jolomo

Now that my 2001 RX300 AWD is running smoothly with the remanufactured engine, I want to determine the best transmission fluid to prolong the life of the transmission. I can afford another large repair bill.

What type of transmission fluid do you use? Type, brand, synthetic? Fluid change, how ofter?

Dlexus81

Synthetic.... Change my oil every 5K miles....

hypervish

Castrol Transmax Import Multi Vehicle - It's a synthetic blend.

Lexmex

If you are talking about right now, Redline D4, http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=51&pcid=9 and every 15K miles I take a look at the fluid and generally have changed it at that time, even with the synthetic.

lexus114

This may sound a little strange, but here goes; When I had my 2001 RX300 I noticed that when I used the Toyota brand fluid, I had too much slip-n-slide from first to second gear. When I used the Castrol multi Import vehicle fluid, it shifted MUCH better. However, on my now RX330 this trans works the best on the Toyota brand fluid. Why? I have no idea.

lserlohn

Valvoline MaxLife ATF is the cheapest synthetic ATF. Only around $25 for 5 qt at Walmart. I used it without problem.

Nomjisly

I have read through the tread trying to answer a similar question but i am afraid i have to ask a question instead.

What is the general specification for the best synthetic ATF? i live in an area of Nigeria where it is difficult to get the Toyota branded ATF.

salimshah

There is no such thing as "Best synthetic ATF", just like there is no best engine oil ... or even best food dish ... We all have our favorites.

Lexus specifies Toyota T-IV or better. Any manufacturer can make a claim that their product meets or exceeds Toyota TIV, but make sure you buy good reputable stuff.

Toyota dealership should carry the ATF for their vehicles and even here in USA, I have not seen Toyota T-IV in any auto shops.

Salim

Lexmex

Different transmission even with Type IV fluid. I have said this before that a beefed up U140 or something better (more truck like) should have been used on the RX300 and not what is otherwise a Camry transmission. The U151 is an improvement.

Lexmex

What brands of transmission fluid do you have there?

There might be something European that might be a Type IV equivalent that is more common there than would be in the Western Hemisphere.

lexus114

Well, it is an all electronic trans and I believe it has the learning adaptable software. However I`m not positive re; that. I really cant complain about the way mine shifts but I do like the way newer Lexus RX models shift. It`s even more crisp. (forgot to mention) My RX300 trans also liked the Wolf`s Head Synthetic fluid too.

Highrollr

I recently bought the castrol high mileage w specifications that list it can be used w vehicles that require IV or higher. ThisIt is my 1st time purchase in transmission fluid this is the 1st vehicle I've had well over a 150K miles can anyone reply that this would be OK to use ?I purchased this product over the synthetic figure in I'm close to 200K miles. This is for 04 Lexus rx330 AWD.
Ty

Bill Dowd

I have been using Max Life on my rebuilt transmission since Dec 2017 and no problems,in the past I used Mobil one trans fluid since 1987. My 2001 RX300 I do a drop and refill every 10,000 to 15,000 miles the trans should go at least 250,000miles.
Running Mobil One I ran 529,000 miles 1986 Toyota Cressida 1991 Lexus LS400 410,000 miles and in many other other cars still on the road. I also put the synthetic trans fluid in my power steering on all my past cars and nothing wore out.
I also use Mobil One 5W30 in the motors changing at 10,000 miles synthetic fluids will make your car go much longer.

99RX300PDX

Toyota, Lexus ATF Type T-IV

ricco750

Ditto! Along with some LubeGard Red.