Regarding topping off fluids.....PS, coolant, and AT

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Aug 29, 2002 | 10:11 PM
  #1  
First..just to confirm..if the label says use Dexron 2 ATF...using Dexron 3 is also OK right (I dont think they make 2 anymore)?

Anyways...was topping off my fluids tonight...noticed a few things.
The coolant is red.....is red coolant available at any auto parts store, or do I have to go to dealer?

PS fluid....I again was going to put the red Dexron 3 in there....but I opened my PS resovoir and the color of the stuff in there currently is like yellow...like corn syrup color. What the hell is that stuff? Dexron 2 maybe? Is it OK to put my Dexron 3 in there regardless (I left it because I didnt want to do wrong thing).

Finally...AT fluid....Toyota type 2. Is this the ONLY kind we can use? Or is it one of those use Toyota Type 2 because we want you to buy from the dealer? If I have to buy from dealer, what does that stuff run?
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Aug 30, 2002 | 01:31 AM
  #2  
The oldest Lexus I am aware of, a 91 LS400, has NEVER had its fluid's "topped off" (engine oil & filter changed regularly) not even the coolant, with one possible exception. That was when Lexus did the 90k service about three years ago.

But I did add about a quart of coolant to my 92 LS (currently at about 80k) about two years ago.
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Aug 30, 2002 | 01:39 AM
  #3  
Hey hey!

A general 'rule' around here is to NEVER use Dexron in the Lexus/toyota transmissions. There has been many reports of stuttering and slipping if toyota (currently Type-IV) fluid isn't used.
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Aug 30, 2002 | 01:58 AM
  #4  
Yeah, Im definately going to dealer tomorrow to get the Type 4 stuff.
Topping off...filling...not sure what wwest was referring to. Im just getting all my fluids to the max allowed levels since I just got this car.
My bigger questions are with the power steering resovoir and the coolant.
I just checked the service records from this car and the PS pump was done by dealer Dec.2000. They then put PS fluid it looks like in.....
Well why in the hell did the dealer put PS fluid in...when the manual says the PS levels should be taken care of with Dexron 2 ATF?? Will the fact that I have actual PS fluid in the PS resovoir instead of ATF fluid hurt this car? Should I just add PS fluid to it now...or mix the two by adding the Dexron?
Finally...with the coolant. The red stuff I believe is longer lasting......but from what I heard I can mix orange or green coolant in with it....as long as the glycol ethenyol stuff is in that antifreeze....is this true?
Im not driving my car til this is all done, so some help would be appreciated...thanks. 93 sc400
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Sep 6, 2002 | 08:02 PM
  #5  
I'm assuming that you're talking about the transmission fluid for the SC400 V-8 that requires the Toyo type 4 and not the SC300 I6 that uses Mercon/Dexron III?
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