correct transmission fluid?

Question

I know that adding the incorrect auto transmission fluid can damage a transmission.
1999 Mitsubishi Magna TH (V6, 3.5l)
Mitsubsihi handbook says to use Mitubishi Diamond ELC-4 SPII Fluid. Castrol make a TQM ST which they say is suited to ALL mitsubishi magnas, If i use this fluid will it damage my transmission? Mitsubishi say it will (but i thought that could be to sell me the expensive mitsubishi brand), and castrol say it won't (maybe as they want my business). Does anyone know if this will damage my transmission. Castrol say the TQM-ST is suited to all Mitsubishi, Hyandai and Proton requirin the SPII or SPIII fluid?

Answer 1

I've been a tech for a long time and I've never seen more problems with vehicles using supposedly equivalent ATF than with Mitsubishi. I don't care what the bottle says, use only Mitsu SP4 in your vehicle or you will have issues. There are special friction modifiers that adhere to the torque converter clutch (and all the clutches for that matter) and without them you will have noticeably reduced smoothness. It won't "blow up" your transmission, it just won't shift or run like it should. Spend the extra bucks and get the mitsu fluid.

Answer 2

Mitsubishi Magna 1999

Answer 3

I've had the pleasure of rebuilding several Mitsubishi automatic transmissions which have had other fluids installed. Use the recommended Mitsu fluid ONLY.





For the record, 95% of Mitsubishi problems are CAUSED by owners who do not follow the recommended maintenance procedures.

Answer 4

Castrol is a multi billion dollar company. Their business is oil, and if they made the wrong oil for a particular car, they would go bankrupt.



As a spare parts salesman, I can assure you that if that is the oil that Castrol recommends, It is tested thoroughly, and made to the exacting specifications as Crappobishi make their oil.



Its probably around half the price too.

Answer 5

1999 Mitsubishi Magna

Answer 6

Stick with what the manual calls for. SPIII should run you around $6 a quart.

Answer 7

Well it's like all name brand product's they want you to beleive that you have to use there brand,but if you find a good substitut ( offbrand )it will work just fine for you.