i'm scheduled for a tranny flush tomorrow ( dropping the pan). the mech. said they use dextron as replacement fluid. can i use this in my gs4? anyone running dextron in their gs?

 

Take a look in the back of the manual, it should have a listing of what fluids are recommended for where. Not sure what kind of Dextron you will need, in the SC's its Dextron II. My guess is that they are the same.

 

Holy wrong category batman

I believe you should be using Dextron IV

The reason that some Lexus manuals say to use Dextron II or III is because the IV wasn't out when these manuals were published.

Regards,
jonny

 

For the record its called DEXRON...not dexTRON.

DEXRON/MERCON is how you will see it labled on bottles.

 

Whoa, wait up. I know the initial trannies that came in the SC3 (4 speed auto with ECT) required Dexron-II. Just use a Dexron formula that meets requirements for Dexron II/IIE. Usually means Dexron III and higher.

Now the SC4 always required Type-IV Toyota fluid. I also believe the later Lexus cars with VVT-i and the newer ECT-i trannies all required Type-IV Toyota fluid. I also think all trannies mated to the V8s require Type-IV. Read your manuals.

 

dont do it! only use toyota type 4!!!!

well actually amsoil and mobil1 have been approved but im not sure what tranny fluid name is in those two brands.

 

Amsoil and Valvoline MaxLife are not officially approved by Toyota.

 

Check your manual for the correct fluid. I would suspect that Toyota Type IV is the proper tranny fluid.

 

yea, on most Lexus models, except for the earlier SC300/GS300/ES300, the fluid is Type T-IV.

 

ACTUALLY,
AMSOIL supercedes the TOYOTA requirements. You will not see TOYOTA endorsing anything but Toyota fluids. The new transmission fluid for the 6 speed transmissions on the LS and new GS has even more stringent standards. It is a synthetic fluid that resists heat MUCH better than TOYOTA Dexron IV. Perhaps it can be used in the older transmissions, but I am not sure. I hear that the new fluid is about $14.00 per quart, and worth every penny.

The TYPE IV may be authorized on the 2nd generation GS and LS, but there are better fluids out there. If you use the TOYOTA fluids, be prepared to change it out at 30,000 mile intervals, especially if you drive in the city a lot. This fluid deteriorates quickly because it gets hot and breaks down considerably. The Type II fluid was for much older vehicles, but the TYPE IV superceded this fluid. It is virtually impossible to find Dexron II anymore, and all the old transmissions benefit greatly from the newer fluid, although it is not found in the manuals to use the newer fluid.

I run AMSOIL UNIVERSAL Transmission fluid in all my cars with fantastic results. I have a 99 GS4, 97 Explorer V8, 2003 Hyundai Elantra GT, and 2000 VW Beetle, all with automatic transmissions. Additionally, the GS4 has a HAYDEN transmission cooler connected inline, and the results are spectacular. After 30,000 miles, the fluid is still clean, with no discoloration whatsoever. I challenge anyone to try that with Toyota TYPE IV Fluid....It is just not as good!

Juat my $.02

 

Amsoil synthetic ATF is compatible for use with Toyota type IV & Dexron II & III.

Here is some more detailed info:

http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/atf.aspx

 

thanks for all the feedback.. well.. i got the fluid changed.. i used type 4 fluid... simply for peace of mind.. definitely made a difference.. smoother shifts plus it runs at lower rpms compared to before..definitely worth it...

 

Did you do a complete 100% fluid change or just a 'drain & fill' of 3.5 qt's? I ask because if one does a 100% change, it might be a good idea to change the tranny pan gasket at that time for additional peace of mind.

 

i had the pan dropped and filter changed.. it's a 3.5 quart change.. so the gasket was also done