ALarsh

Well first off, after reading a lot of the threads everybody was saying to only use Toyota ATF IV. I went to the toyota dealer and asked them for some and they advised me my car needs Dexron III fluid... not the IV or WS (1997 ES300). Sure enough I went out to my car and checked the dip stick... it said Dexron II/III.

Make sure you guys don't just dump in IV into it cause it says so on the forum. Check your owners manual and dip stick! I almost made that mistake.

So off I went to napa to pick some up, dropped out the old oil, put new in. Now I am trying to figure out how I know if my transmission is up to temp? The oil pan is warm to touch but the fluid is definitely not warm (I drained a little out and cool to touch). I took it for a drive around the block and not much movement in level. Right now it is at the bottom of the hot mark... but I guess I was going to let it sit overnight and then check on the cool side of the stick?

Suggestions?

BDSL

Yes, use Dexron III.

3 quartz is enough.

Walnut

Amsoil Synthetic ATF. Car runs purrrrrrrr-fectly.

97'ES

Drive the car for 10 or 15 minutes and allow the temp. gauge to get to a normal operating level. Then check the fluid with the car running. Shift through the gears manually and recheck a couple times.

alaskaty

Should I stick with Dexron III or would Dexron VI be superior?

ALarsh

I stayed with III but i'm pretty sure you could use IV if you want. I think they are interchangeable as each fluid supersedes the next, but wait for other input before using IV.