toyo

Does anybody know the difference in Type s, which the manual calls for, vs dexron 3? I hate to but it at the dealer for the same thing.

Daddy-O

?? That message does not compute.

My 2002 RX 300 owner's manual calls for ATF Type T-IV.
Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV (ATF JWS3309 or NWS6500)

toyo

Is there a differnce between the two. I hate to buy it from the dealer when I think its the same thing as dexron111

Lexmexico

Type IV is a synthetic, unike III.

toyo

Does that mean it is the same as Mobil 1 synthetic trans fluid?? Or should I say is it safe to use?

Lexmexico

It is not the same as Mobil 1 ATF, but you cannot go wrong with using it. Where I live in Mexico, I could have gotten the Mobil 1 ATF, but it is very, very expensive, over $16 a pop due to taxation.

However, Toyota now sells cars here and I got theirs for around 89 pesos or $8.90. Since the engine is the same as the Camry, they could service the RX. I incidentally know a lot of friends with either the ES300 or the Camry in the states who have used the Mobil 1 ATF, and have never encountered problems. However, Mobil 1 oil does not sell very well down here. The reason is partially price and some sort of BS theory that synthetic will not hold up in dirty climates (should be the other way around).

One thing I did do was switch to a DOT 4 on my brake fluid. Much better response and cleaner over time than the DOT 3. I believe Castrol makes a synthetic brake fluid, but they do not make it here. Forgot about using the Mobil 1 ATF for power steering fluid in the RX. I know someone who did this and found some leaks.