Ok, I have made a leap into the world of oil and have become an Independent Amsoil Dealer and would like to introduce everyone here at ElantraXD to Amsoil as I have rarely seen it discussed here. I have spoken with SuperGLS aka James and have received his ok to start this thread.
I started to look into the world of motor oil when the time came to dump the dealer fill in my Sonata, they use Castrol GTX so it was a good “Dino” oil but like all of you I wanted something better for the long term. During my research on the web to select which Synthetic Oil I was going to decide on even though I used Castrol Syntec in my Elantra I wanted to revisit the subject. I found much out there that confused me, like the terms Group III, Group IV, and what was really considered to be a “True Synthetic Oil.” Well it turns out that most “Synthetic” oils sold today began as “Dino” oil but due to the heavy refining processes they are put thru to meet the new SM and GF-4 they have little resemblance to their humble beginnings and have become a “Synthetic” aka man made product and are classed as a Group III oil. Now the Group IV oils have no “Dino” oil in their base stock and are truly a synthetic product.
Mobil 1, Royal Purple, Red Line and Amsoil are the better known manufactures of Group IV oils and I was considering the switch to Mobil 1 from my trusted Syntec but I was having a hard time thinking about giving my money to Exxon/Mobil and adding to the $39.5 billion in profit they earned in 2006, up from its previous record of $36.1 billion in 2005. I started talking with an Amsoil Dealer and decided to make the leap and try this part time and see how it works out. I don’t plan to become rich doing this, but boy would that be sweet, but I would like save myself and all of you some money in the process. I will post a few links in a reply to this one as its getting rather long but you can visit Amsoil directly at www.amsoil.com (http://www.amsoil.com)and start to look at all of the products they have. If you do buy anything while you are there please use my ZO# 1552515 when you create your account and I can then receive commission credit for any purchase you make.
You can send me a PM with any questions you have about products and I should reply quickly as I am in and out of here all the time.

Here are some direct links to the oils I think most of us here would be interested in.

0W-30 35,000 mile/12 month Oil Change interval when using an Amsoil Ea oil filter, the best oil Amsoil makes
http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/sso.aspx?zo=1552515

5W-30 25,000 mile/12 month Oil Change interval when using an Amsoil Ea oil filter, the best selling oil Amsoil makes
http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/ASL.aspx?zo=1552515

10W-30 25,000 mile/12 month Oil Change interval when using an Amsoil Ea oil filter, the best selling oil Amsoil makes
http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/ATM.aspx?zo=1552515

10W-30 7,500 mile/6 month Oil Change interval, High Quality product that exceeds requirements of modern/older vehicles
http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/XLF.aspx?zo=1552515

Yes, some of these time and mileage intervals look crazy but read the information provided at the link and ask me any questions you may have.

Here is the link to my dealer website http://www.lubedealer.com/Robertssynthetics/

Congrats. I hope you do well.

Here's a little project tha might get some business for you: Hyundai's owners manual says, "Use HYUNDAI GENUINE ATF SP III, DIAMOND ATF SP III, SK ATF SP III or other brands approved by Hyundai Motor Co." Do you have any evidence that Hyundai has approved Amsoil's ATF for use in Hyundai transmissions? I would love to have the benefit of synthetic fluid in my car, but I really don't want to void my warrant by using a non-approved fluid.

If you can provide evidence that says Hyundai has approved Amsoil's ATF (besides their claim on their website that it is SP III compliant), I think several of us would buy some... especially those of us who worry about Hyundai's warranty.

Congrats. I hope you do well.

Here's a little project tha might get some business for you: Hyundai's owners manual says, "Use HYUNDAI GENUINE ATF SP III, DIAMOND ATF SP III, SK ATF SP III or other brands approved by Hyundai Motor Co." Do you have any evidence that Hyundai has approved Amsoil's ATF for use in Hyundai transmissions? I would love to have the benefit of synthetic fluid in my car, but I really don't want to void my warrant by using a non-approved fluid.

If you can provide evidence that says Hyundai has approved Amsoil's ATF (besides their claim on their website that it is SP III compliant), I think several of us would buy some... especially those of us who worry about Hyundai's warranty.

Unfortunately, I don't think it complies with HMC's standard. Amsoil ATF is a UNIVERSAL fluid that is stated to work with ALL transmissions. However, a universal fluid may not meet HMC's qualifications based on fluid requirements. I have replaced 3 automatic transmissions that had Amsoil in the tranny and when I asked about warranty on these 3 vehicles for my customers, HMA said with the Amsoil fluid in there, it will not qualify for warranty (which is why the cars came to my shop). HMA states SP-III fluid ONLY, not a fluid that has other components besides what is in SP-III fluid.

I was going to post about this, but you beat me to it Paul.

Until I hear from Hyundai, I will assume, and post likewise that SP-III fluid (and the like brands you mentioned) is the only type that can be in the trans.

I also think that SP-III is a synthetic fluid.

Doohickie, PM sent. And ATF is not listed for use in all automatic applications. Amsoil has a list of transmissons it should not be used in, GM Auto Trak II, Honda CVT, Land Rover Texaco N402, Nissan CVT fluid NS-2, Volvo part # 1161540-8, and or any CVT transmissions.
I have an information request in to the tech staff at Amsoil for further information and will provide it as I receive it.

cclngthr - do you know if the customers you refered to that had Amsoil fluid in their transmissons and had the warranty claim denied went back to Amsoil and filed a claim? Because if they did and it was proven the Amsoil ATF was the cause of the failure then Amsoil's warranty would have covered the repair/replacement. And if that happened I would think Amsoil would have removed the SP II & III from the list of applications.

cclngthr - do you know if the customers you refered to that had Amsoil fluid in their transmissons and had the warranty claim denied went back to Amsoil and filed a claim? Because if they did and it was proven the Amsoil ATF was the cause of the failure then Amsoil's warranty would have covered the repair/replacement. And if that happened I would think Amsoil would have removed the SP II & III from the list of applications.

The customers were my customers that had their trans fail at 60K, 80K, and 45K. The customers came to my shop because HMA denied warranty because the Amsoil fluid according to them had melted the internals of the transmission after driving for 23,000 miles or so on 1 car and 12,000 miles on the other 2 cars. I don't know if each filed a claim because that wasn't discussed with my shop writers.

I called HMA dealer tech line and asked what fluids are compatable with the transmission. The rep told me any fluid that is other than SP-III, SK-SP-III and Diamond SP-III fluid (which is the same fluid type for all 3) is incompatable and will eventually cause problems with the auto transmissions. The components in other fluid melts the clutch packs and plastic parts in the trans. Since Amsoil fluid has multiple applications including Hyundai and Kia, I am believing what else is in the trans fluid makes it incompatable even though it states it is compatable.

Therefore, I will continue to state use SP-III fluid only per Hyundai directives. I have had arguments with another Amsoil dealer on HP.com about this and he believes if it says it is compatable, it should be. However, what I heard from Hyundai today tells me otherwise. Use the Hyundai fluid only.

Use the Hyundai fluid only.

We have had our Hyundai engineer tell us that there is no other compatible fluids for our auto transmissions.Also,Hyundai will not release what makes their fluids different from the universal fluids for good reasons.

I have had arguments with another Amsoil dealer on HP.com about this and he believes if it says it is compatable, it should be. However, what I heard from Hyundai today tells me otherwise. Use the Hyundai fluid only.

I don't want to get into an argument here I just want the gather all the facts. If Hyundai examined the transmissions and determined it was the Amsoil "ATF" , thats the Amsoil code letters for their fluid that they say will work in a SP III application not short for Auto Trans Fluid, Then your customers should have filed a claim with Amsoil to have their transmissons repaired/replaced.

"The liability of AMSOIL INC. shall be limited to:
a. Replacement of the defective lubricant.
b. The cost, including labor and materials, to repair damaged equipment, or at the option of AMSOIL
INC., the cost to replace damaged equipment, resulting directly from the use of AMSOIL INC.
lubricants when used in the proper applications."

"In the event of a claim against AMSOIL INC., the procedure below must be completely followed.
a. Where the original warranty from the equipment manufacturer is still in effect, the customer shall file a
warranty claim with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in accordance with the OEM
warranty procedure.
b. Customer shall retain failed parts for inspection by AMSOIL INC. unless given to the OEM.
c. Customer shall also, within 30 days of failure, notify AMSOIL INC. and provide the following:
(a.) An eight (8) ounce representative oil sample taken from the failed equipment and put into a
clean container.
(b.) Documentation including make, model, and year of equipment, total accumulated miles
and/or hours, and duty cycle or service environment.
(c.) Equipment or vehicle maintenance history documentation including miles or hours at the
time of AMSOIL lubricant installation, general equipment repairs, and oil analysis results if
available.
(d.) Proof of purchase for AMSOIL lubricant.
(e.) Batch number from oil container or Certificate of Analysis."

"e. In cases where the OEM warranty is still in effect and that warranty coverage is denied based on the
use of an AMSOIL lubricant, the customer shall immediately notify AMSOIL INC. and provide a
written copy of the OEM warranty denial."

These are parts of the Amsoil Warranty I pulled out that shows they will stand behind their products when used as recomended. Do you have anything written by Hyundai or the service dept that bounced the repairs from Hyundai's coverage? It is probably too late for these 3 people but if this is a problem we need to prevent it from happening to any of our people here. I will not recommend or sell ATF for use in a Hyundai application until this is settled.

unless of course its for a manual transmission :)

We have had our Hyundai engineer tell us that there is no other compatible fluids for our auto transmissions.Also,Hyundai will not release what makes their fluids different from the universal fluids for good reasons.

I thought that if the Manufacturer required only their fluids to maintain a waranty they had to provide it free to the consumer. Here is a section from the Magnuson-Moss Act

What the Magnuson-Moss Act Does Not Allow
There are three prohibitions under the Magnuson-Moss Act. They involve implied warranties, so-called "tie-in sales" provisions, and deceptive or misleading warranty terms.

"Tie-In Sales" Provisions
Generally, tie-in sales provisions are not allowed. Such a provision would require a purchaser of the warranted product to buy an item or service from a particular company to use with the warranted product in order to be eligible to receive a remedy under the warranty. The following are examples of prohibited tie-in sales provisions.

In order to keep your new Plenum Brand Vacuum Cleaner warranty in effect, you must use genuine Plenum Brand Filter Bags. Failure to have scheduled maintenance performed, at your expense, by the Great American Maintenance Company, Inc., voids this warranty.

Sounds like there is a problem here as SP III has the have a set specification to be met to be called SP III and anyone can market and sell a fluid that meets that spec.

We will keep digging and will find an answer :)

I don't want to get into an argument here I just want the gather all the facts. If Hyundai examined the transmissions and determined it was the Amsoil "ATF" , thats the Amsoil code letters for their fluid that they say will work in a SP III application not short for Auto Trans Fluid, Then your customers should have filed a claim with Amsoil to have their transmissons repaired/replaced.

"The liability of AMSOIL INC. shall be limited to:
a. Replacement of the defective lubricant.
b. The cost, including labor and materials, to repair damaged equipment, or at the option of AMSOIL
INC., the cost to replace damaged equipment, resulting directly from the use of AMSOIL INC.
lubricants when used in the proper applications."

"In the event of a claim against AMSOIL INC., the procedure below must be completely followed.
a. Where the original warranty from the equipment manufacturer is still in effect, the customer shall file a
warranty claim with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in accordance with the OEM
warranty procedure.
b. Customer shall retain failed parts for inspection by AMSOIL INC. unless given to the OEM.
c. Customer shall also, within 30 days of failure, notify AMSOIL INC. and provide the following:
(a.) An eight (8) ounce representative oil sample taken from the failed equipment and put into a
clean container.
(b.) Documentation including make, model, and year of equipment, total accumulated miles
and/or hours, and duty cycle or service environment.
(c.) Equipment or vehicle maintenance history documentation including miles or hours at the
time of AMSOIL lubricant installation, general equipment repairs, and oil analysis results if
available.
(d.) Proof of purchase for AMSOIL lubricant.
(e.) Batch number from oil container or Certificate of Analysis."

"e. In cases where the OEM warranty is still in effect and that warranty coverage is denied based on the
use of an AMSOIL lubricant, the customer shall immediately notify AMSOIL INC. and provide a
written copy of the OEM warranty denial."

These are parts of the Amsoil Warranty I pulled out that shows they will stand behind their products when used as recomended. Do you have anything written by Hyundai or the service dept that bounced the repairs from Hyundai's coverage? It is probably too late for these 3 people but if this is a problem we need to prevent it from happening to any of our people here. I will not recommend or sell ATF for use in a Hyundai application until this is settled.

According to Hyundai, and there are TSB's on this subject, use of fluids other than SP-III (all 3 SP-III brands for Hyundai, Kia and Mitsubishi) will void the OEM warranty. The TSB specifically mentions Dexron, Mercon, Chrysler ATF+III, and others (not Amsoil specifically) are incompatable and cause automatic transmission failure, which is well known here. Since Amsoil ATF is also compliant with other fluid types, that fluid can be considered non-compliant with HMC's mandate.

It has been over 6 months since I've seen the customers personally, and each is due for a routine service next week. I'll see what was written on the R.O.


We have had our Hyundai engineer tell us that there is no other compatible fluids for our auto transmissions.Also,Hyundai will not release what makes their fluids different from the universal fluids for good reasons.

Andy from Elantraclub (an HMA/HMC engineer) also told me this both personally and in class.
Equus posted this a while back:



QUOTE


Remember to use ONLY SPIII fluid in all your XD's.

I am not willing to even suggest using fluids other than SP-III fluid in our automatic transmissions. We have more than 1 person, 1 being a Hyundai tech and 2 engineers who state only use SP-III.


I thought that if the Manufacturer required only their fluids to maintain a waranty they had to provide it free to the consumer. Here is a section from the Magnuson-Moss Act

What the Magnuson-Moss Act Does Not Allow
There are three prohibitions under the Magnuson-Moss Act. They involve implied warranties, so-called "tie-in sales" provisions, and deceptive or misleading warranty terms.

"Tie-In Sales" Provisions
Generally, tie-in sales provisions are not allowed. Such a provision would require a purchaser of the warranted product to buy an item or service from a particular company to use with the warranted product in order to be eligible to receive a remedy under the warranty. The following are examples of prohibited tie-in sales provisions.

In order to keep your new Plenum Brand Vacuum Cleaner warranty in effect, you must use genuine Plenum Brand Filter Bags. Failure to have scheduled maintenance performed, at your expense, by the Great American Maintenance Company, Inc., voids this warranty.

Sounds like there is a problem here as SP III has the have a set specification to be met to be called SP III and anyone can market and sell a fluid that meets that spec.

We will keep digging and will find an answer :)

The MM Act does not apply here. Manufacturers have found ways to get around the law, which originally was specific for aftermarket parts that were not oe spec.

SP-III is apparently very specific and no one else to my knowledge has the formula. Hyundai is not the only manufacturer requiring specific fluid types. Toyota, Honda, Saturn also do this.

It has been over 6 months since I've seen the customers personally, and each is due for a routine service next week. I'll see what was written on the R.O.
Have you found anything out about these 3 customers?

Have you found anything out about these 3 customers?

R.O states "warranty denied. Reason: improper customer maintanance due to non-specified fluid".

Apparently, Hyundai requires consumers to use OEM fluid for warranty specifications on the automatic transmission. If there is no SP-III fluid, warranty is void.

If fluids that only had SP-III formula elsewhere, then the warranty will still be honored.

Did the Dealer or Hyundai actually inspect the transmissons? or did they just deny it out of hand because another fluid was used?

Did the Dealer or Hyundai actually inspect the transmissions? or did they just deny it out of hand because another fluid was used?

They inspected the trans when I sent it in for the core. The dealer initially denied it due to the documentation that another fluid was used, but the manufacturer inspection found the internals to be deteriorating in an odd fashion, and it is widespread. Usually the trans clutches wear out in a series fashion where there is even wear and wear that is progressive if 4th gear goes out first (usually happens first). Plastic parts, including the clutch packs normally would wear out 1 gear at a time and remain intact in other areas. Report stated that clutch packs and internal plastic parts were falling apart, which they normally don't do.

HMA did inspect the trans at my request.

Hummmmm And none of the customers went back to their Amsoil dealer and told them what happened????? If it is as you have been saying, and I do not doubt you, then Amsoil should have covered the expense of the repairs.

Hummmmm And none of the customers went back to their Amsoil dealer and told them what happened????? If it is as you have been saying, and I do not doubt you, then Amsoil should have covered the expense of the repairs.

I don't know who the dealer is, but Amsoil trans fluid is available in quite a few trans shops that I've dealt with before that have put in wrong fluids in transmissions.

I wonder if they used something else instead of the ATF fluid? If they used the ATD they used the wrong fluid as this is where that is recomended to be used - Recommended for use in applications specifying Allison® TES-295 or C4, DEXRON® III, MERCON®, Voith G-1363, ZF® TE-ML 14C Hummmmmmm no SP III in this list.

Amsoil is a great company that stands behind their product (much better than Hyundai does IMO). Why these customer's say they know they put Amsoil in their trannys and didn't think to go back to where it was done is beyond me.

I wonder if they used something else instead of the ATF fluid? If they used the ATD they used the wrong fluid as this is where that is recommended to be used - Recommended for use in applications specifying Allison® TES-295 or C4, DEXRON® III, MERCON®, Voith G-1363, ZF® TE-ML 14C Hummmmmmm no SP III in this list.

No. The fluid was the ATF (universal type) according to the original receipt.

My 68 Chev truck trans is the same way. It takes only the TES-295 since I installed the Allisson transmission in that. GM and Allisson also specifies that single specification.


Amsoil is a great company that stands behind their product (much better than Hyundai does IMO). Why these customer's say they know they put Amsoil in their trannys and didn't think to go back to where it was done is beyond me.

As far as warranty is concerned, the manufacturer of the devise takes priority than an oil company warranty. What is on the original service order is what I am taking to be true. An oil company warranty may not adequately cover the repair. They will likely say the fluid is compatable because it says so, but what HMA says, to only use SP-III fluid, is what Hyundai suggests through thorough testing of the transmission.

wow...i was wanting to see what kind of diesel oil they have, but at 36.35 a gallon, (my truck takes 2) im sticking with Motorcraft until i can get the hookup on Schaeffer's again http://www.schaefferoil.com/supreme_9000.html

But to not even attempt to get it covered by Amsoil and just get it replaced sounds like pissing away $$$ to me. Rather than attempting to get it covered by them you chose to replace the transmission, taking away any chance for Amsoil to reimbursed them now. Just because Hyundai "said" one thing doesn't necessarily mean it's the gospel. Hyundai told me during arbitration that I'm not qualified to change the oil or even the air filter in my 2004 Sonata because I'm not a ASE certified Hyundai mechanic. They also told me a one-month old air filter needed changing (showed me a filthy/oily one that wasn't in my car) and because I declined their BS, I was accused of abusing it with lack of service. Don't always believe what the dealer says.

Robert1955 is offering a product and stating his willingness to stand behind it. Honestly, considering the countless NPF's (no problem found) I'd gotten from them with the 3 Hyundais I've owned, I think it's more than HMA will do.

But to not even attempt to get it covered by Amsoil and just get it replaced sounds like pissing away $$$ to me. Rather than attempting to get it covered by them you chose to replace the transmission, taking away any chance for Amsoil to reimbursed them now. Just because Hyundai "said" one thing doesn't necessarily mean it's the gospel. Hyundai told me during arbitration that I'm not qualified to change the oil or even the air filter in my 2004 Sonata because I'm not a ASE certified Hyundai mechanic. They also told me a one-month old air filter needed changing (showed me a filthy/oily one that wasn't in my car) and because I declined their BS, I was accused of abusing it with lack of service. Don't always believe what the dealer says.

Robert1955 is offering a product and stating his willingness to stand behind it. Honestly, considering the countless NPF's (no problem found) I'd gotten from them with the 3 Hyundais I've owned, I think it's more than HMA will do.

There are multiple TSB's regarding the SP-III fluid.

One is 06-40-016. This one specifies SP-III fluid.

NOTE: Use only Hyundai SPIII ATF, Diamond SPIII ATF or other brands meeting
the SPIII specification approved by Hyundai Motor Company.

Hyundai has this TSB (Mitch has this on his WIKI):
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/elantragt/Club%20Wiki/tsb3.gif

These TSB's tell me otherwise, and with my personal experience in having trouble with the Hyundai automatic transmission with improper fluids installed and having taken classes from HMA, the idea that only SP-III fluid is to be used in most Hyundai's (except the Veracruiz, which takes a toyota fluid) is pretty strong evidence that only SP-III fluid is to be used in those vehicles requiring such fluid.

I don't think Amsoil would have reimbursed the customers anyway because they would claim that the fluid is compatable and the diagnostic/testing procedures are not to their standard. Once the core is returned to Hyundai, all testing and documentation plus property belongs to Hyundai and what tests were done is with Hyundai's standard, NOT Amsoil's.

I go by what HMA/HMC tells me. HMA told me over the phone last week when I called the dealer tech line was that only SP-III fluid is to be used in those Hyundai's that require it. HMA is independent of a dealer, but they go by what HMC requires.

wow...i was wanting to see what kind of diesel oil they have, but at 36.35 a gallon, (my truck takes 2) im sticking with Motorcraft until i can get the hookup on Schaeffer's again http://www.schaefferoil.com/supreme_9000.html
The DEO 5W-40 is only $27.85 a gal. You were looking at the HDD 5W-30 at $36.35 The Schaeffers link is for a 5W-40 so......

Winc, just because your dealer is crooked doesn't mean you should think badly of HMC as a whole.

The DEO 5W-40 is only $27.85 a gal. You were looking at the HDD 5W-30 at $36.35 The Schaeffers link is for a 5W-40 so......


even then, the HDD 5W-30 is the closest to recommended without actually BEING recommended by International / Navistar for their diesels. in this case, i will pass the word on to some people i know, if they bite on, then there ya go!

Winc, just because your dealer is crooked doesn't mean you should think badly of HMC as a whole.

How about all 5 dealers I've taken my 3 Hyundais to, with several reported problems, several visits, and not one thing actually diagnosed by them without me telling them what's wrong. It sucks being the consumer and having to look up your own TSBs... I can only imagine what some poor old lady goes through. The dealer's suggestion to me was "trade it in", which I made the mistake of doing once. (the second time was a smart move)

As for those problem trannies Colin mentioned... who knows for sure what went wrong with them. Hyundai said their fluid wasn't in there and stopped it at that. The dealer then could have contacted Amsoil to see if they'd cover the repair, but got the customer to pay for a new transmission instead, IMO stealing the customer's $$$. (BTW... old tranny sent in for core??? I thought Hyundai didn't sell reman's, not to mention they aren't going to take special interest to analyze a core.)

I say if you've got an AT Elantra and want to consider an alternative to SPIII, call Amsoil directly and ask them how much they're willing to stand behind their product and what they'll do for you if there's a problem. I can guarantee you'll get less hassle than if something legitimately goes wrong on a bone-stock car and you take it to the dealer.

I know someone personally that's used Amsoil successfully in their Elantra. I've also seen a (former?) member on EC that used it too, but another "know-it-all" member over there (on here too) talking $hit as usual drove em away. But hey, that seems like typical behavior on a lot of these boards. Everyone seems to think they're the only one that knows anything.

Do what ya want. Were it me, I'd go with whoever's gonna stand behind their product best.

As for those problem trannies Colin mentioned... who knows for sure what went wrong with them. Hyundai said their fluid wasn't in there and stopped it at that. The dealer then could have contacted Amsoil to see if they'd cover the repair, but got the customer to pay for a new transmission instead, IMO stealing the customer's $$$. (BTW... old tranny sent in for core??? I thought Hyundai didn't sell reman's, not to mention they aren't going to take special interest to analyze a core.)

I say if you've got an AT Elantra and want to consider an alternative to SPIII, call Amsoil directly and ask them how much they're willing to stand behind their product and what they'll do for you if there's a problem. I can guarantee you'll get less hassle than if something legitimately goes wrong on a bone-stock car and you take it to the dealer.

I know someone personally that's used Amsoil successfully in their Elantra. I've also seen a (former?) member on EC that used it too, but another "know-it-all" member over there (on here too) talking $hit as usual drove em away. But hey, that seems like typical behavior on a lot of these boards. Everyone seems to think they're the only one that knows anything.

Do what ya want. Were it me, I'd go with whoever's gonna stand behind their product best.

The clutch pack material is not a regular carbon fiber/metal material as usually found on most automatic transmissions. Hyundai uses a combination of rubber, plastic and glass. This material is known to break apart with other fluids, and that has been discussed quite a bit on both the boards and through the manufacturer. What happens is the detergent agents in other fluids (most trans fluids are highly detergent) breaks apart the clutch material because it contains material that is not compatable with the other types of fluid. SP-III fluid does not contain the caustic detergent agents other fluids have which does not make the clutch material break apart. In the torque converter, there also is plastic parts in that as well.

I have disassembled quite a few Hyundai automatics as well as Mitsubishi automatics and have seen the clutch packs down to nothing after fluids other than SP-III fluid was used. When a transmission wears out, clutch packs normally do not wear out in every clutch pack disk. Wear is progressive where some of the disks are bad and some disks are good. It is very unusual under normal wear that all of the clutch pack disks to be bad at the same time. It also is abnormal for an automatic transmission to go bad within 45-80,000 miles. Under normal use with proper maintanance, the transmission can last over 175,000 miles or more.

Equus also posted that sp-III fluid must be in all XD/HD's.

I can think of a lot of fluids that aren't SP III. Have you tried them all? Are you absolutely certain that Amsoil contains these causting detergent agents you mention? Why must you put down a product to no end when you have no proof? I'll ask again... Why didn't you attempt to get your customer's repairs covered by Amsoil? They could have had the transmission replaced FOR FREE!!!!

My 2004 Sonata's transmission had intermittent hwy speed slamming (harsh tugging jolts, like a dog reaching the end of a leash while running 70mph). The problem started at 13k and continued up to 22k when I got rid of the piece of crap car because Hyundai refused to diagnose it, even after they had me bring it in for the SIXTH time so the District Parts & Service Manager out of Atlanta to "road-test" and "run other tests" on it, only they put ZERO miles on the car while it was there. Each time in, less than a mile and NPF. They concluded that since there had been no other reports, there couldn't possibly be any problem. Another clincher... since it got the NPF (No Problem Found), it was never reported to Hyundai, therefore they didn't consider it a reported problem for it to be declared a LEMON.

My point is, just because "Hyundai says" doesn't mean it's gospel.

I can think of a lot of fluids that aren't SP III. Have you tried them all? Are you absolutely certain that Amsoil contains these causting detergent agents you mention? Why must you put down a product to no end when you have no proof? I'll ask again... Why didn't you attempt to get your customer's repairs covered by Amsoil? They could have had the transmission replaced FOR FREE!!!!

My 2004 Sonata's transmission had intermittent hwy speed slamming (harsh tugging jolts, like a dog reaching the end of a leash while running 70mph). The problem started at 13k and continued up to 22k when I got rid of the piece of crap car because Hyundai refused to diagnose it, even after they had me bring it in for the SIXTH time so the District Parts & Service Manager out of Atlanta to "road-test" and "run other tests" on it, only they put ZERO miles on the car while it was there. Each time in, less than a mile and NPF. They concluded that since there had been no other reports, there couldn't possibly be any problem. Another clincher... since it got the NPF (No Problem Found), it was never reported to Hyundai, therefore they didn't consider it a reported problem for it to be declared a LEMON.

My point is, just because "Hyundai says" doesn't mean it's gospel.

I have replaced automatic transmissions in Hyundai's which had the following types of fluid:
Dexron/Mercon
Chrysler ATF+III
Amsoil ATF

Dexron destroys the transmission in as little as 400 miles on the transmission, but most last less than a year. DJHellfire had trouble with his XD when Dexron was used in his trans. At least 4 other people on HP.com have had trouble with their Hyundai automatic after non-SP-III fluid is used, and one member had the car tied up in a shop a year because the shop that put the fluid in it did not want to pay for the damage caused by the non-Hyundai fluid. ATF+III and Amsoil still damages the Hyundai automatic, but it lasts a bit longer than when Dexron is used.

Amsoil warranty is a limited warranty and does not necessarily cover major repairs/replacement if they feel the fluid is fine for the transmission, and getting paid on a timely manner from a company is unlikely. It would take months to get paid from Amsoil and tying up a car when the owner wants it in a certain time period is not worth the risk of a denial.

Amsoil states its universal fluid is for a variety of transmission makes, but it does not consider each type requires specific chemicals for longevity. Dexron has chemicals that clean the clutch packs because debris is abrasive enough to cause problems if it remains near the clutches. ATF+III is not as abrasive because the Chrysler auto transmission clutch packs don't have the metals in them. They have a organic brake material. Hyundai's use of plastics and rubber in the clutches require a non-abrasive cleaning agent because rubber and plastics are bonded together with a different process. Therefore a different fluid with special additives is required.

Since you are so adamant that any automatic transmission fluid can be used in a Hyundai, why does HMA issue TSB's that state use only SP-III fluid? Don't you think engineers have tested various fluids before production? What about Honda's? They also require their own fluid. Toyota and Saturn also require their own fluid on some of their cars.

Probably the reason why the NPF was on your car was the dealers cannot travel over 60 mph and they did not look at the TSB's on the harsh shudder, which the solution was to check the fluid level and get it on a specific level under a certain temperature and check the solenoid valve body and TCU or a non-SP-III fluid was installed, which that causes it as well.

Ok guys, lets put a stop to this now. There is no need to discuss the Amsoil ATF vs Hyundai SP-III issue any further on this board. I have several feelers out with Hyundai and Amsoil and when there any info that will help I will add it here. I think we all want to do the best we can for our cars and thats why this discussion got so deep but for now lets just let it ride.

Wow Robert, that avatar of yours is fitting! ;)

Wow Robert, that avatar of yours is fitting! ;)
LOL - It is fitting huh???? I picked it way back when cuse I spend too muh time fighting with computers here at work.

A bump to add a link to my website. Its new and simple for now but will improve with time.

Ok, Time to revive a very old thread. I just received a phone call from Amsoil Tech. Services about this issue because someone was reading this thread and sent the link to Amsoil. They were asking me if I have any additional information that relates to the problems that are claimed to be caused by Amsoil ATF used in a SP-III application, Because THEY have ZERO problems that have been reported to them for the fluid in this application and they wanted to see if someone had any detailed information to back up the claims here. So has anyone used this fluid since this post faded away?
Oh, btw hello everyone, its been awhile since I posted :-) and is great to see the site is alive and thriving.

Ok, Time to revive a very old thread. I just received a phone call from Amsoil Tech. Services about this issue because someone was reading this thread and sent the link to Amsoil. They were asking me if I have any additional information that relates to the problems that are claimed to be caused by Amsoil ATF used in a SP-III application, Because THEY have ZERO problems that have been reported to them for the fluid in this application and they wanted to see if someone had any detailed information to back up the claims here. So has anyone used this fluid since this post faded away?
Oh, btw hello everyone, its been awhile since I posted :-) and is great to see the site is alive and thriving.

Nobody here wants to risk damaging the transmission by using Amsoil fluid. Hyundai Corporate automatically voids the warranty on the transmission when fluids other than the OEM SP-III fluids are used, which is why people here will not use it. SP-III already is a synthetic fluid so why change?

Nobody here wants to risk damaging the transmission by using Amsoil fluid. Hyundai Corporate automatically voids the warranty on the transmission when fluids other than the OEM SP-III fluids are used, which is why people here will not use it. SP-III already is a synthetic fluid so why change?
That is not a answer to my question. I only asked if anyone has used it in their car and if they have had any issues.
Hyundai can not deny a warrany claim UNLESS it is proven the fluid in use is the cause, not just because it is not SP-III fluid. Amsoil has received ZERO warranty claims for the use of ATF in a SP-III application, that is why I received the phone call from the tech support office to see if I/we had any DOCUMENTED cases where Hyundai denied a claim because of the fluid.
I fail to understand why you persist to deride the ATF fluid and take every chance you get to slam it. We all use alot of products in our Hyundais that do not come from the dealers parts shelf and have not had problems with warranty work.