My transmission dipstick says to use ESP-M2C138-CJ fluid. I do not see any ATF in stores that references this number. I hear conflicting opinions about what is safe to use.

I have some HAVOLINE ATF that says it is safe for DEXRON II, IIE and III and I have some VALVOLINE MAX LIFE that says it is good for DEXRON III and MERCON.

Can I use one of these? If not what can I use?

Thanks for your help

 

Dextron III/Mercon is/was the service fluid for that application.. Mercon is being discountinued, and Mercon V will be the service fluid..

 

More stupid GM engineers made this fluid with graphite in it. If you ask me (having torn apart a lot of trannys.) the graphite seems to like to separate and wears seals out more. Old Fords ('79 andback) used type F fluid and had less overall buildup.