95 YJ with ATF in the manual trans. HELP!

Obie95Sahara · 12-02-2008, 07:45 AM

Went to change the fluid in my transmission yesterday and noticed that the previous owner had it filled with ATF. I bought the amount of 75-90W that it takes, but now I'm afraid to drain the ATF and fill with this as there will still be some ATF left in there. Any ideas? Should I fill with the 75-90W, run it for a week or so then drain again? I'm lost on what I should do here, I don't want to do something that will harm my transmission.

Jeepsr4me19 · 12-02-2008, 08:02 AM

Fill away. Previous guy changed to the atf to help with shifting issue I am sure. Any remaining atf will combine with the new stuff and you can drain it out later. Just make sure the trans is good and warm so as to be sure its good and mixed when you drain again. I have even heard of people using motor oil to help with shifting problems. That 90 weight is gonna be thick when cold.

the_mork · 12-02-2008, 09:31 AM

Keep in mind that it might not actually be ATF Redline transmission fluid is red but it is an actual gear oil so make sure you compare it with some actual atf (or smell it).

Obie95Sahara · 12-02-2008, 09:59 AM

I'm thinking that the prev. owner took it somewhere and whoever serviced it put the ATF in. The guy I bought it from was in his late 60's and could barely walk, so I know he wasn't under there servicing it himself, lol. I smelled the fluid, and it smells like burnt ATF, but then again it smells kinda like gear oil... Probably gonna drain it, throw in the 90 weight and see what happens I guess... But I'm always open to more input/suggestions. Thanks for the responses guys.

**rustywrangler** · 12-02-2008, 10:04 AM

Redline MT 90 is a very common fluid to use when you want smoother shifting. It smells like atf and gear oil to me.

the_mork · 12-02-2008, 10:16 AM

Find some ATF and compare it to what is in the tranny. There's no sense in throwing out good Redline fluid.

ziebartrob · 12-02-2008, 10:23 AM

If you are gonna replace it, might wanna consider synthetic. I'm sure it gets as cold or colder in Mass as it does in Ill. My 91 w/ synth shifts so much easier in the cold than my 93 with convent. Just a thought.

**Mean Max** · 12-02-2008, 01:18 PM

I always use ATF with no issues.

dbikers · 12-02-2008, 06:59 PM

yup, as long as it doesn't look like a strawberry-(I defeated the language censor and received a warning) milk-shake i wound't worry about it...i wouldn't put 90 wt in a 5 speed in Mass for the winter...you'll never get it to shift right...
run synchromesh, mt-90, atf, anything but 90 weight...if it's non-refundable and you have to use it wait for summer!!!
that's just my .02 of course

Obie95Sahara · 12-03-2008, 07:41 AM

I think I'll just return the gear oil and grab up some redline... If I can find anywhere local that sells it that is, if not I'll find some online. Thanks for all your input guys!

lollygagger8 · 12-04-2008, 07:21 AM

I just changed my trans fluid to MTL cuz my local guy was out of MT-90 (used last time) If you can't find MTL, you can use MT-90. Both work well, and they are both GL-4 rated for your AX-15

MTL: red and smells exactly like ATF
MT-90: gold colored just like gear oil