Transmission Fluid Spec Chart
The factory ATF spec and approximate fill capacity for the transmissions that roll onto the lift most often. Use the right fluid the first time. One wrong ATF can cost you a shudder complaint, a comeback, or a rebuild.
| Transmission | Factory Fluid Spec | Approx. Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GM 4L60E | DEXRON-VI | ~5 qt drain & fill; ~9-11 qt dry | DEXRON-VI is backward compatible with earlier DEXRON III applications. |
| GM 4L80E | DEXRON-VI | ~7 qt drain & fill; ~13-14 qt dry | Larger case than the 4L60E; verify level hot on a flat surface. |
| GM 6L80 / 6L90 | DEXRON-VI | ~6-7 qt drain & fill; ~10-12 qt dry | No dipstick on most; fill and check level at the fill plug at correct temp. |
| Dodge/Ram 68RFE | Mopar ATF+4 | ~7-8 qt drain & fill; ~17-18 qt dry | ATF+4 only. Do not substitute DEXRON or Mercon. Common behind the Cummins. |
| Ford/GM 10R80 (10-speed) | Mercon ULV | ~6-7 qt drain & fill; ~11-12 qt dry | Ultra Low Viscosity. Using the wrong grade causes shift and shudder issues. |
| GM 700R4 (4L60) | DEXRON-VI | ~5 qt drain & fill; ~10-11 qt dry | Originally DEXRON II/III; DEXRON-VI is the current service fluid. |
| GM TH350 | DEXRON-VI | ~3-4 qt drain & fill; ~9-10 qt dry | Classic 3-speed; DEXRON-VI supersedes the original DEXRON spec. |
| GM TH400 | DEXRON-VI | ~4 qt drain & fill; ~11-12 qt dry | Heavy-duty 3-speed; verify with a converter drain for a full fill. |
| Nissan CVT (JATCO) | Nissan NS-2 / NS-3 CVT Fluid | ~5-9 qt varies by model | CVT-specific fluid only. NS-3 on newer units. Never use standard ATF. |
| Allison 1000 | DEXRON-VI (or TES 668/295) | ~7-10 qt drain & fill; ~14-24 qt dry (pan dependent) | Deep vs shallow pan changes capacity significantly. Confirm your pan. |
Capacities are approximate and vary by year, pan depth, cooler line volume, and whether the torque converter was drained. Always confirm the exact spec against the OEM service information and fill to the correct hot level before returning a vehicle.
Why the right fluid matters
Modern transmissions are engineered around a specific fluid friction profile. ATF+4, DEXRON-VI, Mercon ULV, and CVT fluids are not interchangeable. Substituting the wrong fluid can cause torque converter clutch shudder, harsh or slipping shifts, and accelerated clutch wear. On CVTs the wrong fluid can destroy the belt and pulleys in short order. When in doubt, match the OEM spec exactly.
Need the tools to do the fluid service right? Browse our shop for fill pumps, jacks, and rebuild tools. For OEM rebuild parts and fluids, our partner store gearboxinsider.com ships same-day.