Beating a dead horse.. I know!!
02-23-11, 09:47 AM
#31
Dexron III is widely available. I would also echo the recommendation not to use the "works in every transmission" type fluids out there.
02-23-11, 10:16 AM
#33
MaxLife is not an all in one fluid. And would you agree that it is suitable if it meets or exceeds the original fluid certifications? BTW, Toyota T-IV is nothing great IMO, it blackens fairly quickly. In my Lexus, draining it out and putting in MaxLife showed an instant improvement (my car was Lexus serviced exclusively before I bought it).
BTW, MaxLife meets or exceeds TIV, JWS3309, Mercon V, Dexron VI and other specs. I hate to vehemently defend the stuff, but it is a good product. BTW, MaxLife is not the only multi-use ATF out there Petro-Canada DuraDrive is similar, and in fact a great fluid but hard to find. This is the suitable applications.
* GM: DEXRON®-II, DEXRON-III
* Ford: MERCON, MERCON-V
* Toyota: T, T-III, T-IV, WS
* Honda: Z1
* Hyundai/Kia/Mitsubishi: SP-II, SP-III
* Nissan: Matic D, J and K
* Mercedes Benz: 236.1/.2 /.5 /.6/.7/.9/.10
* BMW: 7045E, LA2634, LT71141
* VW/Audi: G-052-025-A2, G-052-162-A1
* Volvo: 97340
I suppose that makes it bad fluid as well? Consider that it can be used in so many applications because it is an outstanding product.
Call me skeptical, I know I wouldn't fill my transmission up with this stuff. It sounds like the OP is making the smart move and going with what Toyota recommended.
02-23-11, 10:44 AM
#34
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02-23-11, 10:56 AM
#35
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ok... first, I wouldnt put the ATF with stop leak in my car.. I dont have a leak. Just black tranny fluid. Second I would put a DEX III fluid in.. because that is what my Manual says to do?? Anyone think this is a bad idea?? To not follow the owners manual?? Here is a link to what I was thinking of putting in
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...0471&ppt=C0207
Any thoughts? Its not a stop leak formula... because again, I DONT HAVE LEAKS!!! lol
Let me know!!
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...0471&ppt=C0207
Any thoughts? Its not a stop leak formula... because again, I DONT HAVE LEAKS!!! lol
Let me know!!
02-23-11, 11:11 AM
#36
From most reports Type IV fluid is is a Dexron formulation -- many fluids are. It was one of the early fluids as was Mercon.
Lots of fluids will meet the spec and overlap. What you don't know is what else is in the fluid or what is not in the fluid. Because the spec is not for that.
Toyota lists transmissions that use IV and D II / III in a grid so they must be slightly different. The IV may have a slightly different coefficient that some transmissions are designed to exploit to achieve better or smother shifting --- or it could be that it is partly synthetic or has additives to allow for a longer service life.
Just because it meets a specification -- like some say IV does in the Volvo - does not equate with it being the same fluid.
Since your manual and dipstick says D II then D III is the correct fluid.
Lots of fluids will meet the spec and overlap. What you don't know is what else is in the fluid or what is not in the fluid. Because the spec is not for that.
Toyota lists transmissions that use IV and D II / III in a grid so they must be slightly different. The IV may have a slightly different coefficient that some transmissions are designed to exploit to achieve better or smother shifting --- or it could be that it is partly synthetic or has additives to allow for a longer service life.
Just because it meets a specification -- like some say IV does in the Volvo - does not equate with it being the same fluid.
Since your manual and dipstick says D II then D III is the correct fluid.
02-23-11, 11:33 AM
#37
Lexus Champion
Did a bit of searching, and this stuff has definitely been discussed over and over again, beating a dead horse for sure! lol
I did find these, hopefully they clear up some confusion.
I did find these, hopefully they clear up some confusion.
02-23-11, 11:37 AM
#38
From most reports Type IV fluid is is a Dexron formulation -- many fluids are. It was one of the early fluids as was Mercon.
Lots of fluids will meet the spec and overlap. What you don't know is what else is in the fluid or what is not in the fluid. Because the spec is not for that.
Toyota lists transmissions that use IV and D II / III in a grid so they must be slightly different. The IV may have a slightly different coefficient that some transmissions are designed to exploit to achieve better or smother shifting --- or it could be that it is partly synthetic or has additives to allow for a longer service life.
Just because it meets a specification -- like some say IV does in the Volvo - does not equate with it being the same fluid.
Since your manual and dipstick says D II then D III is the correct fluid.
Lots of fluids will meet the spec and overlap. What you don't know is what else is in the fluid or what is not in the fluid. Because the spec is not for that.
Toyota lists transmissions that use IV and D II / III in a grid so they must be slightly different. The IV may have a slightly different coefficient that some transmissions are designed to exploit to achieve better or smother shifting --- or it could be that it is partly synthetic or has additives to allow for a longer service life.
Just because it meets a specification -- like some say IV does in the Volvo - does not equate with it being the same fluid.
Since your manual and dipstick says D II then D III is the correct fluid.
Until a verified Toyota transmission engineer says some other fluid is better for this specific year and transmission, go with the manual.
I'm not sure of the exact differences between Toyota Type IV and Dex III, but Toyota seems to think it's enough of a difference to make the distinction, so just stay safe and go with the manual.
Problem solved.
02-23-11, 11:39 AM
#39
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So.. if I am reading it correctly, I should use the T-IV in my car correct? Can you explain your findings so it makes sense to me.. lol.. talk to me like I am 5 yrs old.. lol... thanks
02-23-11, 01:02 PM
#41
Yes - That is the grid.
Toyota must have been moving to the Type IV for many transmissions around Y2K. My 2000 ES300 calls for IV -- yet the Camry calls for Dex? - Are they not the same transmission?
I believe Lexus was also moving to longer service intervals at this point.
With electronic control, the "slip" as it moves through gears can be better controlled -- a fluid that allows more slip can result in smoother shifting. But you need the correct fluid.
When everything was hydraulic it was more or less the same shift every time.
Toyota must have been moving to the Type IV for many transmissions around Y2K. My 2000 ES300 calls for IV -- yet the Camry calls for Dex? - Are they not the same transmission?
I believe Lexus was also moving to longer service intervals at this point.
With electronic control, the "slip" as it moves through gears can be better controlled -- a fluid that allows more slip can result in smoother shifting. But you need the correct fluid.
When everything was hydraulic it was more or less the same shift every time.
Last edited by yeldogt; 03-05-11 at 01:12 PM.
03-05-11, 03:07 PM
#43
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I use Amsoil ATF since it adheres to Toyo T4, Dex III etc...Install the fluid and change every 40,000 to 50K miles and be happy. Based on my last UOA of T4, it sucks and this is inline with other users T4 analyis's.
I use it in both a 98 and 06 trannys & PS fluid and works mint (based on fluid analysis)...
I use it in both a 98 and 06 trannys & PS fluid and works mint (based on fluid analysis)...
03-06-11, 05:54 AM
#44
Well the backward compatibility would make sense - from all reports the IV has more friction modifiers that the newer transmissions can take advantage of - so you want to use the correct fluid in order to maximize the shifts.
Only a Toyota power train engineer would be able to explain exactly what is going on and if using DIII vs IV would just cause more noticeable shifting or actually shorten the life of the box.
Only a Toyota power train engineer would be able to explain exactly what is going on and if using DIII vs IV would just cause more noticeable shifting or actually shorten the life of the box.
03-06-11, 11:34 AM
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the kicker is T4 is NOT a synthetic..No wonder it performs poorly...The larger issue is all dealers are in the dark on changing it (for me);
I know there is not a lot of doff between T4 and Dex III. I will have to find the analysis I read on comparing the two.
I know there is not a lot of doff between T4 and Dex III. I will have to find the analysis I read on comparing the two.
