CMDSlick

python... do you use this?

python

iTrader: (4)

nope..i use type t-4 from the dealer..someone asked for synthetic fluid that would work. I change all my fluids on a scheduled basis that few if any follow.
coolant every 2 years,not a fan of Toyota red but I use it
brake fluid every 2 years..dot 4
trans fluid every 25,000 miles..type t-4
ps fluid...well I just turkey baste it out a couple of times a year
engine oil I have just started running synthetic...I have mobile 1 and a napa platinum filter so ill let it go 5,000 on this change

Sc400NL

good info
thank you all and first thing tomorrow is going to the Toyota dealer and get some T-IV oil

Yamae

It's been nearly 2 years since I was asked but I finally found it. The information I got says,"完全化学合成フルード(in English, Fully synthetic fluid)". Other major specifications are as follows.

OMAHA

thanks yamae

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Great confirmation.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

Do you have a source for this? All the T-IV fluid analysis' I've seen ever as well as Mobil's documentation for JWS3309 shows it as being a conventional (non-synthetic) fluid.

Yamae

I got it from a translator who is translating manuals.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

What manual did he get that from?

oldskewel

iTrader: (1)

This may be related ...

We also have a Honda, which takes Genuine Honda DW-1 ATF. That ATF is considered/known to be synthetic on forums, etc.

If you look at the bottles of DW-1 sold in the USA, there is no mention of "synthetic" on them. If you look at bottles of DW-1 sold in Canada, the labeling is completely different, and they say "full synthetic" (and also "synthetique" for the French speakers up there). I assume that DW-1 is DW-1, so the "synthetic" labeling is just due to differing laws on what you're allowed to call stuff.

So could it be that the Type T-IV does not meet US Consumer Law (or whatever) requirements to call it synthetic, whereas in Japan, Canada, etc. with different marketing requirements, they can call the same stuff "synthetic"?

KALEI

Just wanted to add to the thread about trans fluid and type II, It’s just dexron. Nothing special about it, at the dealership When conducting services on cars specifically calling for type II they are actually using dexron 6 from gm.

Reasoning was that these cars predate Toyota creating their own trans fluid and are perfectly fine (designed around) using your standard run of the mill dexron II, which would be 6 now a days.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

You seem confused.

Dexron 6 is an approved replacement for Toyota WS trans fluid, not the older T-II/T-IV.

T-II/T-IV is a whole different spec, JWS-3309.

Amskeptic

So many opinions, I like especially the shops that justify whatever they happen to have, "oh yeah, no, we have never had a problem using xxxx, it's fine, no really." Well, those guys do not drive home in your car and they do not care if you need that transmission to last.

It is *not* hocus-pocus when Toyota specifies the fluid you must use. The valve body springs and *****, the surface area of the clutch discs, the electronic programming that dictates pressure through the solenoids all *must* match the torque output of our specific engines. If a clutch pack engages too slowly under load, you will burn the friction linings over time. If a clutch pack engages too quickly, it will shock the driveline. The viscosity of the fluid and the friction modifiers are absolutely matched to our engine output, throttle position, vehicle weight, and the transmission components responsible for pressure and distribution, primarily the *****/springs in the valve body, must have exactly the correct properties to ensure proper shift points and engagement speed based on load! Use the correct transmission fluid! Even if you can't tell the difference! The longevity of your transmission sure will tell you.
Colin