hypervish

EDIT: Title should read : 4ES (2002-2006) ONLY- What transmission fluid have you experimented with?

Hey, how's everyone doing?

I'm going to do a drain and fill soon on my ES, and I'm in the process of trying to find out which ATF will work best. I'm well aware that it spec's Toyota Type-IV. But, in my experience and other's via UOA's and such, It's quite clear that the Mobil 3309/T-IV isn't a very stout fluid. It doesn't hold up well at all.

In my RX300 (U140), I've been using Castrol Transmax Import Multi-Vehicle for 60k miles without any problems. The Castrol stands up much better, and there is absolutely zero discoloration.

I'm wondering what you 4th generation ES300/ES330 owners are using for your transmission fluid?

As of now, I'm thinking of using the same Castrol Transmax IMV ATF in the ES300 as well, and seeing how it performs with the 5 speed U151.

Please, try and keep this specific to the 4th generation ES with the 5 speed transmission. Thanks!!

msekanha

I've done all my drain and fills with the original t-iv transmission fluid for my '05. With such a critical component like a transmission, I'd be too scared to try anything else.

Megafast13

Just use OEM original tranny fluid.


Tip: Get a Slick 50 Transmission Treatment. It will work wonders.

msekanha

^^ do NOT get Slick 50 or any additives for your transmission. Learn from me, that stuff will cause catastrophic results to your transmission.

hypervish

No snake oil for me. Additives are garbage. There are very few additives that actually work.

I'll likely use the Castrol IMV. The T-IV doesn't hold up. I might try amsoil or redline D4 which are all approved for T-IV and are all proven fluids.

LeX2K

Not always. Lucas transmission fix works well in older units that are starting to slip, the fluid compensates for worn clutches and will make the tranny shift smoother. It's not a cure obviously.

I personally use Royal Purple ATF in all my cars, great stuff highly recommended. Toyota T-IV is Mobil 3309, same fluid exactly. It's not a bad fluid but not anything great either IMO.

imherenow

fluids like trans and coolant i stick with OEM . period.

LeX2K

Agreed on the coolant. But Mobil 3309 is frozen in time, there are much better fluids now available. When I put RP in my ES I noticed an improvement right away over the OEM stuff.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Didn't know Toyota were using a rebranded product as their ATF, good to know. I personally have had a good experience with AMSOIL Synthetic, it's great because it's compatible with any slushbox, as long as it's not a CVT. I don't have a lot of experience with ATF's, so I haven't had a chance to try different brands.

msekanha

Let me know how it is. I may consider switching..

My t-iv fluid kinda bubbles a little, despite the proper fluid level..

hypervish

Like I said, there are very few additives that actually work.

hypervish

Yup, I'll update the thread once I do the drain and fill.

Megafast13

Yes most are bogus, however I personally have had great results with Slick 50, Lucas, Seafoam, and other additives.

hypervish

Just an update as promised, I decided to go with Castrol Transmax IMV. Surprisingly enough, I was able to drain 4.5 quarts of ATF. I only bought 4 quarts today but luckily had some left over from another time I did a drain and fill on my RX.

Initial impressions from the test drive, smoother shifts and less shift flare. Old fluid was pretty beat, didn't look good. I'm planning on changing the ATF again in 5000 miles. And from then on will change every 25k miles.