Transmission Fluid

[DallasGuy]

Hello guys, i just bought a 98 GS400 and would like to know which transmission fluid is the best to use. And also can i buy it from autozone or somewhere and just take it to a shop and let them change it. Can anyone help me with this?? Thanks in advance.

[masboy]

welcome DallasGuy I think it's recommended to use Toyota ATF type IV (12 qrts) fluid or Amsoil synthetic only. No autozone brand please.

[soakgame]

how often do you guys change fluid? it should be every 20k right?

[Debonair]

Looks like your first post - don't forget the mandatory Introductions with Pictures post.

EDITED (I was thinking of my buddys LX that takes dex)
That being said here you go: Toyota Type D-IV

Simple info like this can and should be found by searching the forum first before posting. Make a post like this on the wrong day and you will get bombarded by "search is your friend" and cool animated gif posts telling to do so.

[masboy]

if I'm not mistaken, it should be around 20K. I saw another person said 30K is fine too. Just check the fluid, if it's dark brown, time to change.

[DallasGuy]

thanks guys

[GSteg]

drain and refill requires 2-3 quarts

[chuckb]

Originally Posted by Debonair

That being said here you go: ATF Type D-II ("DEXRON II") or "DEXRON III"
This is readily available almost anywhere.

2nd gen GS take ATF Type T-IV(4). NOT DEXTRON 2!!!
and it's about 2 quarts for dran and refill.

[DallasGuy]

ok i just took it to a shop and change my tranny fluids and it cost me $170 with royal purple brand...it took like 12 quarts to change...does this seem right???

[blacksc400]

I only use Toyota Type-IV!!! I had terrible experience with any other brand used on Lexus.
Type IV is so much smoother than others.

[RI-Lex]

Originally Posted by DallasGuy

ok i just took it to a shop and change my tranny fluids and it cost me $170 with royal purple brand...it took like 12 quarts to change...does this seem right???

IMO not a good choice stick to the toyota tranny fluid

[masboy]

how about this ? link

AMSOIL Automatic Transmission Fluid Now Recommended for Toyota and Honda Applications

AMSOIL is pleased to announce that extensive research has determined that AMSOIL ATF meets the requirements for use in applications calling for Toyota Type T and Type T-IV fluids, and for those applications requiring Honda Z-1 transmission fluids. AMSOIL Universal ATF offers superior high and low-temperature performance. It cools and protects hot-running transmissions towing heavy loads far better than conventional fluids. For cold weather applications, it remains fluid down to -72º F to improve sub-zero performance and fuel economy. It can also improve shifting by keeping transitions between gears smooth. And by acting as an excellent heat dispersal system, AMSOIL ATF can actually deliver up to three times the service life of petroleum fluids.

AMSOIL Universal ATF has been blended to meet or exceed performance specifications in any of the following automatic transmission fluid applications:

* GM; Dexron II, Dexron III, GM 6297M, GM 6417M
* Ford; Mercon, Mercon V, M2C 163-A2, M2C 202B
* Chrysler; ATF+ thru ATF+4, MS 7176E, MS 9602D
* Toyota Type T and Type T-IV

I'm looking for transmission fluid as well, still confuse between AMSOIL and Toyota T-IV

[JeffTsai]

Use Amsoil ATF. It's miles ahead of the other fluids. I burned up conventional ATF and Toyota T-IV in less than 200 miles. The Amsoil holds up much longer. BTW, I race a lot on the track so it really puts a strain on the fluid. Amsoil change will last me around 5000miles or so between changes. Yes, I'm a bit craizer than your average Lexus driver

[DallasGuy]

so is that good or bad that i use royal purple?? i mean i dont mind paying all that money if it's good for the car...but is that over paying??

[swat1727]

look at ur dip stick. it says the fluid type on the stick. should be t4. YOU HAVE TO GET THE T4 from toyota! it's not worth the risk! i change my fluid everytime i do oil change!