Transmission Fluid Question
Transmission Fluid Question
So I had my Transmission Fluid Flushed earlier this year. However, I am not sure exactly what kind of Fluid they put in my car at Valvoline. I was thinking about exchanging some transmission fluid for maintenance. However, I was thinking about going Synthetic with the Transmission Fluid and using Amsoil or Mobil1 Dextron Transmission Fluid. Do I have to do a complete swap of Tranny Fluid, or is it okay to just mix whatever is already in my tranny with the synthetic (sorry if this is a dumb question). I am also going to use whatever synthetic fluid I get for my Tranny for my Power Steering, but I'm not too worried about that since it is a lot easier (and cheaper) to completely replace the PS Fluid than it is with the Tranny Fluid.
Pole Position
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: MN
I saw somewhere that these transmissions are picky about their fluids. With that said, I wouldn't risk using anything other than Toyota T-IV. I'm sure someone has changed their fluid over to synthetic but I like to stay on the safe side.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 266
Likes: 2
From: Oswego, IL
I've read many people say to only use T-IV fluid, but I've read just as many people say that switching to Valvoline MaxLife was the best move they have ever made. Personally, I think it's all in their heads. Mobil 1 "Dexron" (it's not spelled with a t) is an excellent fluid, as are the AMSOIL offerings. Keep in mind however that Dexron fluid is slightly different than T-IV. T-IV contains friction modifiers that are different. Mobil does make a type that is identical to T-IV, it's called "3309" I've heard of several people switching over to the AMSOIL products and I have not heard a bad word about them. But then again, my opinion about much of the differences between fluids being in peoples' heads still stands. It's very hard to tell the difference in a fluid by using the seat-of-your-pants-o-meter.
Last edited by tinman; Aug 17, 2011 at 10:20 PM.
Stick with the Toyota recommended Type 4. Cleaner fluid just equals a little smoother shifting, that's why people love all these different fluids, same feeling though. Just do your ATF fluid exchanges at the right times and you'll be good.
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What's the difference between both Performance wise ? Can you honestly tell a difference ?
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 266
Likes: 2
From: Oswego, IL
I think he was asking of the poster specifically uses Valvoline MaxLife in his power steering system, not what the power steering system specifies.
I do use MaxLife in my power steering system. The P/S system works great on anything that meets Dexron-III.
I do use MaxLife in my power steering system. The P/S system works great on anything that meets Dexron-III.
Always use Toyota Type IV, use that on the Lexus and Supra and never have a proble, even at my HP level on the Supra. Also never do a flush, a drain and fill yearly is better than a full flush and will not damage your transmission. Some people make the mistake of doing a full flush when their transmission starts makeing weird noise or acting weird, this however will make it worst in most cases.
Driver
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 156
Likes: 2
Hey, are you also using this Fluid for your Power Steering System?
What's the difference between both Performance wise ? Can you honestly tell a difference ?
Some people make the mistake of doing a full flush when their transmission starts makeing weird noise or acting weird, this however will make it worst in most cases.
Since Mobil makes the T-4 fluid, I used that on my last drain&fill. Was able to get 3qts out with my front raised. I used M1 in my PS system. I actually have another half quart to go through. Been doing the siphon method with the Mix Mixer.
I'm a different animal though, I do drain and fills every 15-30k to keep tranny in very top shape. That's what I did with my last car and will do the same with this.
I'm a different animal though, I do drain and fills every 15-30k to keep tranny in very top shape. That's what I did with my last car and will do the same with this.
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