If it says GM, it's Dex III unless they've got 10 year old NOS. Dex II has been superceded for a long time now. All GM is Dexron, just like Type F is Ford.

Honestly it's really frustrating how many different ATF swills there are in the marketplace. It surely isn't as standard as it could/should be.

 

So would you say that that the type IV is compatible as PSF? I cant seem to find a definite answer. I still want to say yes- simply because you cant even get any other Toyota fluid other than the type IV or WS.

EDIT: I dont know what to think anymore!!! My order was placed and now it's on its way. I might have to return it. hypthetically speeking- What if I insisted on ONLY genuine toyota fluid (yes I know they don't make their own fluid) which one would i have to buy to put in my PS system? All these Fluids are so stupid!

 

I know Dex II or III is NOT a substitute for T-IV. Some Supra owners screwed themselves on this a long time ago. I don't know if T-IV is fully compatible substitute for Dex II or III. Industry people all say Dex III replaces Dex II without question (at least they did when John Cribb and I were looking for Dex II for the Getrag gearboxes in Supras), but I can't say one way or another if T-IV is suitable. In all likelihood, it will be fine - the power steering system isn't anywhere near as finicky as an auto gearbox. If it were mine, I'd just put Mobil 1 Synthetic Dex III in it and call it a day. That's also what I'm running in my Getrag these days and it has worked perfectly for the last 6 years.

 

Lots of great info and tips here fr om posters. I will definitely get a couple of syringe deals at the feed store. Thanks

 

So I cancelled the order for the the type IV fluid. I will use the mobil 1 synthetic ATF fluid instead. Now my local parts store only carries mobil 1 mercon V, synthetic ATF, but it says on he back that I cam be used in any power steerin system that calls for dexron fluid. Should I purchase or keep hunting for bottles that say specifically dexron? From what I can tell, this is the newest mobil syn ATF fluid- but is it right for my ps system. Good greif. I know it says so on the bottle, but I've turned into a pansy with this car and only want to do it by the book.

 

That will work fine... I've been running the Mobil1 full synthetic ATF in my older LS's power steering for a couple years. Like you said, it's Dexron/Mercon compatible which is what you need.

 

Okay-

I just the first increment of my Ps fluid "flush". I am using the Mobil One Synthetic ATF, multi vehicle (in the new bottle). As I started to evacuate the old fluid, and it started going through the hose, it was not black as originally would have believed. It was actually a caramel-cola colored fluid. I read on one of the numerous threads elsewhere, that toyota factory fluid is light brown in color. You can see in this picture that it may or may not have been that bad. Switching to sythetic anyway.

The PS pump I believe has an ever so slight whine at idle, which I hear when i listen for it when the hood is open. Ity also makes a quite shhhhhh noise when i turn the wheel to either extreme, but then again, all my cars have done that. It's too early to tell if there will be any improvement in steering feel/perfomace, as some have stated, as I have only exchanged about 8 ounces. I will do another increment in 2 days.

 

The fluid in my PS reservoir on my 06 LS (with 25k) miles is pinkish red with no brown coloration - looks like almost new dextron. No hint of brown or cola color and I am almost 100% sure it is factory OEM original fluid. What are you using for the pump?...looks pretty cool.

 

For foaming or emulsification of the fluid (I'm no mechanic, but I understand this to be normal in power steering systems), the repair procedure is to bleed air from the system.

3. BLEED AIR IN POWER STEERING SYSTEM
NOTICE:
If you replace or separate the components for power steering
oil pressure line, bleed air in the power steering system
after the operation.

Jack up front of vehicle and support with stands
With the engine off, turn steering wheel slowly from lock to lock several times
Lower vehicle
Start engine

(a) Idle the engine at 1,000 rpm or less until bubbles in the
fluid disappear. (Be sure not to turn the steering wheel.)
(b) When the bubbles disappear, slowly turn the steering
wheel from lock to lock 2 to 3 times, keeping it at full lock position for 2-3 seconds each time.
(c) Repeat procedures (a) and (b) until the fluid level in the
reservoir becomes stable and bubbles disappear. If the
fluid level goes below the MAX line, add fluid.
(d) When the fluid level becomes stable, increase and decrease
oil pressure 2 or 3 times for both left and right by
turning the steering wheel to the full lock positions and jiggling
it there.
(e) Make sure that no bubbles exist in the reservoir. When
turning the steering wheel quickly or turning it from lock
to lock position, check that the steering wheel is not heavy
to turn and there is no abnormal noise or vibration.
(f) When there are fluid leaks or abnormalities after bleeding
air, repair them and repeat procedures (a) to (e). If the abnormalities
still exist, replace the related parts.

 

Lust-4-Lexus, Where did you get that hose-evacuator thing?

 

I got it at strauss auto. 5 dollars. Super easy and did not spill a drop! It's made by prestone.

 

Thank you stanvandam!

I was told that this should be done only if you remove a hose, thus introducing air into the system. I did not remove any hoses. Also, I don't have jack stands to do this and dont really want to flatten my tires multiple times. I dont think the PS pump should be DEAD silent, I can barely hear it.

 

Maybe Type IV would work, but the manual calls for Dex II/III. That's what I would use. I've noticed that Dex III is now listed as "Domestic Car" transmission fluid by most fluid manufacturers. You must read the small print on the back of the bottle to know which standard the fluid conforms to. Do NOT use the Dex VI - that fluid is a much lower viscosity and is not the same as II/III even though it is said to be backward compatible when used in transmissions, I have no idea about the PS system.

 

This is what I bought today and used a little bit of based on the recommendation of Mobil 1 ATF...





However, someone above said that you can not use Dexron VI in power steering systems. So do I need to go get something else? This Mobil 1 says its pretty much compatible with everything and "Recommended for use in any power steering unit where a DEXRON or MERCON fluid is recommended". I sure as heck could not find ANY Dex III in my local AutoZone.

So did I uh... just break my car? I barely got one evacuation and refill done so far (there was still some old fluid left in the cavities of the canister).

 

Playdrv4me-

I think that is absoutely fine. I got this one- Which I believe is the same fluid, but in a newer packaging- It just depends on the stock of your store. iphone pics- sorry