awdandrwd

iTrader: (1)

Hello,

I have a '94 LS400 nearing 190K and I need to do a drain and fill for the tranny. Can I use Valvoline MaxLife ATF? I've had good luck with MaxLife products so far.

Thank you,

Stan

S30ZG

iTrader: (5)

No, anything other than Toyota Type IV ATF will ruin the transmission.

awdandrwd

iTrader: (1)

Sounds good. Is the Type IV stuff red in color? Current fluid looks red, I believe.

Stan

RA40

iTrader: (6)

The Toyota Type IV is the safe bet. The current fluids are "compatible" but with Toyota fluid readily available, it is easier IMO. ~5.47-$6/bottle.

awdandrwd

iTrader: (1)

Good deal, will buy some Type IV stuff then. For simple drain/fill (not dropping the pan), I suspect 4-5 quarts should be enough.

Thank you,

Stan

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

no, 2-2.5 tops.

awdandrwd

iTrader: (1)

Huh, perfect! At that rate, I can do a drain and fill every oil change then.

Stan

moat

For my 93 LS it was 1.9 quarts. Remember to measure while the engine is running and not over fill.

LScowboyLS

this answer is kind of half right, because Toyota T-IV is actually just Mobil 3309 ATF in a different colored bottle, and several other companies sell the same fluid under other names, such as your Volvo dealership (and Saab when they were still around) - the Toyota branded is easiest to find and cheapest, though

when I drain my '96 and let it run out a while, it takes almost a full 3 quarts to refill it, and by the way, always replace the drain plug AND crushable gasket, these are BOTH designed to be single use items and only cost $5-6 for the pair together at the dealership (when I get lazy and don't replace both, I end up with a slow leak, learned the hard way on this)

RA40

iTrader: (6)

If you have proper levels now, measure what comes out and fill accordingly. I've had varying amounts over the years and thinking it is always going to be 2.5 quarts I've had it over and under filled.

sethjon

That is sooooooooo untrue. Any top brand that is #4 will work fine.

sethjon

As long as you get the right grade. I think yours is #4

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

i would simply stick to type IV OEM toyota ATF.

here is another related question, is a simple drain and fill adequate enough? is a flush even necessary?

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

look at the fluid. if it looks red (or reasonably close) then a drain and fill is probably fine.

any brown tint to it or "bits" in the fluid then i'd do a flush through the cooler lines.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

i'm about to do this, but when purchasing OEM ATF at the dealership they told me 90-97 cars use dexron III?!?! i still bought the type IV stuff despite his recommendation, but i want to check here once more before i start. any thoughts on this?