006 Service Fill (SF)

• DEXRON VI • DEXRON VI
• Low viscosity fluid (6.0 cSt)
• Improved low temp • Obsolete SF Specs
performance, shear, and – Dex II (sold in Europe and Latin
friction stability America)
– Dex IIIG (Dec 2006)
– Dex IIIH (Dec 2007)

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 Ford Motor ATF Specifications

Factory Fill (FF) since 2007 Service Fill (SF)

• MERCON LV • MERCON LV (FWD)
– Low viscosity fluid (6.0 cSt) • MERCON V
– Improved low temp − Each additive supplier
performance, shear and allowed single DI
friction stability − Lubrizol 9680 series
• MERCON SP
− RWD 5 and 6 speed

• Obsolete SF Specs
− MERCON (July 1, 2007)

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 Chrysler ATF Specifications

Factory Fill (FF) since Service Fill (SF)

2003 • MOPAR ATF+4
• ATF+4 − Lubrizol 3300A
− All major oil marketers

• Certification through
program testing

• Obsolete SF specs
− ATF+3 (2006)
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 Asia-Pacific OEM Highlights
Toyota Hyundai
ATF: T-IV (4/5 speed ATs, 7 cSt) ATF: SP-III (7 cSt)
WS (6 speed ATs, 5.5 cSt) CVTF: coming
CVTF: TC
Mistubishi
Honda ATF: SP-III (7 cSt)
ATF: Z-1 (7 cSt) CVTF: SP-III
CVTF: HMMF

Nissan
ATF: Matic J (7 cSt)
CVTF: NS-2
DCTF: new

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 European OEM Highlights
Volkswagen-Audi Group (VAG)
ATF: LT71141 (5-speed ZF, 7 cSt)
1375.4 (6-speed ZF, 6.5 cSt)
DCTF: Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG)

DaimlerBenz
ATF: NAG-2 V-sport (6.5 cSt)

BMW
ATF: 1375.4 (6-speed ZF, 6.5 cSt)
DCTF: Getrag transmission

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 SF ATFs
Old Ccurrent ZF/Voith
Dex IID Dex III Mercon JASO
Merc V Merc V /MAN
Zone 1
9636G  
9678   
9680   
9684   

Zone 2
7907   
9679   

Zone 4
1067   
9636G  
9678   

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 Market Trends of ATF
Summary of Global ATF Trends
• Improved fuel economy and reduced emissions are
driving transmissions trends toward higher efficiency
transmission options
– Asia Pacific region: CVT
– Europe: AMT/DCT
– North America: 6-Speed AT
• The most recent transmission requirements suggest that
specialized fluids will be required in the future
– Lower viscosity, higher shear stability, and improved
anti-wear performance
– Better low temperature properties
– Increased oxidation performance
– Extended anti-shudder durability
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 Market Trends of ATF
Summary of Global ATF Trends

• Transmission applications are changing with consumer

demand
• Expect the proliferation of ATFs to continue well into the
future as fluids are tailored to the specific transmission design
to enable maximum gains in system performance
• Many OEM’s moving toward “genuine fluid” approach
• Oil marketers looking for simplified product lines to meet a
range of AT applications. Lubrizol will provide our customers
with a range of products to meet their increasingly rigorous
requirements.

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THANK YOU

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