Car people - a question

[MissB]

Can I use automatic transmission fluid instead of power steering fluid? When I went to a Shucks-like place today, that is what they sold me.

[AllegroRondo]

1. NO!!!!

they are very different!

[MissB]

3. That was my reaction when I actually looked at the bottle

right before I (nearly) poured it in.

Shit. Now I have to go buy some. Damn.

on edit: Now I've called the local dealership and they say that yes, that is the right stuff to put in. Even my manual says ATF fluid. Wow.

[Rabrrrrrr]

2. Abso-fucking-lutely not!!!!

[MissB]

4. Interestingly enough, yes.

According to the local dealership's mechanic - it really is ATF fluid that goes in the power steering.

[Rabrrrrrr]

6. Your mechanic dude is about 25 years behind

http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns/Archive/1994/June/13.html

(note that this is from 1994)

[aclog]

8. I use ATF for power steering in my cars

although some take Type F and others Dexron-Mercon III

I'm not sure of the specifics for every vehicle though

[MissB]

11. Unfortunately, my mechanic dude doesn't work on Mondays.

I trust him with my car. I may just hold off on adding the power steering/ATF fluid until I can talk to him in the morning.

[Ally McLesbian]

5. Depends on the car

Please check the owner's manual.

[MissB]

7. It says ATF fluid.

I know that the last time I bought power steering fluid (a couple of years ago) for this car, I bought a small bottle specifically marked "power steering".

I was in such a hurry this morning that I didn't even look at the bottle when the person handed it to me. I paid and then left.

How weird that I can put ATF fluid in....

[Ally McLesbian]

9. I'm no expert on cars...

... But your case seems to be the norm. Even ATFs come in several varieties though, so you gotta know if you need Dexron/Mercon or Type F or whatever.

My junk Ford will use Mercon for power steering and manual transmission (yes, mine is a rare stick).

Hondas are a different story though - you must use Honda-specific power steering fluid.

[MissB]

10. I have a Volvo, which is to say I have a Ford.

And they pulled the Mercon for it- which makes sense because that would be what Ford would specify.

[DS1]

12. I love these threads.. NO!!!! next post Yes, sure you can /... then

NO!!!

[MissB]

13. Sigh.

Thank gawd I don't have to actually drive anywhere today. It is quite low, and I'm sure I have a slow power steering leak as well.

At least I didn't ask about the warning signs of a heart attack or something really important.

[TX-RAT]

14. missb, heres a suggestion

If it say ATF put it in your transmission.
If it say power steering fluid, put it in your power steering unit.
If your chest hurts, arm hurts, or numb, call 911 please.

We don't want to loose ya.

I'm not a Doctor or a mechanic, but i did stay at a Holiday Inn Last night.