DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

Just wanted to give you guys a heads up that the easily obtainable Mobil 1 ATF has been approved for use in Lexus Toyota vehicles requiring Toyota Type IV tranny fluid. Less expensive alternative in synthetic tranny fluid for the 2nd gen GS. This fluid is available at your local Autozone for $7.00 a quart.

pingu

Nice find.

LexFather

Nice find. I'm like you though, Amsoil for me but as you stated, nice low cost alternative.

JeffTsai

iTrader: (1)

I think the Mobil 1 ATF can be bought at walmart for even less. I'm not 100% positive, but I think I've seen it sold in a gallon there before for significantly less. Just like how their Mobil1 oil in the 5 quart jug costs less than if you buy it in single quarts.

I use the Amsoil ART Super Shift synthetic transmission fluid. It's nice to know a Amsoil dealer that will hook you up. I think I pay about $7.50 a quart for it

lexusscturbo

iTrader: (12)

Sweet..I'mma go get it

tommyGS3

iTrader: (4)

but how many bottles for our tranny

JeffTsai

iTrader: (1)

For a simple drain and refill it's about 2 quarts. It's not very thorough to only do 2qts because the entire trans has about 12 qts in it.

What I do is unplug one of the tranny cooler lines at the front and let it drain until nothing comes out anymore(engine needs to be idling to pump out the fluid). Then after that, pull the drain plug on the transmission oil pan. I've gotten out a total of about 4quarts or so doing this method. Do it about 2-3 times and you will get about 75% of the old fluid out of there. Obviously not the most efficient way to do it since there is some wasting because you are mix/draining. It is still much cheaper to do it this way than to take it to a shop for a complete machine automated flush. Make sure you drive the car around after each drain and refill session to mix the fluid around.

So for a complete flush. It will take 4qts x 3 times = 12 qts. You can do it a 4th time if you want but it's not really necessary in my opinion. 12qts X $7 = $84.

tommyGS3

iTrader: (4)

D*mmmmmmm, thats alot of fluid wasted. but i guest if i do it, i better do it the right way

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF can be used in your power steering unit as well. This new fluid says "multicar formula" on the bottle.. I purchased a bottle on Sunday and performed a d.i.y pwr steering change on my Rav4. I will see how this fluid holds up compared to the Amsoil that was in the pwr unit prior..

lexusscturbo

iTrader: (12)

Jeff do I need to pour it in as I unplug the transmission cooler or no?

Rock-a-Lex

iTrader: (4)

Great find Sean!!! You always come through with cool stuff!

JeffTsai

iTrader: (1)

Here's the procedure:
1. Unplug the discharge side of the PS cooler hoses going to the bottom of radiator/trans cooler. I think it's the right one that is the discharge hose(hose that shoots fluid out, not the one that returns to the trans). Direct the hose into a bottle or drip pan to minimize the mess.

2. Start the car and let it idle until you see no more fluid being pumped out of the hoses. You can just leave it in park, don't need to shift to drive or anything. It usually gets around 2-2.5 qts out from the hoses. Once it stops, cut the engine. This usually only takes about 30 seconds or so. Then put the hose back on.

3. Get under the car and remove the 14mm trans fluid drain pan bolt. Obviously, have a drip pan under there so you don't dump oil on your floor. This will remove another 1-1.5 quarts or so. After it stops dripping, put the bolt back on.

4. Fill the transmission up with new fluid through the dipstick tube. You will need a funnel with a hose attached to it. Pour very slowly or else you will make a mess and waste your new precious fluid all over the ground. The tube takes fluid very slowly, so if you go too fast it will just leak out the sides of the tube. Watch the floor continuously to make sure you're not dripping/wasting. Approximate how much fluid was drained. In this case if you did both you will flush about 3-4 quarts. Standard factory drain and refill procedure only gets out less than 2qts. So put in about 4 quarts.

5. Start the car and drive around for a few minutes. Just around your block or whatever. The purpose of this is to mix the new fluid with the old. You don't have to get the car to operating temp. A trip around the neighborhood should be enough. You can go longer if you want, it won't hurt anything.

6. If you went for a short drive, then the trans fluid shouldn't be that hot yet. So you can go ahead and repeat this procedure 2 more times or 3 more if you wish.

After about the 3rd fluid exchange, you should have about 75% or so new fluid and 25% old in there. This is actually not so bad considering the factory drain/refill only gets out about 15-20%. If you took it to a shop, they would need about 15qts to do a near complete(90-95% ish) fluid exchange. Not to mention they will tack on additional labor costs on top.

As you can see the method I use is more economical....money wise

lexusscturbo

iTrader: (12)

Isn't the transmission supposed to have fluid filled at all moments or not really?
How many qts shall I need for this?

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

what do you mean at all moments? There should be the same amount of fluid before you start the car, and after you've driven it for while. If not, I suggest you find out where that leak is On the flip side, the level will be different once you drive around.

I was able to flush my tranny with 9 quarts. I had a case of 12 on hand anyways. Just buy extra for future drain/refills.

lexusscturbo

iTrader: (12)

Oh just to let everyone know Jeff is right; its the right (side)- fluid-line when you are looking at the car..
Also an addon..
Get an SUV jack so you can tilt the car more..to let more fluid out.