I drove the car up to Merchants tire this morning to get the tranny flushed because the fluid looked way overdue. I ask the manager if he is gonna be able to get Type T-IV atf since it is sunday and toyota is closed. I also told him I would spring for the extra money if he could get amsoil atf since, those are the only two atf's, I know of that are compatible with the car. The manager tells me he is not positive but will not empty the old fluid untill he is sure....so two hours go by and he calls me back and tells me that they are almost done. I ask if he had a problem finding the fluid and he says they used dexxron and an additive that brings the dexron up to lexus specs. I am assuming he used something like this...

http://rstraussauto.com/transmission_additives.htm


This is not exactly what I asked for. I dont really want this in my car. Does anyone have any expierience with this. Should I just buy some type T-IV and have them flush it again tomorrow? What is everyones thoughts on this. This is why I hate using an unfamiliar mechanic.

 

Moved to performance section & a answer.

I've used the friction modifiers for years when doing a trans flush.
(more cost effective) Started doing this 8/10 years ago when Mopar
came out w/ ATF+3. Trans shop turned me on to it & thats all they
use w/ all their rebuilds. No ill effects to date. T-IV is what 4/5.00
a quart X 24 QTS on a flush, that a Hun just in fluid. You make the call.

Can't vouch for the rstrauss stuff but ATP makes a fine product.