Best Transfer Case Fluid (2026): 5 Fluids Compared
Five transfer case fluids for AWD and 4x4 systems, compared by application fit, synthetic base, cold flow and warranty.
On this page
Top picks at a glance
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- 1
Best OverallGM Gold Auto-Trak II9.5/10View on Amazon - 2
Best for European AWDTRIAX DTF-19.5/10View on Amazon - 3
Best Multi-VehicleValvoline Multi-Vehicle9.4/10View on Amazon - 4
Best GM OriginalACDelco Auto-Trak II9.4/10View on Amazon
The transfer case sits between the transmission and the axles, splitting torque to the front and rear, and its fluid is the only thing between the chain, the clutch pack and the gears. When the fluid is wrong for the case, a clutch-type unit can shudder on tight turns and a chain can run dry on a cold start. Finding the best transfer case fluid means matching the fluid to the case in your vehicle, not just grabbing any gear oil off the shelf.
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Quick picks
- Best Overall GM Gold Auto-Trak II: 2 liters total in two 1-liter bottles, a 2-year manufacturer warranty, and it replaces 10-4017 and 88900402. Check price on Amazon
- Best for European AWD TRIAX DTF-1: Full synthetic with cold flow to -60°F, a direct replacement for BMW DTF-1 and Mopar BorgWarner fluids. Check price on Amazon
- Best Multi-Vehicle Valvoline Multi-Vehicle: Full-synthetic formula with a seal conditioner for all-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles. Check price on Amazon
- Best GM Original ACDelco Auto-Trak II: GM original equipment Auto-Trak II fluid approved for GM automatic four-wheel drive vehicles. Check price on Amazon
Picks for the garage
GM Gold Auto-Trak II Transfer Case Fluid
A 2-pack of GM Auto-Trak II transfer case fluid with two 1-liter bottles, 2 liters total, and a 2-year manufacturer warranty.
Pros
- 2 liters total in two 1-liter bottles
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
- Replaces 10-4017, 88900402, 12378396 and 12378508
- Helps control heat and oxidation
Cons
- GM part number 19540587 only; verify the application before ordering
- Cold flow figure not stated
- Seal conditioner not stated
- No application list beyond part number 19540587
TRIAX DTF-1 Professional
A full-synthetic transfer case fluid in a 1-quart bottle, made for electronically controlled active transfer cases and listed for BMW, Mopar, ACDelco, Audi, Porsche and Range Rover applications.
Pros
- Full synthetic with rapid cold flow to -60°F
- Direct replacement for BMW DTF-1, Mopar BorgWarner and ACDelco Auto-Trak II
- Made for electronically controlled active transfer cases
- Shear-stable synthetic base protects chain, sprockets and low-range gears
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Single 1-quart bottle
- No foam control claim is stated
- Aimed at electronically controlled active transfer cases
Valvoline Multi-Vehicle (TCF)
A multi-vehicle transfer case fluid in a 1-quart bottle, with a full-synthetic formula, anti-wear additives and a seal conditioner.
Pros
- Full-synthetic formula with advanced additives
- Seal conditioner protects seals to prevent leaks
- Reduces foam and oxidation
- Made for all-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles
Cons
- Title says Conventional while the bullets say full synthetic
- No warranty term is stated
- Single 1-quart bottle
- No cold flow figure is stated
ACDelco GM Original Equipment 10-4017 Auto-Trak II
The GM original equipment Auto-Trak II transfer case fluid in a 33.8 oz bottle, approved for GM automatic four-wheel drive vehicles.
Pros
- GM original equipment fluid
- Approved for GM automatic four-wheel drive vehicles
- Improved oxidation resistance for extended life
- Withstands extended high-temperature operation
Cons
- Warranty is listed as No Warranty
- Short listing; no application list beyond GM automatic four-wheel drive
- Single 33.8 oz bottle
- No cold flow figure is stated
ACDelco Gold 19540587 Transfer Case Auto Fluid
The ACDelco Gold transfer case fluid, part number 19540587, in a 33.81 fl oz bottle for General Motors vehicles and most makes and models.
Pros
- ACDelco Gold part for GM vehicles
- Long lasting endurance
- Excellent lubrication to transfer case gears
- Made to meet specifications for fit, form and function
Cons
- Warranty is listed as No Warranty
- Short listing; no application list beyond GM and most makes and models
- Single 33.81 fl oz bottle
- No cold flow figure is stated
Compared on paper
| Model | Shop Score | Type | Size | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GM Gold Auto-Trak II | 9.5/10 | GM Auto-Trak II | 2 liters total | 2 years |
| TRIAX DTF-1 | 9.5/10 | Full synthetic | 1 Quart | Not stated |
| Valvoline Multi-Vehicle | 9.4/10 | Multi-vehicle | 1 QT | Not stated |
| ACDelco Auto-Trak II | 9.4/10 | GM original equipment | 33.8 oz | No warranty |
| ACDelco Gold 19540587 | 9.4/10 | GM Gold | 33.81 fl oz | No warranty |
Specifications are manufacturer rated, as published on each listing and collected 2 November 2026. Where a listing contradicts itself, both figures are shown.
How the points were given
Each fluid is scored on performance, build, value, safety and warranty, with the weights published on our How We Pick page. None states a safety listing, so all score zero on safety, and only the GM Gold 2-pack states a clear warranty term.
| Product | Shop Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GM Gold Auto-Trak II | 9.5 | 29 | 21 | 21 | 0 | 3 |
| TRIAX DTF-1 | 9.5 | 32 | 22 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Valvoline Multi-Vehicle | 9.4 | 28 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| ACDelco Auto-Trak II | 9.4 | 28 | 20 | 19 | 0 | 0 |
| ACDelco Gold 19540587 | 9.4 | 27 | 20 | 19 | 0 | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
What the listings tell you
The GM Gold 2-pack states a 2-year manufacturer warranty; the other listings state no warranty term, and none states a safety listing. The TRIAX lists applications across European, Asian and US makers, while the Valvoline is the multi-vehicle fluid. The ACDelco 10-4017 is the GM original equipment fluid, and the ACDelco Gold 19540587 is the ACDelco Gold fluid for GM vehicles.
Buying guide: choosing the best transfer case fluid
Match the fluid to the case
Transfer cases take application-specific fluids, so check the part number in the vehicle owner’s manual before ordering. The GM Gold 2-pack replaces 10-4017, 88900402, 12378396 and 12378508, and the TRIAX is a direct replacement for BMW DTF-1, Mopar BorgWarner fluids and ACDelco Auto-Trak II. The Valvoline is the multi-vehicle fluid here, made for all-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles with multi-powered axles.
Synthetic base and cold flow
The TRIAX is a full-synthetic fluid with rapid cold flow to -60°F for cold starts, and the Valvoline uses a full-synthetic formula with advanced additives. Cold flow matters on a cold start, when the clutch and chain need lubrication right away. The ACDelco fluids state no cold flow figure, so compare them on application fit instead.
Seals and clutch packs
The Valvoline protects seals with a conditioner to prevent leaks, and the TRIAX is fully compatible with electronic sensors, solenoids, elastomer seals and soft-metal components. The TRIAX is made for electronically controlled active transfer cases where the ECU meters torque through a wet multi-plate clutch. Stable friction across the temperature and slip range keeps the torque split repeatable, with no shudder or chatter on tight turns.
Bottle size and warranty
The GM Gold 2-pack holds 2 liters total in two 1-liter bottles, and it is the only fluid here with a stated warranty term: 2 Year Manufacturer. The other fluids come in single bottles of 1 quart, 33.8 oz, 32 fl oz and 33.81 fl oz. Check the owner’s manual for the fill capacity and the part number, and keep the second bottle on the shelf until the change is done.
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Garage Fit Check
- Check the part number in the owner’s manual before ordering: the GM Gold 2-pack replaces 10-4017, 88900402, 12378396 and 12378508.
- The TRIAX bottle measures 4.0 by 2.5 by 9.0 in, and the Valvoline bottle measures 4.23 by 2.65 by 9.0 in.
- The GM Gold 2-pack holds 2 liters total in two 1-liter bottles, so keep both bottles together until the change.
- Only the GM Gold 2-pack states a warranty term: 2 Year Manufacturer.
FAQ: garage tools
Does gear oil work in a transfer case?
Check the owner’s manual for the fluid the case needs. Transfer cases that use a wet clutch pack need a fluid made for that clutch, and the TRIAX is made for electronically controlled active transfer cases where the ECU meters torque through a wet multi-plate clutch.
What fluid does a GM transfer case take?
GM Auto-Trak II fluid, part number 10-4017 or 19540587. The ACDelco 10-4017 and the GM Gold 2-pack are both Auto-Trak II fluids, and the ACDelco Gold 19540587 is the ACDelco Gold fluid for GM vehicles.
Is the Valvoline transfer case fluid synthetic?
The title calls it Conventional, but the bullets describe a full synthetic formula with full-synthetic base stocks and advanced additives. The listing contradicts itself, so go by the bullets and check the bottle when it arrives.
How much transfer case fluid is needed?
Check the fill capacity in the owner’s manual. The GM Gold 2-pack holds 2 liters total, and the other fluids come in single bottles of 1 quart, 33.8 oz, 32 fl oz and 33.81 fl oz.
Does transfer case fluid have a warranty?
Only the GM Gold 2-pack states a warranty term: 2 Year Manufacturer. The ACDelco 10-4017 and the ACDelco Gold 19540587 list no warranty.
Related: the best gear oil by the gallon, the manual fluid transfer pump guide, the how to do a transmission flush guide and the motor oil types guide. Also see the gear oil in transfer case hub.
