Power Steering Fluid type?

Phadeout · **Posted:** Fri Apr 27, 2007 4:23 pm

I'm changing my power steering fluid and I'm at a loss as to the fluid type.

Hayne's manual says ATF+4
Dealer says (without looking in a manual) regular power steering fluid.

I'm leaning towards the ATF+4 but does anyone have a chrysler shop manual they can look in?

Thanx.

AndySRT · **Posted:** Fri Apr 27, 2007 4:37 pm

use what it says in your manual otherwise get the dealership to say that they said to use this power steering fluid in writing. That way if something happens its not your word against theirs. But i always use what the manual says that way theres no problems with warentee or ect.

USPLibby · **Joined:** Thu Jul 28, 2005 12:29 am **Posts:** 377

I put in ATF 4+ last year, still works great.

rs4mtnitro · **Posted:** Fri Apr 27, 2007 8:46 pm

I was just looking at my owners manual Today and it says atf +4.

myjeepwalks · **Posted:** Fri Apr 27, 2007 9:11 pm

i just went out and looked at mine and it's black. Looks like i have another project to add to the list.

Pablo · **Joined:** Thu Feb 02, 2006 10:06 pm **Posts:** 1201

myjeepwalks wrote:

i just went out and looked at mine and it's black. Looks like i have another project to add to the list.

It is probably a good idea to change the power steering fluid every year, however, you can't judge atf4 on appearance. The color of new atf4 is caused by dye (purplish red) that will change colors when it ages (usually to darker purple/black). The dye is put there to keep techs from confusing ATF4 with other fluids and to help make sure they use the right one. The dye has nothing to do with the condition of or amount of life left in the ATF4 fluid.

Phadeout · **Posted:** Fri Apr 27, 2007 10:41 pm

Thanx folks! I will use the extra ATF+4 I bought then. Should be a lot better than cheap power steering fluid anyways.

In my truck I used Dexron III one time because I didn't have actual power steering fluid, and it was half low, worked great.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Fri Apr 27, 2007 11:21 pm

Pablo wrote:

myjeepwalks wrote:

i just went out and looked at mine and it's black. Looks like i have another project to add to the list.

It is probably a good idea to change the power steering fluid every year, however, you can't judge atf4 on appearance. The color of new atf4 is caused by dye (purplish red) that will change colors when it ages (usually to darker purple/black). The dye is put there to keep techs from confusing ATF4 with other fluids and to help make sure they use the right one. The dye has nothing to do with the condition of or amount of life left in the ATF4 fluid.

Ive heard/read that too.. Not to sure that I believe it. Ive never seen black oil come out of a tranny and I would be worried if I did.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Fri Apr 27, 2007 11:29 pm

Jeepjeepster wrote:

Pablo wrote:

myjeepwalks wrote:

i just went out and looked at mine and it's black. Looks like i have another project to add to the list.

It is probably a good idea to change the power steering fluid every year, however, you can't judge atf4 on appearance. The color of new atf4 is caused by dye (purplish red) that will change colors when it ages (usually to darker purple/black). The dye is put there to keep techs from confusing ATF4 with other fluids and to help make sure they use the right one. The dye has nothing to do with the condition of or amount of life left in the ATF4 fluid.

Ive heard/read that too.. Not to sure that I believe it. Ive never seen black oil come out of a tranny and I would be worried if I did.

Well since ATF+4 is synthetic and uses red dye to give it the ATF color the dye will "burn" before the fluild.To be on the safe side just change your fliulds in acordance to the maintance scedule and you'll be fine.

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Sat Apr 28, 2007 2:08 am

I use Amsoil ATF as my power steering fluid. Excellent high heat resistance and lubricates well.

rs4mtnitro · **Posted:** Sun Apr 29, 2007 4:35 pm

tjkj2002 wrote:

Jeepjeepster wrote:

Pablo wrote:

myjeepwalks wrote:

i just went out and looked at mine and it's black. Looks like i have another project to add to the list.

It is probably a good idea to change the power steering fluid every year, however, you can't judge atf4 on appearance. The color of new atf4 is caused by dye (purplish red) that will change colors when it ages (usually to darker purple/black). The dye is put there to keep techs from confusing ATF4 with other fluids and to help make sure they use the right one. The dye has nothing to do with the condition of or amount of life left in the ATF4 fluid.

Ive heard/read that too.. Not to sure that I believe it. Ive never seen black oil come out of a tranny and I would be worried if I did.

Well since ATF+4 is synthetic and uses red dye to give it the ATF color the dye will "burn" before the fluild.To be on the safe side just change your fliulds in acordance to the maintance scedule and you'll be fine.

atf+4 is not synthetic.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Sun Apr 29, 2007 4:45 pm

rs4mtnitro wrote:

atf+4 is not synthetic.

uhhh.. Got anything to back that up?

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Sun Apr 29, 2007 5:33 pm

Jeepjeepster wrote:

rs4mtnitro wrote:

atf+4 is not synthetic.

uhhh.. Got anything to back that up?

HMMMMMMMMM......................

Do you think Valvoline pay's a big fine for false advertizing?

denvergrows · **Posted:** Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:17 am

This is DenverGrows' wife... Hubby is out of town...

My PS whines when I make slight turns, checked the PS reservoir and it's LOW! I want to top off today, and hubby will flush when hes back in town. Do I top off with ATF+4?

Thanks all!

papaindigo · **Posted:** Mon Apr 01, 2013 11:54 am

ATF+4 transmission fluid only. I'm not sure how much is needed for a full fill which you don't need to do but I would suggest that when you pick it up that you top the system of while at the parts store; crank the vehicle up and (no need to move the vehicle) do 2@ full lock to lock left and right cycles of the steering wheel ending with the wheels centered forward; and recheck the fluid level if it's still low repeat. This will make sure that any air in the power steering lines has been bleed out an that the system is full.

I'd suspect you have a leak somewhere, could be as simple as a lose fitting, so I'd keep some fluid on hand and check the level from time to time if it's going to be a while until he gets back.

Billwill · **Posted:** Tue Apr 02, 2013 5:56 am

I saw somewhere that 2002 KJ uses a different power steering fluid to ATF+4 and you need to drain and flush first if you intend to go to ATF+4?

Cannot find that link at the moment.

kirksjeep · **Joined:** Tue Dec 11, 2012 9:55 pm **Posts:** 12

Billwill wrote:

I saw somewhere that 2002 KJ uses a different power steering fluid to ATF+4 and you need to drain and flush first if you intend to go to ATF+4?

Cannot find that link at the moment.

Yes you would need to drain and refill the entire system. This is the reason why I just stick with power steering fluid. 217k miles and still works fine.

Power Steering Fluid type?

Who is online