Fluid Suggestions by Transfer Case Type

DISCLAIMER: The information shown below was obtained from reliable sources and is believed to be accurate and complete at the time of publication. Although this information is believed to be accurate and complete, no liability can be assumed for any incomplete or incorrect data. Always verify with the manufacturer of your vehicle for the proper fluid to use in your transfer case.

When you consider that your transfer case is always working (even when you’re in two-wheel drive) it should come as no surprise that proper fluid use and maintenance is important for the life of the transfer case. The fluid in the transfer case serves as both lubricant and helps to keep the internal components cool and turning smoothly. Replacing this fluid at appropriate intervals can help prevent premature wear and damage caused by contaminated or broken-down fluid.

Additionally, if the transfer case fluid level is low, the entire transfer case should be inspected for leaks and damage. Many mechanics (and some manufacturers) recommend that you replace the transfer case fluid at least every 30,000 miles. When the fluid is replaced, pay careful attention to the fluid you are draining; if there is a burnt smell or dark brown color or metal flakes or sheen, your transfer case may be damaged.

Transfer case fluid is responsible for keeping the components of the transfer case well lubricated. When this fluid leaks out or becomes contaminated, it is no longer able to act as a lubricant, and severe damage can be caused to the transfer case.

FORD TRANSFER CASES
Transfer Case Model Fluid Type
BW1345 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
BW1350 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
BW1354 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
BW1356 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
BW4404 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
BW4405 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
BW4406 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
BW4407 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
BW4410 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
BW4411 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
BW4416 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
DANA28 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP203 30WT
NP205 80W90 Gear Oil
NP208 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP271 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP273 ATF (Dexron III or higher)

 

GMC/Chevrolet TRANSFER CASES
Transfer Case Model Fluid Type
BW1370 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
BW4401 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
BW4470 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
BW4472 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
BW4481 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP126 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP136 Auto-Trak II (GM Part # 12378396)
NP149 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP203 30WT
NP205 80W90 Gear Oil
NP207 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP208 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP226 Auto-Trak II (GM Part # 12378396)
NP231 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP233 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP236 Auto-Trak II (GM Part # 12378396)
NP241 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP243 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP246 Auto-Trak II (GM Part # 12378396)
NP261 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP263 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP1222 ATF (Dexron III or higher)

 

HUMMER TRANSFER CASES
Transfer Case Model Fluid Type
NP242-AMG ATF (Dexron III or higher)
BW4484 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
BW4493 Dexron VI
BW4494 Dexron VI

 

 

CHRYSLER / DODGE TRANSFER CASES
Transfer Case Model Fluid Type
NP203 30WT
NP205 80W90 Gear Oil
NP207 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP208 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP231 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP233 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP241 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP242 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP243 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP244 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP247 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP249 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP271 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP273 ATF (Dexron III or higher)

 

JEEP TRANSFER CASES
Transfer Case Model Fluid Type
NP119 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP207 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP208 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP219 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP228 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP229 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP231 30WT Non-Detergent
NP241 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP241-OR ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP242 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
NP247 MOPAR Transfer Case Lubricant (5016796AA superceded by 5016796AC)
NP249 ATF (Dexron III or higher)

 

MERCEDES-BENZ TRANSFER CASES
Transfer Case Model Fluid Type
ML320 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
ML430 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
ML550 ATF (Dexron III or higher)
ITC See your Mercedes-Benz dealer for manufacturer-approved fluid

 

BMW TRANSFER CASE
Transfer Case Model Fluid Type
NV125 ATF (Dexron III or higher)