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) |