Fluid Choice ZF Auto 2003 D2

[Alex]

Hi i will be changing the oil in my 2003 D2 ZF auto soon, spec in the book is Dexron III.

I live in Alberta Canada and some of my starts will be at -40C most winter starts will be at about -20C, summer months will see averages around 20C with highs of 35C, so i need a good TM oil.

I am looking at the Chevron ATF Dexron VI and Chevron ATF MD3, both claim to be DexronIII backward compatible, I am looking for some real world experience from anyone running this oil, or recommendations on a good ATF for the D2 in an Alberta climate.

Thanks

Alex

[BogMonster]

There's no temperature restrictions given on the standard oil so one might assume that the standard oil is fine but I agree -40 is pretty extreme - I expect the changes would be a bit sluggish to start with.

Do you use an engine preheater? If so, I think the D2 autobox cooler is via a heat exchanger in the radiator so presumably it would work both ways i.e. would warm the oil up when cold as well as cooling it when hot.