It has been several years since I spoke with Castrol tech support about their Import Multi-Vehicle ATF product. So I contacted them today for an update....

Castrol has re-named this product. It is now called Castrol Transmax Import Multi-Vehicle ATF. They no longer support it for applications requiring the selected ATF to meet the Shell M1375.4 specs. Anyone considering the Castrol ATF product for our 6-speed ZF transmissions may want to take that into consideration. I am NOT saying that it will not work, I am simply passing along the information from Castrol that they do not support it for Shell M1375.4 applications....

If I had to drain and fill the ATF in our two Jaguars tomorrow, my current choice would be Mercon SP ATF. But my research on this topic will continue right up until the time I change either one of them....

Your mileage may vary....

 

Jon did Castrol happen to mention if they changed the formula in their new unsupported "TransMax Import"?

Hmm funny enough, I spoke with Joel yesterday afternoon and we were discussing his ZF 6 speed box again. I had mentioned to him that our 6 speed box still is running smoothly on the previous version of Castrols Multi Import being added.

Thanks for the update.

 

Rick,

Castrol tech support seems more tight-lipped than they were a few years ago, but my conclusion is that nothing has changed in their ATF product except the name. I believe their current stance is due to legal ramifications and a cover-their-butt philosophy more than anything else. I also believe that Joyce's ZF will continue to run just fine with the Castrol product for many years to come. Just don't expect any help or guidance from Castrol if any problems happen to develop!

 

Mercon SP is whats in my car now. It probably has 4-5000 Mi on it so far. I just could not justfy the cost of the correct fluid when I wanted 20+ quarts to do a full flush.

I haven't noticed anything different in the trans. No shudder or funny lock up of the torque converter ect. I will report back later on down the road.

 

That's good to know. Hope you post back with your experience.

When I changed transmission fluid in my 2005 STR I was worried enough to buy the ZF fluid at about $17/L. I am sure after more miles pile up I would like to flush instead of just a drain next time. Save a bunch using the Mercon instead and much easier to find.
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When you guys say "flush", do you mean multiple drain 'n fills, or do you mean hooking a flushing machine up to the tranny, or like I did with the Matrix, hose from tranny to bucket, and keep adding fluid to the tranny until the fluid going into the bucket looks like new?

 

I would like to do the autobox fluid change like you did, but I'm unsure about getting the new fluid in fast enough so the 'box doesn't risk running dry.

Do you have any tips?

In the past on Land Rover Discovery autos, I've not done a 'flush' just an empty and refill, so there were no problems.

Dave

 

I did it on the starter after removing the fuel injection fuse. Crank a bit, fill a bit.

 

I used the control multi vehicle atf in my x type from 80 to 140+ with no issues. I know this a different trans but I'd think it'd be fine .

 

My was a full on flush with a 5 gallon bucket hooked up to the hose with fluid going out of the trans and a funnel with new fluid attached to the hood to stay up high and hooked up to the line going to the trans. I had a helper and would just start it and let it run a little to push the old fluid out and suck new fluid in.

The old fluid looked in pretty bad shape, it was not yet black but very dark brown.

The guy at the Ford dealer was really cool when I told him what I was doing and how much fluid I needed. I just paid retail and it was still only $4-5 a quart. Supposedly the Mercon SP is a synthetic fluid as well.

The only thing I wish is that I could get gallon jugs or even a 5 gallon pail instead of 20 individual quarts.

 

Because I have no helpers or a garage for that matter, (yeah, I have to work in the street, which is on a hillside) I did not want to risk trying the homebrew flush method with the Jaaag. Those higher-pressure fittings at the transmission cooler made me concerned that the flowrate would be pretty fast. Kudos to those who have accomplished this challenge.

Also, its a good idea to shift through the gears while you are doing the flush.

 

Not a problem. The hose barb fittings came from Home Depot and were barely finger tight.

Use your imagination ... go find the remotest part of some parking lot or parking garage

 

R-i-i-i-i-ght.

Do you want to put an open bucket of tranny fluid into your Jaaag?

 

Nope. It was transferred to the jugs that contained the new fluid, capped and saved for future use as rust preventative. I also had a few spare jugs around.

 

Used atf is also excellent for starting bonfires.

 

I like it in my bowl of Wheaties in the morning. Add a sliced banana and you've got one hell of a nutritious breakfast....