'16 Rebel, TC fluid (BW 44-45) ATF 4+?

[miketx]

Two questions:
1) My Rebel has a BW 44-45 transfer case. As such, it can use ATF 4+ fluid, right?
2) Does it come filled from the factory with the same "wonder fluid" as the BW 44-44 (Ram 1500 TC fluid)? I understand that fluid is a weird dark blue.

I don't want to run afoul of my lifetime warranty, but I read mixed messages when it comes to the 44-45 transfer case.

 

[Tach_tech]

The 16+ ones use a different fluid. It’s almost clear. If you’re worried about warranty, just buy the fluid from the dealer.

 

[miketx]

Interesting...I'll have to look into that, because everything I've read seems to point at the 68089195AA fluid, which I thought was bluish in color. Never heard of a clear fluid. The other confusing thing is the BW 44-45 TC has been out for years, and used to take ATF 4+. I think Mopar changed their specs for convenience, even though the 44-45 does not need the same additives as the 44-44 (auto TC).

 

[Tach_tech]

My bad, I didn’t see you were talking about the 44-45. The 44-44 and 44-40 fluid for 2016+ is clear. The 44-45 new fluid I personally haven’t seen so I can’t speak to it’s colour.

 

[miketx]

No worries....in the 1500, only the Rebel and Outdoorsman have the 44-45. I plan to check my owners manual again, when I get my Rebel back (at the dealer right now, getting the exhaust mainfold bolts replaced on the passenger side....started loud ticking a few weeks ago). Unfortunately, I think the owners manual is generic across 1500s, and doesn't consider the outliers (Rebel, Outdoorsman), but I could be wrong.

Hopefully someone can reply that has changed the TC fluid. I'm just used to ATF being used in TCs...my old Jeep is that way, and so was my previous FJ Cruiser.

 

[Tach_tech]

In the service manual the only transfer case that takes atf +4 is the NV243. So if you put atf in the transfer case and you had an issue it would give a dealer a reason to deny the claim.

 

[Tim Garceau]

Amsoil SS red cap ATF

Run it in your 44-44 too guys, don’t fall for Stellantis BS.

 

[miketx]

In the service manual the only transfer case that takes atf +4 is the NV243. So if you put atf in the transfer case and you had an issue it would give a dealer a reason to deny the claim.

Yup....just looked through the manual. All of the TCs show the same fluid (except NV243).....Ram is just lazy and wants everyone to buy the special fluid.

 

[tonynap]

Mopar 68089195AA is the correct lubricant for the BorgWarner BW44-45 transfer case.

Genuine bottles have "44-45, 44-46, 44-47, and 44-48 and pre 2016 44-44" printed on the front of the bottle.

 

[tallfetcher]

My 2013 1500 has the 44-45 transfer case and the fluid that came out was red. also the owners manual calls for ATF+4. only the 44-44 calls for that bw special fluid.

 

[miketx]

The stuff that came out of my 44-45 was also red. I used Mopar fluid, but very easily could have used ATF+4, which is also red.