I have a 2005 S10 Blazer, auto tranny with push button 4x4
(3 button, 2hi 4hi and 4lo)

I was going to do a fluid change in my transfer case today and I read that I should use dexron 3 ATF. I just called the dealer and they said to use dexron 6 as it replaces all other dexrons. I cant get 3 anywhere here.

I have a jug of dex 6 sitting here that I bought a few weeks ago. I've heard forums saying not to use it in the TC but the dealer is telling me to do just that.

Any thoughts? I just want to change my damn fluid. Will it damage it?

Thanks

 

basically the dealer recommends using dextron 6 on everything, its just a updated version of dextron 3. all the online reference guides tell us to put 6 in everything, even if the vehicle is 20 years old so you should be fine putting dex 3 in it. thats what ive been putting in all my transfercases that require trans fluid for the past 12 years

 

Ok, so you mean I should be ok to use dexron 6 or try to get 3? not sure if typo or not.

I just called a different dealer and he said the same thing. All they have listed is Dexron VI and autotrak (for autos) When I tried telling him about the bulletin he said he only has what the computer tells him and that that the bulletin must mean for manual TC's wtf. I'm lost. Want to make the right choice. Don;t know why dealers are so "out of the loop"

EDIT: Because GM apparently considers 3 button 4x4 still a manual I will likely get the manual transmission and transfer case fluid which I heard is renamed dextron 3.

 

I've never run Dex6 in my T-cases, here is the TSB where GM recommends "manual transmission & Transfer case fluid". (P/N 88861800)

IMO just pick up a name brand dex/merc fluid at the parts store...

INFORMATION
Bulletin No.: 04-07-30-037E
Date: April 07, 2011
Subject: Release of DEXRON(R)-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Models:
2008 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks
2003-2008 HUMMER H2
2006-2008 HUMMER H3
2005-2007 Saturn Relay
2005 and Prior Saturn L-Series
2005-2007 Saturn ION
2005-2008 Saturn VUE with 4T45-E
2005-2008 Saab 9-7X Except 2008 and Prior Chevrolet Aveo, Equinox
Except 2006 and Prior Chevrolet Epica
Except 2007 and Prior Chevrolet Optra
Except 2008 and Prior Pontiac Torrent, Vibe, Wave
Except 2003-2005 Saturn ION with CVT or AF23 Only
Except 1991-2002 Saturn S-Series
Except 2008 and Prior Saturn VUE with CVT, AF33 or 5AT (MJ7/MJ8) Transmission Only
Except 2008 Saturn Astra Attention:
DEXRON(R)-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is the only approved fluid for warranty repairs for General Motors transmissions/transaxles requiring DEXRON(R)-III and/or prior DEXRON(R) transmission fluids. Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to update information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-07-30-037D (Section 07 - Transmission/Transaxle). MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS / TRANSFER CASES and POWER STEERING
The content of this bulletin does not apply to manual transmissions or transfer cases. Any vehicle that previously required DEXRON(R)-III for a manual transmission or transfer case should now use P/N 88861800. This fluid is labeled Manual Transmission and Transfer Case Fluid. Some manual transmissions and transfer cases require a different fluid. Appropriate references should be checked when servicing any of these components.
Power Steering Systems should now use P/N 9985010 labeled Power Steering Fluid.
Consult the Parts Catalog, Owner's Manual, or Service Information (SI) for fluid recommendations.
Some of our customers and/or General Motors dealerships/Saturn Retailers may have some concerns with DEXRON(R)-VI and DEXRON(R)-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) and transmission warranty claims. DEXRON(R)-VI is the only approved fluid for warranty repairs for General Motors transmissions/transaxles requiring DEXRON(R)-III and/or prior DEXRON(R) transmission fluids (except as noted above). Please remember that the clean oil reservoirs of the J-45096 - Flushing and Flow Tester machine should be purged of DEXRON(R)-III and filled with DEXRON(R)-VI for testing, flushing or filling General Motors transmissions/transaxles (except as noted above).
DEXRON(R)-VI can be used in any proportion in past model vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission/transaxle in place of DEXRON(R)-III (i.e. topping off the fluid in the event of a repair or fluid change). DEXRON(R)-VI is also compatible with any former version of DEXRON(R) for use in automatic transmissions/transaxles.
DEXRON(R)-VI ATF
General Motors Powertrain has upgraded to DEXRON(R)-VI ATF with the start of 2006 vehicle production.
Current and prior automatic transmission models that had used DEXRON(R)-III must now only use DEXRON(R)-VI.
All 2006 and future model transmissions that use DEXRON(R)-VI are to be serviced ONLY with DEXRON(R)-VI fluid.
DEXRON(R)-VI is an improvement over DEXRON(R)-III in the following areas:

 

Thanks man.

Any recommendations on a good brand of dex/merc? I am a mobil1 fan myself. I see they have a dex/merc atf.

 

I've run Mobil D/M, Castrol, and Valvoline all without an issue...

I've been on a Valvoline kick lately so that's whats in it now.