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Castrol Transmax DEXRON-VI MERCON LV Multivehicle ATF
Full Synthetic Technology Automatic Transmission Fluid Approved for GM DEXRON-VI and Ford MERCON LV
Castrol Transmax ATF DEXRON-VI MERCON LV Multivehicle is a low-viscosity automatic transmission fluid designed for modern passenger-car automatic transmissions.
The formulation is officially approved and licensed by General Motors for DEXRON-VI and by Ford for MERCON LV. It also provides broad multivehicle coverage for many Asian and European automatic transmissions where compatible specifications are required.
Castrol formulates Transmax DEXRON-VI MERCON LV with Smooth Drive Technology to provide durable friction performance, smooth shifting, oxidation resistance and protection under high operating temperatures.
Key Benefits
- GM approved and licensed for DEXRON-VI
- Ford approved and licensed for MERCON LV
- Full Synthetic Technology formulation
- Low-viscosity automatic transmission fluid
- Designed for modern automatic transmissions
- Enhanced friction durability for smooth shifting
- High-temperature oxidation resistance
- Low-temperature fluidity
- Suitable for many Asian automatic transmissions
- Suitable for many European 6, 7, 8 and 9-speed automatic transmissions
- Exceeds JASO 1A performance requirements
- Suitable where JASO 1A LV is specified
- Suitable for applicable older DEXRON II, DEXRON III and DEXRON IIIH applications
GM DEXRON-VI Approval
Castrol Transmax DEXRON-VI MERCON LV is approved and licensed by General Motors for DEXRON-VI.
DEXRON-VI is a low-viscosity automatic transmission fluid specification developed for GM automatic transmissions.
Castrol also identifies this fluid as suitable for use where several earlier GM transmission-fluid requirements are called for, including:
- GM DEXRON II
- GM DEXRON III
- GM DEXRON IIIH
- GM 1940767
Always verify the transmission's required specification before service.
Ford MERCON LV Approval
The product is also approved and licensed by Ford for MERCON LV.
Castrol additionally lists suitability for several other Ford applications, including:
- MERCON SP
- Ford M2C924-A
- Ford M2C949-A
- MERCON ULV ATF applications identified in the Castrol product data
These additional references are listed as suitable-for-use applications and should not be described as equivalent formal approvals.
Multivehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid
One of the main advantages of Castrol Transmax DEXRON-VI MERCON LV is its broad application range.
Castrol's current U.S. information identifies the product as suitable for most Asian automatic transmissions and the majority of 6, 7, 8 and 9-speed European passenger-car automatic transmissions.
This can make it useful for:
- Repair facilities
- Fleet maintenance
- Multi-brand automotive shops
- Service departments
- Vehicle owners maintaining multiple vehicles
Broad coverage does not mean one ATF is appropriate for every transmission. The required specification should always be matched before filling or topping off a transmission.
Asian Automatic Transmission Applications
Castrol identifies Transmax DEXRON-VI MERCON LV as suitable for numerous Asian ATF requirements.
Toyota
- Toyota T-III
- Toyota T-IV
- Toyota WS
Honda and Acura
- Honda/Acura DW-1
- Honda/Acura Z-1
- Honda ATF Type 3.1 where listed
Nissan
- Nissan Matic D
- Nissan Matic J
- Nissan Matic S
Hyundai and Kia
- SP III
- SP IV
- SP IV M
- SP IV RR
Additional Asian applications include:
- Mazda ATF M-III, M-V and FZ
- Mitsubishi SP II, SP IIM, SP III, SP IV, PA and J3
- Subaru F6 and Red 1
- Suzuki AT Oil 5D06 and 2384K
Aisin and JWS Applications
Castrol lists suitability where several Aisin Warner and JWS specifications are required, including:
- Aisin Warner AW-1
- Aisin Warner AW-2
- JWS 3309
- JWS 3314
- JWS 3317
- JWS 3324
Use the transmission manufacturer's exact fluid requirement when determining compatibility.
European Automatic Transmission Applications
Castrol also provides broad European coverage.
The product is suitable for compatible transmissions used in manufacturers such as:
- Audi
- BMW
- Jaguar
- Land Rover
- Mercedes-Benz
- Mini
- Peugeot/Citroën
- Porsche
- Saab
- Volvo
- Volkswagen
Suitability depends on the specific transmission and required ATF specification.
Mercedes-Benz ATF Applications
The Castrol Product Data Sheet lists suitability for several Mercedes-Benz transmission-fluid requirements, including:
- MB 236.10
- MB 236.12
- MB 236.14
- MB 236.15
- MB 236.17
These are suitability recommendations rather than blanket Mercedes-Benz approvals.
BMW and ZF Applications
The product data also lists a range of BMW transmission-fluid references and ZF fluids, including:
- BMW ATF6
- BMW ATF7
- BMW ATF3+
- ETL 7045E
- LA 2634
- LT 71141
- ZF Lifeguardfluid 6
- ZF Lifeguardfluid 8
Because BMW and ZF transmissions can have highly specific fluid requirements, verify the exact transmission specification before use.
Smooth Drive Technology
Castrol Transmax DEXRON-VI MERCON LV is formulated with Smooth Drive Technology.
Castrol describes this technology as using active friction-control chemistry designed to adjust friction characteristics as transmission pressure and speed change, supporting:
- Smooth gear engagement
- Consistent shift quality
- Clutch performance
- Friction durability throughout the service interval
Low-Viscosity ATF
Modern automatic transmissions increasingly use lower-viscosity fluids to reduce internal drag and support transmission efficiency.
Current Castrol data lists typical viscosity of approximately:
- 30 mm²/s at 40°C
- 6.0 mm²/s at 100°C
The viscosity index is approximately 161.
Use a low-viscosity ATF only when the transmission requires a compatible specification.
Low-Temperature Performance
Current Castrol data lists:
- Brookfield viscosity at -40°C: approximately 10,000 cP
- Pour point: -54°C
These characteristics support low-temperature fluidity in automatic transmissions designed for compatible low-viscosity ATF specifications.
High-Temperature and Oxidation Protection
Automatic transmission fluid is exposed to heat generated by friction clutches, torque converters, gears, bearings and hydraulic operation.
Excessive oxidation can contribute to fluid thickening, varnish and deposits.
Castrol Transmax is formulated for high-temperature protection and oxidation resistance to help maintain transmission-fluid performance during service.
DEXRON-VI vs. DEXRON III
DEXRON-VI is a newer, lower-viscosity specification than the older DEXRON III family.
Castrol specifically lists this Transmax product as suitable where:
- DEXRON II
- DEXRON III
- DEXRON IIIH
Where DEXRON-VI is required, use a fluid specifically approved or licensed for DEXRON-VI.
DEXRON-VI vs. MERCON LV
DEXRON-VI and MERCON LV are separate OEM specifications developed by General Motors and Ford.
Castrol Transmax DEXRON-VI MERCON LV carries formal approval and licensing for both specifications, making it useful for shops and fleets servicing compatible GM and Ford vehicles.
Is This ATF for CVTs or Dual-Clutch Transmissions?
Castrol Transmax DEXRON-VI MERCON LV is designed primarily for conventional automatic transmissions.
It should not automatically be used in:
- Continuously variable transmissions
- Dual-clutch transmissions
- Manual transmissions
Use it only when the transmission manufacturer's required fluid specification is specifically covered by this product.
Approved vs. Suitable for Use
Formally approved and licensed:
- GM DEXRON-VI
- Ford MERCON LV
Castrol lists many additional Asian, European and earlier domestic ATF specifications as suitable for use. Those suitability claims should not be presented as individual OEM approvals unless Castrol specifically identifies them as such.
Current Core Approvals and Applications
Approved and licensed:
- GM DEXRON-VI
- Ford MERCON LV
Selected suitable-for-use applications include:
- GM DEXRON II / III / IIIH
- Ford MERCON SP
- Aisin Warner AW-1 / AW-2
- Toyota T-III / T-IV / WS
- Honda/Acura DW-1 / Z-1
- Nissan Matic D / J / S
- Mazda M-III / M-V / FZ
- Hyundai/Kia SP III / SP IV
- Mitsubishi SP II / III / IV
- JASO 1A
- JASO 1A LV
- JWS 3309 / 3314 / 3317 / 3324
- MB 236.10 / 236.12 / 236.14 / 236.15 / 236.17
- ZF Lifeguardfluid 6 / 8
Consult the current Castrol Product Data Sheet for the complete suitability list.
Typical Technical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Fluid Type | Automatic Transmission Fluid |
| Technology | Full Synthetic Technology |
| Color | Red |
| Density at 15°C | 0.841 g/ml |
| Kinematic Viscosity at 40°C | Approx. 30 mm²/s |
| Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C | Approx. 6.0 mm²/s |
| Viscosity Index | 161 |
| Brookfield Viscosity at -40°C | 10,000 cP |
| Pour Point | -54°C |
| Flash Point, COC | 218°C |
Typical properties are reference values and should not be treated as guaranteed batch specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Castrol Transmax DEXRON-VI MERCON LV?
Castrol Transmax DEXRON-VI MERCON LV Multivehicle is a Full Synthetic Technology automatic transmission fluid designed for modern automatic transmissions. It is formally approved for both GM DEXRON-VI and Ford MERCON LV.
Is Castrol Transmax DEXRON-VI MERCON LV full synthetic?
Castrol's current U.S. product information describes it as a Full Synthetic Technology formulation.
Is Castrol Transmax approved for DEXRON-VI?
Yes. It is approved and licensed by General Motors for DEXRON-VI.
Is Castrol Transmax approved for MERCON LV?
Yes. It is approved and licensed by Ford for MERCON LV.
Can I use Castrol Transmax DEXRON-VI in a transmission requiring DEXRON III?
Castrol lists the product as suitable where DEXRON III and DEXRON IIIH are required. Verify the individual vehicle's fluid requirement before service.
Can DEXRON III be used instead of DEXRON-VI?
A generic DEXRON III fluid should not automatically be substituted where DEXRON-VI is specified. Use a fluid specifically approved or licensed for the required DEXRON-VI specification.
Is Castrol Transmax DEXRON-VI compatible with Toyota WS?
Yes. Castrol lists Toyota WS among the suitable-for-use applications for this product.
Can Castrol Transmax be used instead of Toyota T-IV?
Castrol lists Toyota T-IV among its suitable-for-use applications.
Is it suitable for Honda DW-1?
Yes. Honda/Acura DW-1 is included in Castrol's suitability list.
Is Castrol Transmax compatible with Nissan Matic S?
Yes. Nissan Matic S, along with Matic D and Matic J, is listed among its suitable applications.
Can it be used for Hyundai or Kia SP IV?
Yes. Castrol lists Hyundai/Kia SP IV among the suitable-for-use applications.
Does Castrol Transmax meet JASO 1A?
Castrol states that the fluid exceeds the requirements of the JASO 1A performance standard and also lists suitability for JASO 1A LV applications.
Is Castrol Transmax DEXRON-VI MERCON LV a multi-vehicle ATF?
Yes. Castrol currently markets the product as Transmax ATF DEXRON-VI MERCON LV Multivehicle because of its broad coverage across domestic, Asian and European automatic transmissions.
Can it be used in BMW automatic transmissions?
Castrol lists numerous BMW transmission-fluid references and identifies suitability for many BMW automatic-transmission applications. Verify the exact BMW transmission and fluid specification before use.
Can it be used in Mercedes-Benz transmissions?
Castrol lists several Mercedes-Benz ATF specifications, including MB 236.10, 236.12, 236.14, 236.15 and 236.17. Verify the exact specification for the transmission.
Is it compatible with ZF Lifeguardfluid?
Castrol lists suitability for ZF Lifeguardfluid 6 and Lifeguardfluid 8 applications.
Can Castrol DEXRON-VI MERCON LV be used in a CVT?
Do not assume so. This product is primarily intended for conventional automatic transmissions. Use a CVT fluid when the transmission specifically requires CVT fluid unless the exact application is explicitly covered.
Can it be used in a dual-clutch transmission?
Not by default. Dual-clutch transmissions commonly require specialized DCT fluid. Use this ATF only if the exact transmission specification is listed as compatible.
What color is Castrol Transmax DEXRON-VI MERCON LV?
The fluid is red.
What is the viscosity of Castrol Transmax DEXRON-VI MERCON LV?
Current Castrol data lists approximately 30 mm²/s at 40°C and 6.0 mm²/s at 100°C, with a viscosity index of approximately 161.
What is the pour point?
The typical pour point is -54°C.
What is Smooth Drive Technology?
Smooth Drive Technology is Castrol's friction-control technology designed to maintain appropriate friction characteristics as operating pressure and speed change, supporting smooth transmission performance.
Can different ATF specifications be mixed?
Even when a fluid is compatible with multiple specifications, mixing fluids can change the final fluid's performance characteristics. Follow the transmission manufacturer's drain, fill and fluid-selection procedures.
How often should Castrol Transmax ATF be changed?
Follow the vehicle or transmission manufacturer's service interval. The fluid's broad specification coverage does not change the recommended maintenance schedule.
1 Review | Write a Review.
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5 Mervon LV
Posted by Nick p on Jul 31 2024
Very good product. Ford escape shifts very well after changed fluid