GM General Motors Oil Specifications

GM Dexos Motor Oil Specifications

GM Dexos approved oils are recommended to be used in all GM vehicles except those built with Duramax diesel engines that require an API CJ-4 quality oil.

GM Dexos 1

Designed with gasoline engines in mind GM Dexos 1 replaces the GM-LL-A-025, GM6094M and GM4718M specifications. This specification is usually recommended for GM vehicles built for the North American and Asian markets. Compared to ILSAC GF-5 it has stricter requirements regarding piston deposit formation, aeration, oxidation stability, wear, low-temperature pumpability and volatility.

GM Dexos 1 Gen 3

The GM Dexos 1 Gen 3 oil specification represents a significant advancement in engine lubrication technology. With its enhanced wear protection, improved fuel efficiency, piston cleanliness, and compatibility with modern engine designs, Dexos 1 Gen 3 oils ensure the reliable and efficient operation of vehicles.

GM Dexos 2

The GM Dexos 2 specification is meant to be the replacement for both GM-LL-A-025 (gasoline) and GM-LL-B-025 (diesel) specifications for the European market. Oils meeting GM Dexos 2 are required for vehicles manufactured from MY2011 onward but they are also backward compatible with older models. This specification is built on the ACEA C3 standard but also contains elements from the ILSAC GF-4 deposit formation test and low-temperature sludge build-up test.

Legacy Motor Oil Specifications

GM-LL-A-025

Special GM approval for long-life engine oil for gasoline engines. Viscosity is SAE 0W-30. Product meets ACEA A3/B3. Drain interval can be as long as 30 000 kms. Recommended for vehicles built before MY2011.

GM-LL-B-025

Special GM approval for long-life engine oil for diesel engines. Viscosity is SAE 5W-40. Product meets ACEA A3/B3/B4. Drain interval can be as long as 50 000 kms. Recommended for vehicles built before MY2011.

Automatic Transmission Fluids

Dexron Type A, Suffix A

Specification introduced in 1957. It requires the oil to meet certain limits regarding its kinematic viscosity.

Dexron IID

General Motors Dexron®-IID Specification. ATF issued in 1975. Contained ATF cooler corrosion requirements not listed in Dexron® - II.

Dexron IIE

General Motors Specification Dexron®-IIE. ATF issued in 1991 requiring improved low temperature performance compared to Dexron®-IID, 20 000 cP at minus 40 °C.

Dexron IIIF

GM specification for Automatic transmission oil introduced in 1994. Successor of Dexron IID and IIE.

Dexron IIIG

Successor of Dexron III(F) automatic transmission fluid. This has the same low temperature characteristics as Dexron IIE, but with modifications to anti-oxidancy and friction material. Introduced in 1997.

Dexron IIIH

Dexron III licence H was introduced in June 2003 to replace the Dexron III G fluid. It has an oxidatively stable base oil (group 2 or group 3). Oils according to this specification have longer maintenance of friction properties and anti-shrudder properties, better foam control and a longer fluid life.

Dexron VI

Specification introduced in 2005 to replace Dexron IIIH. This specification requires better stay-in-grade properties, oxidative stability and anti-foam characteristics. Oils meeting this specification can be used with extended drain intervals and are energy conserving.