Keaste01 Posted April 23, 2019 Share Posted April 23, 2019 Hello my Subaru is pretty sure fourth generation but its a 2004, 4 speed automatic, had a look in 2005 legacy manual it states: Recommended fluid Use one of the following types of automatic transmission fluid. Genuine Subaru Automatic Transmission Fluid IDEMITSU ATF HP (unavailable in my country) Castrol Transmax J (heard its not recommended anymore) Pennzoil ATF-J* (unavailable in my country) * Available only in the USA (except Alaska and Hawaii) NOTE: If your vehicle has a four-speed automatic transmission, you can use Dexron III Type Automatic Transmission Fluid in addition to the recommended fluid types listed above. in 2004 manual it just says: “Dexron III” Type Automatic Transmission Fluid So was looking and found castrol dexron iii available in my country and at my local repco (automotive parts outlet) Thinking about purchasing this for my transmission fluid change What do you guys think about this type of ATF 'castrol dexron iii' is it okay can i use any branded ATF that says 'Dexron iii' 'DEX 3' any opinions most welcome thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grovlet Posted April 23, 2019 Share Posted April 23, 2019 I used Amsoil Signature Transmission fluid for both my 98 and 05 LGTs - In the 98 it actually helped smooth out shifts .... I would also expect that a dedicated Transmission Fluid is a better option: Amsoil Signature Transmission Fluid Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
upjeeper Posted April 24, 2019 Share Posted April 24, 2019 i've read there are some shenanigans with oil types, some are rebranded. honestly i'd prefer to just use the OEM subaru atf-hp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
59ctd Posted April 25, 2019 Share Posted April 25, 2019 ...What do you guys think about this type of ATF 'castrol dexron iii' is it okay can i use any branded ATF that says 'Dexron iii' 'DEX 3' any opinions most welcome thanks. I would not use Dexron III trans fluid. Go to the Subaru dealer and have them give you the correct fluid. It should be ATF-HP. It should take a full case of fluid and maybe a bit more for a full three drain and refills to get a decent percentage of the fluid replaced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nevets27 Posted April 26, 2019 Share Posted April 26, 2019 Yeah just go with the OEM AFT-HP. It's not that expensive. I run amsoil for the rest but I feel it makes a bit more sense to just stick with OEM in these trans. Amsoil could be better but since it's designed for any car it could have a slightly different chemical make up. Then again the OEM fluid could likely be nothing special at all and subaru just buys generic and adds their label. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keaste01 Posted April 28, 2019 Author Share Posted April 28, 2019 Thanks for the help guys, yeah i think OEM is a good idea, its gonna be my first choice. Still a little confused on what the difference is between ATF HP and Dexron 3 whether they're the same or not, else why would they have dexron 3 as a recommended trans fluid. Could you help me with this question: although it says idemitsu ATF HP in the 2005 manual it only says dexron III in the 2004 manual, mines a 2004, is the OEM idemistu ATF HP still suitable for my 2004 legacy. apologize for the doubtfulness. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
59ctd Posted April 28, 2019 Share Posted April 28, 2019 Based on your original post I am going to guess you are in Australia. Research is telling me that 2005 was when they started specing the ATF-HP in the 4EAT. My owners manual (08 Legacy 4EAT) calls for ATF-HP and Dexron only in an emergency. *If* your 04 owners manual calls for Dex 3 then you should be alright using that fluid. The use life of Dex 3 will likely be shorter than the ATF-HP because the ATF-HP is synthetic if I recall correctly and I think the Dex 3 is not synthetic. http://www.scoobyenthusiast.com/subaru-faq/what-kind-automatic-transmission-fluid-atf-should-i-use-my-subaru/ https://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f88/4eat-atf-pre-2006-dextron-iii-subaru-atf-hp-79498/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechanic58 Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 I just did a service on the 4EAT in my '09 Legacy when I had the engine out. I drained the torque converter while I was at it. I went back with Dexron VI fluid. Got a thousand miles on it since I did it, works great so far. Edit: Walmart SuperTech brand Dexron VI that is. I think it was about $8/qt. With draining the torque converter and dropping the pan it took just a tad over 7qts to refill it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechanic58 Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 BTW, ATF-HP is essentially Dexron VI fluid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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