Castrol has discontinued TQ95

[aussiblue]

I reply to an email inquiry from me today Castrol Australia has advised:

Hi ****
Thank you for contacting Castrol technical

Transmax TQ95 has been discontinued.
Transmax ATF Dexron VI Mercon LV Multivehcile is an alternative that is suitable for use.

Kind Regards

Not good new noting in this thread https://fordforums.com.au/showthread...501948&page=4:

I got a reply back from DSI International telling them that the Lubrimaxx was used so if you're interested, this is what they wrote:

The transmission was tested and validated with Castrol TQ95. It would be the only oil we would recommend for use in this transmission.

Other brands of oil may perform as well in this application, however they were never tested, so we cannot be sure of their performance.

Friction modifiers used in ATF oils can change the way the transmission clutches perform in different scenarios (and at different temperatures). This could be why different oil perform differently in automatic transmission.

We would recommend filling with TQ95, and access the transmission performance again after a week or 2 of driving.

I guess that those of us with Classic Falcons (0r Maseratis or Ssypong's ) running BTR we better stock up on retailers still have on their shelves.

[aussiblue]

Perhaps it would also be good time to buy shares in Lubegard https://www.lubegard.com/products/bt...rsion-formula/

[aussiblue]

I know my son's pld 2010 Fg EcoLPi used a BTR auto trans. Anyone with one (or later) know what ATF was specified in the owners' handbook for these?

[aussiblue]

I've contacted https://www.dsinternational.com.au/ for comment on the suitability of Dexron VI Mercon LV Multivehcile in BTR transmission buy I suspect the will say as they have never tested anything but TQ95 in these transmissions they cannot advise.

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Originally Posted by aussiblue

I know my son's pld 2010 Fg EcoLPi used a BTR auto trans. Anyone with one (or later) know what ATF was specified in the owners' handbook for these?

I'm pretty sure EcoLPi was released in July 2011 and they use the ZF 6-speed auto. I think your son's car is an Egas model, which used the 4-speed auto.

[aussiblue]

I'm pretty sure EcoLPi was released in July 2011 and they use the ZF 6-speed auto. I think your son's car is an Egas model, which used the 4-speed auto.

Ok Egas; it had a BTR 4 speed from factory although it was a late 2011 model.

[jpd80]

FYI, MERCON LV is used in Ford Nth America ZF 6-speed auto 6R80.

[Itsme]

I don't see a problem using the Mercon LV, it is used in other ford 6 speeds based on the ZF design.

[aussiblue]

I don't see a problem using the Mercon LV, it is used in other ford 6 speeds based on the ZF design.

FYI, MERCON LV is used in Ford Nth America ZF 6-speed auto 6R80.

But no you are both missing the point this is for an Australian manufactured BTR/ION/DSI 4 speed L85/L95 designed to use only TQ95 not a ZF box. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drivet..._International and page 47 of https://www.tiperformance.com.au/Ref...Speed_Auto.pdf etc.

[aussiblue]

The MK I FG Workshop manual at https://fordforums.com.au/wsmpub/fg/307-01A.html sEction 307-01-A-1 also specialises TQ95 for the 4 speed auto.

[Falcon SXR8]

Why would they discontinue it there must be tons of btr's still getting around.

[aussiblue]

Why would they discontinue it there must be tons of btr's still getting around.

Most likely cost cutting and streamlining of product lines also noting they become part of the BP group in 2000 . TQ95 is and was also also solely an Australian made products so, just me speculating again here, but perhaps they are also winding down or closing the old Castrol lubricant making facility and switching to BP only made products albeit some labelled as Castrol.

[aussiblue]

Ok Egas; it had a BTR 4 speed from factory although it was a late 2011 model.

Oops meant Ok Egas; it had a BTR 4 speed from factory although it was a late 2010 model.

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by aussiblue

But no you are both missing the point this is for an Australian manufactured BTR/ION/DSI 4 speed L85/L95 designed to use only TQ95 not a ZF box. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drivet..._International and page 47 of https://www.tiperformance.com.au/Ref...Speed_Auto.pdf etc.

My apologies for the mistake, however since Castrol produces the two ATF's and recommend the alternative ATF, surely it should be ok since they know what properties is in the ATF.
I would imagine there would also be other brand equivalents that has been used.

Castrol TQ95 being phased out must have started early in another country.
https://fordforums.com.au/showthread...93#post6920693

[aussiblue]

Hmm see https://msdspds.castrol.com/bpglis/FusionPDS.nsf/Files/F27F753345AD732F80257C4400831A6A/$File/Transmax%20TQ95_467290_2013_12.pdf and attached I wonder if the fact that it works well In Honda Automatic Trans means the Honda Product could also work well in the BTRs. This stuff I presume: https://www.hondapartsconnection.com...-dw-1-82009008

[aussiblue]

Castrol TQ95 being phased out must have started early in another country.

No; it was always solely an Australian made product for use in the Australin designed and made BTR In DSI transmission.

nce Castrol produces the two ATF's and recommend the alternative ATF, surely it should be ok since they know what properties is in the ATF.
I would imagine there would also be other brand equivalents that has been used.

Nah; I trust the advice of the transmission maker and designer over a multi-national oil company focussed on the bottom line that has at best a somewhat doubtful ethics record (see https://waronwant.org/news-analysis/...rporate-crimes and https://www.bartleby.com/essay/Ethic...-BP-FKCN835ZTC etc But yes I am a cynic and sceptic by nature and getting more so as I age.

It would be nice to no the frictional index figures for all the ATFs in question so a comparison could be made.

[Jack91]

Originally Posted by aussiblue

But no you are both missing the point this is for an Australian manufactured BTR/ION/DSI 4 speed L85/L95 designed to use only TQ95 not a ZF box. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drivet..._International and page 47 of https://www.tiperformance.com.au/Ref...Speed_Auto.pdf etc.

It only specifies it for initial fill.
That's the same as running break in oil in a new old motor.
That does in no way mean anything else will cause issues. This is why there's standards....

The only reason manufacturer is saying only to use the oem oil is to cover their backside. I'm amazed they even responded to that at all. It's a stupid question and there's only one way they could answer it.
If it was CRUCIAL to use tq95, then everyone with a btr would, and they wouldn't can it. At least not without a working alternative.
The best atf for a 4sp auto is whatever is on special.
In fact, if there's a problem or it's worn out, the best thing is actually the oil still in it.

Good link on the service bulletin though.

[aussiblue]

It only specifies it for initial fill.
That's the same as running break in oil in a new old motor.
That does in no way mean anything else will cause issues. This is why there's standards....

That may be a misinterpretation. What I think it actually means if you check with DSI is that other then listed ATF's (all that have not been on the market for decades) could be used to top up the BTR trans. Some were also apparently later desisted as they were found to contain additives that stripped the insulation of the solenoid coil wires. Transmax ATF Dexron VI Mercon LV Multivehcile were also never listed as suitable top up fluids and don't meet the specifications of TQ95. . Also see the oil comparison chart here for what were once available and considered equivalent https://www.theoilman.com.au/oil-comparison-chart/

So even if it means those other listed could be used to refill a trans completely, none of them or ones meeting their spec except TQ95 have been available for decades.

Most people I know that have used Transmax ATF Dexron VI or Mercon LV Multivehcile have ended up with significant jerky shift quality issues. I also had a email exchange chat with the man from this channel https://www.youtube.com/@YepThatsIt and he is of a similar opinion.

This is why there's standards...

But ATF Dexron VI or Mercon LV Multivehcile don't as far as I can ascertain meet the same spec or standrd as TQ95.

[aussiblue]

The best atf for a 4sp auto is whatever is on special.

Ok if you wish but certainly never on my car. Just Google "the importance of using the correct fluid in your automatic transmission" to see how wrong you are. e.g. https://advancedtransmission.com/wha...-transmission/

In fact, if there's a problem or it's worn out, the best thing is actually the oil still in it.

That's actually been proven to be myth with post 1980 vehicles. But you aren't the only one with this view per https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMechanic...uid/?rdt=63434 But you certainly don't machine flush an old (or even a new) transmision with solenoid valves as you risk moving friction material and other contaminates from the sump into these solenoid valve damaging them; perhaps this it what keeps this myth alive.

If other ATF were suitable Ford would certainly not specify it for use for the BTR in the FG given they were at the same time selling other vehicles that use Dexron etc and it would have been cheaper and more convenient for Ford to use one of those for servicing the BTR as that they would have had that ATF readily on hand in bulk.

[aussiblue]

It's a stupid question and there's only one way they could answer it.

What asking if Castrol if TQ85 was discontinued (my question) or asking DSI if something else was suitable for use as an ATF in the BTR (another member's question) .

Either way that's at the very least a somewhat insulting remark to one of us. I certainly don't think either question is a stupid question given the extent to which Ford and BTR/ION, and sometimes even Castrol, have in the past extensively and continuously emphasised the need to use TQ95 in these BTR transmissions. It fact both are really a very valid questions worthy of asking.

[Falcon SXR8]

Seeing as it was only for the aussie trans it would be nice if Penrite started doing a version of it. But I guess we will have to see if the other trans oils do the job or not. But from what I've read over the years of people trying alternatives it never performs as well.

[lra]

If the the 'correct and recommended' trans fluid is NLA, what are Ford dealers going to use when you get your 4 speed Falcon / Territory serviced at a dealer ?

[Citroënbender]

Plenty of miles here on Nulon multi-spec fluid. No problems due to anything other than prior slow leaks.

[aussiblue]

Plenty of miles here on Nulon multi-spec fluid. No problems due to anything other than prior slow leaks.

...yet.

[Fatbob103]

If the specs to a replacement oil match up it will be fine.
Companies say you must use a particular brand and type to cover themselves legally. If they be honest and say providing the spec is the same it will be fine they throw away their get out of gaol free card as far as refusing warranty work.
The brand that is recommended will be whoever they have the better relationship with.

[GT450]

Well if TQ95 is NLA you are going to have to use an alternative fluid and you seem to being going round in circles with the forum members trying their best to help.
At some stage you will need to bite the bullet and choose a brand, otherwise you will be going nowhere.

[Citroënbender]

I’ve got enough genuine concerns on my plate to not wait keenly for driveline disarray.

If a car fails around town, that’s an inconvenience in the shorter term. If it fails while roaming, that’s part of life’s adventures.

I have a rare Peugeot with still-grenaded gearbox and that’s a whole lot more hassle than a quick exchange of twenty year old automatic transmissions which are common as muck. #perspective

[aussiblue]

Well if TQ95 is NLA you are going to have to use an alternative fluid and you seem to being going round in circles with the forum members trying their best to help.
At some stage you will need to bite the bullet and choose a brand, otherwise you will be going nowhere.

No I wont as I have secured a 20 litre drum of TQ95 that should last longer than this 71 year old man with just one rarely used car running a BTR 4 speed auto. This was really about building awareness and promoting discussion.

[Jack91]

In surprised you were able to get any at all.. surely with this news the hundreds of trans shops around Australia wouldve bought up all the remaining stock. Or maybe they too emailed the manufacturer of a 30 + year old transmission asking for oil recommendations and got a different answer.
Of all these that have been serviced over the years (maybe in the millions) by their owners or shops, do you REALLY think that they all used this particular oil and any that didn't now have broken autos? Cmon...
Do you get your oil and coolant from Ford? Special NOS Ford air in your tyres? I hope to god you don't have any modifications on it, because thatd be against their recommendations too.
By all means you do you, but its not actually an issue. Perfect example of how more research and internet makes people forego common sense. It's literally in the bulletin you linked

[GT450]

Originally Posted by aussiblue

No I wont as I have secured a 20 litre drum of TQ95 that should last longer than this 71 year old man with just one rarely used car running a BTR 4 speed auto. This was really about building awareness and promoting discussion.

So what is all this fuss about then if you have the solution , a mountain from a mole hill.