amaterasu

Hi guys, well went to orielly auto parts and they gave me dex 3 tranny fluid. Sadly I didn't check the forum as I thought their computer would get it right.... I've been reading on the forum im suppose to sue dex Iv so do I need to go and get the IV and drain the dex 3 and replace or will the dex 3 work don't want to burn my tranny ?

PFB

Dexron 3 is fine. No Worries.

It should also say it on your transmission oil dipstick

LeX2K

Running Dexron will slowly destroy your transmission if it's supposed to be using Toyota Type T-IV. Verify what transmission you have before you put in any fluid.

JazzyQuinn

I also own a 1999 es300 and what I've come to learn is that you can use either, but type 4 is preferable. In the owners manual it calls for, "Automatic transmission fluid DEXTRON II or III." You can use dex 3 but if you look on the bottle of dex 4 it says, "Meets the performance requirements of DEXTRON III" and I've been told by a couple mechanics that dex 4 is better for my 99.

joegreen

If you already put in dex3 don't worry about it. I have used dex3 in the past but now i use t4 because its the same price and the toyota dealer is close to my house.

LeX2K

There is no such thing as Dexron 4. Don't go by the owners manual other members have found it to be wrong for the '99 ES. Either look at the transmission dipstick it will state what fluid is used (on mine it's mixed in with Japanese characters) or look at the drivers side door sticker it will state AT/M - *transmission model*

If you have U140E then you use Toyota Type T-IV, Mobil 3309, Royal Purple ATF among others. If you have A541E you use Dexron III or compatible NOT Dexron VI. Always read the label on the bottle if it doesn't say the fluid is compatible then it's not.