FOUND: locally available AW-1 ATF from someone other than the Dealer

jmcdoogie · Mar 16, 2011

As you with the 6-Speed Automatics made by Aisin-Warner they require an ATF "AW-1" that is basically only available from the Dealer.
None of the usual USA mfrs are on record as providing an "equivalent"
(not Penzzoil, Castrol, Havoline, Valvoline, Quaker State, Royal Purple, Red Line, or Mobil 1, nor Amsoil)

Nevertheless, I have discovered after much searching five (5) "AW-1" ATFs that are available in the USA - and not from your local Dealer, so they're much cheaper. I've linked to their websites so you can download the spec sheets to check it out personally.
Sorry, but all of the pdfs were too big to upload!

So, in no particular order ...

#1
This one is available from the local O'Reilly store for $7/qt
Lucas Semi Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF
http://www.lucasoil.com

#2
This one is available all over the place, I even saw it in the local Walmart. But I don't know if it's in every Walmart.
Wolf's Head Universal Synthetic ATF
http://www.wolfshead.com

#3
Wolf's Head is owned by another company names Amalie Oil in Tampa Fl.
Theirs is called Amalie Universal Synthetic ATF coincidentally
http://www.amalie.com

#4
Another company called Total Lubricants USA out of Plano Texas
they make a product called Fluidmatic Syn NA Multi Vehicle ATF
http://www.total-us.com
but the link to their spec sheet is messed up
just google the name of the product and the pdf should come up

#5
Then there's Full Throttle Performance Products
with a name like that how could you go wrong?
Their product is CVT Plus ATF, and it's billed as:
"Possibly the Most Universal Transmission Fluid on the Planet"
So apparently they're trying to keep the hyperbole to a minimum :roll:
http://www.ft-automotive.com
although they do make a good point about ATF on their website
...many years back there was only two ATFs on the market - now there's nine.

No wonder the ATF manufacturers can't keep up. But, I think the real reason is for the lack of certifications from the big name guys is - the bigger the ATF manufacturer - the bigger the Legal Department. So it takes longer and requires way more 3-drink Lunches for certification. The little guys are "what the hell, this meets the spec, let's sell it!"

Anyway, I hope this helps those of you like me who have been struggling to find some AW-1 equivalent ATF for your beloved Aisin-Warner AF40-6.

Cosmicflash · Mar 16, 2011

Interesting.

I couldn't find the Lucas spec sheet that showed applications.

And you wonder like the Wolf product, that I've never even heard of, seems to have applications for every spec under the sun. I really question something like that but maybe it's fine.
And I'm not sure if a full synthetic is ok for our trannys.

And since the oem is only $11 or so a quart I'll continue to go that route.

jmcdoogie · Mar 16, 2011

I have the spec sheets from all the mfrs, but I couldn't upload them because of the file attachment size limit. I'll try converting the pdfs to jpegs and see if it's still legible. The point is they say they meet the AW-1 spec.

The Wolf's head brand is actually made from the same Pennsylvania crude that Quaker State and Penzzoil were originally made from. And, I believe it's priced more like $5 - $6 a quart.

I'm not sure where Lucas Oil is made from - North Sea crude? I believe they're a British company with a distribution office here on Yankee soil.

What I believe I learned is that the Aisin Warner AF40-6 utilizes "slip-lock technology" in it's design for changing gears. This somehow cuts down on the space and weight requirements of the Tranny. (The factory is actually in North Carolina apparently! ;ol; Although it appears the Engineering is done in Japan) Anyway, there's a Whitepaper they put out there that explains "slip-lock technology" - probably to educate prospective Car Parts buyers like GM purchasing/design people. Unfortunately the only version I could find was mostly in Japanese.

Or maybe it was in Romulan or Elvish - doesn't matter I can't read any of them.

Bottom line is apparently most "true" (pure) sythetics are just too slippery for efficient "slip lock" functionality, which I think others here have already said many times. I think I read somewhere the Oil/Fluid mfrs are allowed to put "Full Synthetic" on their bottles, even if only the addtitives are synthetic, while the base stock is good 'ol crude mineral oil.

Beyond this, if I were to try to learn any more, my head will explode.

elkinm · Mar 17, 2011

Is there a fluid or a way to get the transmission to handle better when cold?

When warm I have issues with rough shifts, mostly the main re-engagement after slowing down.

However, when it is cold it is horrible. Very slow and very rough shifts and a tendency to rev high with little performance. I don't focus of cold performance, but that is were most problems are.
I would think the primary reason for synthetics is that they should perform much better through a wider temperature range, especially in the cold?

Cosmicflash · Mar 18, 2011

inm said:
Is there a fluid or a way to get the transmission to handle better when cold?

When warm I have issues with rough shifts, mostly the main re-engagement after slowing down.

However, when it is cold it is horrible. Very slow and very rough shifts and a tendency to rev high with little performance. I don't focus of cold performance, but that is were most problems are.
I would think the primary reason for synthetics is that they should perform much better through a wider temperature range, especially in the cold?

That's normal. Most trannys hold the rpms higher when cold to achieve the operating temperature more quickly.

When things are cold they just often don't perform the way they do when warm--law of physics perhaps.

jmcdoogie · Mar 17, 2011

I wish I knew the answer to your Transmission performance question - sorry!

you should post your question in a new thread, so that someone who might know the answer will see it

saleenmav · Jan 27, 2014

For what it's worth, I have spoken to techs at Lucas and they did some checking and found that they DO NOT have any fluids for the AW spec. I know their bottle says all GM except...and doesn't list AW, but their fluid in fact will not work for the Saab 6-speed tranny.

Cosmicflash · Jan 28, 2014

No surprise here.

Just order the oem from these guys and be done with it.

http://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/29402/ATF-AW-1-1L-93165147/

jmcdoogie · Jan 28, 2014

jmcdoogie said:
None of the usual USA mfrs are on record as providing an "equivalent"
(not Penzzoil, Castrol, Havoline, Valvoline, Quaker State, Royal Purple, Red Line, or Mobil 1, nor Amsoil)

But, I think the real reason is for the lack of certifications from the big name guys is - the bigger the ATF manufacturer - the bigger the Legal Department. So it takes longer and requires way more 3-drink Lunches for certification.

Anyway, I hope this helps those of you like me who have been struggling to find some AW-1 equivalent ATF for your beloved Aisin-Warner AF40-6.

Hey, I wrote that almost 3 years ago now, and the situation has improved somewhat. I apologize for not updating the info in this thread.

I don't know if 3-drink lunches were involved or not, but Red Line certifies their D6 ATF for use in our 6-speed A/T. Here's a link to the specs: http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=115&pcid=9. I've been using it for a couple years so far without issue. I should also point out that using Red Line ATF is not necessarily much of a $ savings over the OEM. Locally I pay over $10 a quart for it. I use Red Line specifically because I believe they have the highest quality product out there.

However, what I think is more amazing than their D6 recommendation is that Red Line recommends their 75W90 GL-5 Gear Oil for use in the Rear Differential of our AWD systems! Here's the specs on that: http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?product=57904. That definitely is a big $ savings over the OEM.

Unfortunately, Red Line doesn't have a recommended equivalent for the OEM Transfer Case fluid.

BTW, I found that my Transfer Case and Rear Differential Fluids are in need of changing out after only 25,000 miles - fluid in both is dirty/burnt (not horrible, but turning foul). It's definitely worth the money to keep that Rear Diff fluid running clean. The Rear Diff has a built-in Filter, but replacing the Filter appears to be an expensive, time-consuming task. So, I figure it's easier to regularly change out some of the Fluid, to keep the crud build-up to a minimum. I don't need any unplanned multi-$1000's Rear Diff replacement bills!

Unlike the Transmission that "locks up" to do it's job, the Haldex Transfer Case and the Haldex Rear Differential are always "slipping" while operating - thus the built-in Clutch Packs are at risk of deterioration if the Fluid gets burnt and/or full of crud.

Changing out the Transfer Case Fluid and filling to the correct level is easy.

But, with the Haldex Rear Differential I use a hand pump with a long hose to get (some) Fluid out. Then I put back in only the amount I took out (plus 1 - 2 ounces just to be on the safe side) because it's not possible for the DIYer to check that it's Fluid level is where it should be. If someone has developed an easy, foolproof method for us home DIYers (who don't have the expensive special tools) it would be much appreciated if they posted their method with some pics!

Cosmicflash · Jan 28, 2014

Hmmm....been using Redline for tranny fluid. Quite risky imho but if it's working what the hey.

More Haldex fluid options would be nice. Have you looked the GM, Volvo, and other oem fluids by chance?

FOUND: locally available AW-1 ATF from someone other than the Dealer

Our Vendors

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities