ILSAC Standards vs. Automatic Transmission Fluids (ATF)
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
ILSAC GF-6 (developed by the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee of Japanese and American automakers) defines fuel economy, timing chain wear reduction, and engine durability standards. Splitting into GF-6A (backward-compatible for 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30) and GF-6B (dedicated to ultra-low viscosity 0W-16 oils).
Automatic transmission fluids (ATF) are highly engineered multi-functional hydraulic fluids standardized by OEM specifications (GM Dexron VI, Ford Mercon LV, Chrysler ATF+4, Toyota WS, ZF Lifeguard) into stepped planetary, Continuously Variable (CVT), and Dual-Clutch (DCT) fluid formulations with strict kinematic viscosities and friction-modifier curves.
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Standardization
|
ILSAC GF-6A / ILSAC GF-6B (Mandated May 2020) | — |
|
ILSAC GF-6A (Starburst Symbol)
|
Backward compatible with older GF-5 and GF-4 specifications for SAE 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30, 10W-30 | — |
|
ILSAC GF-6B (Shield Symbol)
|
Exclusively for SAE 0W-16 viscosity oils (NOT backward compatible with engines requiring GF-6A / GF-5) | — |
|
Timing Chain Wear Test (Sequence X)
|
A mandatory ASTM test that limits acceptable timing chain elongation over an extended multi-day cyclic engine run (specific pass/fail thresholds are set by the ASTM Sequence X test procedure, not reproduced here in full) | — |
|
Piston Deposit & Cleanliness (Sequence IIIH)
|
A high-temperature ASTM oxidation/deposit test that runs the oil under sustained elevated temperature to evaluate resistance to ring sticking and varnish formation (exact duration/temperature are set by the ASTM Sequence IIIH test procedure) | — |
|
Automaker Backing
|
Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Ford, GM, Stellantis) and Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (Toyota, Honda, Nissan) | — |
|
Governing Standards
|
— | SAE J311 / GM GMN10060 (Dexron VI) / Ford WSS-M2C938-A (Mercon LV) / JASO 1-A-LV (Japanese OEM) |
|
GM Dexron VI
|
— | Viscosity: 5.83 cSt at 100°C | Fully backward compatible with Dexron II/III | Shear-stable synthetic |
|
Ford Mercon LV
|
— | Viscosity: 5.7 cSt at 100°C | Low-viscosity standard for modern 6-speed and 10-speed (10R80) transmissions |
|
Chrysler / Stellantis ATF+4
|
— | Viscosity: 7.3 cSt at 100°C | High shear-stability Group III synthetic | Mandatory for Torqueflite / 42RLE |
|
Toyota Genuine ATF WS
|
— | Viscosity: 5.4 cSt at 100°C | Low-viscosity 'World Standard' for Toyota/Lexus 6/8-speed automatic transmissions |
|
CVT Fluid (Push-Belt / Chain)
|
— | High metal-to-metal steel belt friction coefficients (NS-2/NS-3, Lineartronic) | NEVER mix with standard ATF |
|
Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT/DSG)
|
— | Wet-clutch synchronization + high-pressure hydraulic valve bodies (VW G 052 182 / Pentosin FFL-2) |
|
Operating Temperature Limits
|
— | Optimal: 77°C–93°C (170°F–200°F) | Every 11°C (20°F) above 93°C halves fluid life via thermal oxidation |