• is highly refined oil with a viscosity similar to SAE

20W-20 oil, and is specially designed for use in automatic

transmissions.
The purpose and function of ATF includes the following:
• Transfers power in torque converters
• Provides hydraulic pressure in clutches and band servos
• Lubricates bearings, bushings, and gears
• Transfers heat to cool transmission parts
• Acts as the medium to control transmission shifting by
traveling through passageways, acting on valves, and
being directed by solenoids
 Additives of ATF
• ATF is formulated with various additives to produce
favorable operating characteristics.
• Automatic transmission fluid contains about 10% to
15% additives.
Additives
ü Detergents-dispersants. Keep the transmission clean
and the valves free from sticking
ü Oxidation inhibitors. Reduce oxidation and
decomposition of the fluid, which can produce varnish
and sludge.
ü Viscosity index improvers. Changes the fluid viscosity
with change in temperature so that fluid thickness and
shift characteristics remain stable during a range of
changing temperatures.
 Cont…
ü Friction modifiers. Changes the fluid’s coefficient of
friction.
ü Foam inhibitors. Prevent formation of air bubbles and
foam in the fluid.
ü Seal swelling agents. Produce a slight swelling of the
elastomers (seals) to compensate for any wear that
occurs.
ü Anti-wear agents. Reduce friction and prevent scoring
and seizure of metal parts against each other.
ü Rust inhibitors. Prevent rust from forming on the iron
and steel parts.
ü Corrosion inhibitors. Prevent corrosion of the
nonferrous parts.
ü Metal deactivators. Form a protective film to inhibit
oxidation of metal surfaces.
ü Dye. Dye is added to make ATF red.
 Types of ATF
• The three basic types of ATF include:
1.Non-friction modified. The first ATF did not have
friction reducing additives. This type of fluid was
used in early band-type automatics. Type F ATF is
an example of a non-friction-modified ATF.
2.Friction modified. This type ATF include Dexron.
3.Highly friction modified. All current original
equipment manufacturers use automatic
transmission fluids that are highly friction
modified. These include Dexron VI, Mercon V,
ATF +4, and ATF WS.
 ATF Filters
• A filter is located at the pump inlet to trap dirt, metal,
and other foreign particles that might cause wear in the
pump, bearings, bushings, and gear train or cause
sticking of the various valves.
Types of Filters
üSurface filter—a surface filter
traps the foreign particles at the outer
surface.
üDepth filter—a depth filter traps
particles as they try to pass through
the filter material.
 ATF Heaters and Coolers
• Transmissions are expected to perform over a
wide range of temperatures.
• The best fluid operating temperature for an
automatic transmission is in the range of 170°F to
180°F (77°C to 82°C). This produces good fluid
viscosity without excessive fluid degradation.
Some transmissions use fluid heaters to improve
cold operation.
• Probably the greatest problem for transmission
fluid is heat. Excess heat significantly shortens
the life of ATF.
 Cont…
• Excess temperatures cause the fluid to break down
and form gum or varnish.
• This can cause valve sticking or reduce the fluid
flow in certain circuits.
 Oil Cooler Circuits
• Engine coolant from the engine
block flows through the passages
in the warmer/cooler, and then out
through the thermostatic valve to
the upper radiator tank.
• The thermostatic valve uses a wax
element–type valve to control the
flow of engine coolant through the
case-mounted cooler/warmer.
• The thermostatic valve improves
t h e AT F w a r m - u p t i m e s a n d
maintains ATF temperature within
the optimum operating range
between 170°F and 180°F (77°C
and 82°C).