ATF Dexron VI, MB 236.14, 236.15 and 236.17: automatic transmission fluid by standard
Automatic gearboxes are sensitive to the wrong fluid. Find out what ATF Dexron VI, MERCON-LV, JASO 1-A-LV and the Mercedes-Benz sheets MB 236.14, 236.15 and 236.17 mean – and which Elat ATF lists which standard on its label.
ATF Dexron VI, MERCON-LV, MB 236: who sets the standards for automatic transmission fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) does several jobs at once: it transmits power in the torque converter, operates clutches and brakes as a hydraulic medium, lubricates gears and bearings and carries heat away. Above all, its friction properties determine how smoothly and precisely the gearbox shifts. That is why there is no one-size-fits-all fluid – only manufacturer standards.
The key families at a glance: Dexron VI is the General Motors ATF standard, and MERCON-LV is Ford’s low-viscosity standard. Mercedes-Benz sets out its requirements in fluid sheets such as MB 236.14, 236.15 and 236.17, while Japanese manufacturers refer to the JASO M315 standard and to their own designations such as Toyota WS, Honda DW-1 or Aisin Warner AW-1. Gearbox makers such as ZF add lubricant lists of their own.
In brief
ATF standards come from vehicle and gearbox manufacturers: GM (Dexron), Ford (MERCON), Mercedes-Benz (MB 236 sheets) and the Japanese JASO standard are key families. In the Elat range, ATF Dexron VI lists MB 236.14 among others, ATF 15 LV Tec lists MB 236.15 and ATF 17 LV Spezial HighTec lists MB 236.17. The sheet numbers are not interchangeable.
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Dexron VI and MERCON-LV: multi-vehicle ATF with many OEM codes
General Motors introduced Dexron VI as the successor to Dexron III; the standard stands for a fluid with lower viscosity than its predecessors. A multi-vehicle fluid such as ATF Dexron VI lists many further entries besides Dexron VI, including MERCON-LV, JASO M315 Class 1A, Toyota WS, Aisin Warner AW-1, Honda DW-1, Hyundai/Kia SP-IV and the Mercedes sheets MB 236.12, 236.14 and 236.41.
So if you are looking for an MB 236.14 ATF, you will find this entry in the Elat range on the Dexron VI fluid. The flip side: a multi-vehicle fluid only covers the standards it actually lists. MB 236.15 and MB 236.17 are not on its label – Elat has separate fluids for these sheets. For part numbers of individual vehicle manufacturers, we recommend a quick check with us before use, so that the number and the gearbox definitely match.
Elat ATF for automatic gearboxes
Marked in blue: the ATF standards listed on each label – from Dexron and MERCON to JASO and the MB 236 sheets.
ATF Dexron VI
ATF · Gear Oil
Multi-vehicle ATF; lists Dexron VI, MERCON-LV and MB 236.14, among others, but not MB 236.15 or 236.17.
ATF 15 LV Tec
ATF LV · Gear Oil
Low-friction ATF with MB 236.15; the label names the Mercedes-Benz 7G-Tronic Plus (NAG2FE+).
ATF 17 LV Spezial HighTec
ATF LV · Gear Oil
Low-viscosity ATF; lists MB 236.16, 236.17 and 236.41 as well as JASO 1-A-LV.
Approval or specification?
Only expressly stated manufacturer approvals are marked “Approval”. All other entries are specifications and recommendations as printed on the product label; the entries relevant to this topic are highlighted. For your vehicle or machine, the owner’s manual and the manufacturer’s approval lists always take precedence. If in doubt, we are happy to advise you.
MB 236.14, MB 236.15 and MB 236.17: the Mercedes sheets compared
Mercedes-Benz assigns its own sheet numbers to automatic transmission fluids. They look alike but describe different fluids for different gearboxes: a fluid to MB 236.14 is not automatically suitable for a gearbox that calls for MB 236.15, and vice versa. What counts is the sheet number Mercedes-Benz specifies for your vehicle.
In the Elat range, the sheets are clearly assigned. The Dexron VI fluid lists MB 236.12, 236.14 and 236.41. ATF 15 LV Tec lists MB 236.15, and its label explicitly names the Mercedes-Benz 7G-Tronic Plus (NAG2FE+) gearbox; according to the label, it is based on HC synthetic and PAO base oils and has a very low viscosity. ATF 17 LV Spezial HighTec lists MB 236.17 together with MB 236.16 and 236.41.
Looking for 7G-Tronic fluid? It depends on the version: the designation 7G-Tronic Plus (NAG2FE+) appears on the label of ATF 15 LV Tec. For other versions and model years, the sheet number in the Mercedes-Benz documentation applies.
| Standard family | ATF Dexron VI | ATF 15 LV Tec | ATF 17 LV Spezial HighTec |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Motors | Dexron VI | – | – |
| Ford | MERCON-LV | – | – |
| Mercedes-Benz | MB 236.12, 236.14, 236.41 | MB 236.15; 7G-Tronic Plus (NAG2FE+) | MB 236.16, 236.17, 236.41 |
| JASO (Japan) | JASO M315 Class 1A | – | JASO 1-A-LV |
| Toyota / Honda | Toyota WS; Honda DW-1 | – | – |
| Hyundai / Kia | NWS-9638 T-5, SP-IV/SPH-IV | – | NWS-9638; SP-IV, SPH-IV, SP-IV RR |
| Mitsubishi / Nissan | ATF-J3, SP-IV, DIA-Queen ATF-PA, SP-N, SPH-IV, SP-IV-RR; Nissan Matic-S | – | ATF-J3, ATF-PA; Nissan MATIC S, MATIC W |
| VW / Audi | G 052 533, G 055 005 (-A, A2), G 055540 (A2), G 060 162 (A1 A2 A6) | – | G 052 540, G 055 005, G 055 162 |
| ZF lubricant list | – | – | ZF TE-ML 13 |
| Viscosity designation in product data | ATF | ATF LV | ATF LV |
Low-viscosity ATF: what the LV label stands for
LV stands for low viscosity. Many newer automatic gearboxes with numerous ratios are designed for such fluids because a thinner fluid reduces internal friction losses. A low-viscosity ATF is therefore not an upgrade for every gearbox: where the manufacturer specifies a higher-viscosity fluid, one that is too thin can impair the lubricating film and shift quality. Conversely, a conventional ATF does not belong in a gearbox that calls for an LV fluid.
In the Elat range, ATF 15 LV Tec and ATF 17 LV Spezial HighTec carry the viscosity designation ATF LV. The 17 LV also lists JASO 1-A-LV, the low-viscosity class of the Japanese ATF standard, as well as ZF TE-ML 13 and codes from further manufacturers. The Dexron VI fluid, too, lists an LV standard: Ford’s MERCON-LV.
- Check the level as specified: many modern automatics have no dipstick; the level is checked at a defined fluid temperature, often with a diagnostic tool.
- Allow for partial changes: simply draining the gearbox leaves part of the fluid in the torque converter and lines, so new and old fluid mix – all the more reason for both to meet the same standard.
- Ignore the colour: the red colour of many ATFs says nothing about the standard; only the label entry counts.
- Automatic is not dual-clutch: DSG and CVT gearboxes need fluids of their own – see DSG and CVT transmission fluid.
Automatic transmission fluid for workshops and retailers
We supply Elat ATF to workshops, dealers and online shops throughout Germany, with dispatch and scheduling handled from our warehouse in Lünen. Each product page shows the complete label entries and, where available, the technical data sheet.
Our gear oil guide covers the basics of all gearbox types. Oils for axles and manual gearboxes are described under axle gear oil in 75W-90 and 80W-90, and all topics with nationwide delivery are collected under lubricant supply throughout Germany.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Dexron VI instead of Dexron III?
General Motors introduced Dexron VI as the successor and intends it as a replacement in many earlier GM automatic gearboxes that specified Dexron III. For other vehicle manufacturers and for units such as power steering systems, this does not apply automatically. Always follow the requirement in the owner’s manual.
Which ATF do I need for MB 236.15?
In the Elat range, ATF 15 LV Tec lists the MB 236.15 specification, and its label also names the Mercedes-Benz 7G-Tronic Plus (NAG2FE+) gearbox. ATF Dexron VI and ATF 17 LV do not list MB 236.15. The Mercedes-Benz documentation shows whether your vehicle requires this sheet.
Is MB 236.17 the same as MB 236.14?
No. They are different Mercedes-Benz sheets for different gearboxes and fluids. In the Elat range, ATF 17 LV Spezial HighTec lists MB 236.17 and the Dexron VI fluid lists MB 236.14; only MB 236.41 appears on both labels. Always fill the fluid with the sheet number specified for your gearbox.
What does LV mean on an ATF?
LV stands for low viscosity. Such fluids are intended for gearboxes that the manufacturer has designed for a thin fluid; examples of LV standards are MERCON-LV and JASO 1-A-LV. A low-viscosity ATF is not a general substitute for conventional ATF – the gearbox manufacturer’s standard decides.
Which fluid goes into a 7G-Tronic gearbox?
That depends on the version. For the 7G-Tronic Plus (NAG2FE+), the label of ATF 15 LV Tec names this gearbox together with MB 236.15. For other versions, the sheet number in the Mercedes-Benz documentation applies – send us the vehicle identification number and we will check which Elat ATF lists it.
Related topics
Request the right ATF
Tell us the vehicle, the gearbox and the required standard or part number. We will check the label entries and recommend the right Elat ATF.
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