Another Transmission Fluid Question

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Dec 18, 2002 | 10:59 PM

SC300Es

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From: New York

Another Transmission Fluid Question

I'm sorry if this question has been asked before. I did a search and there are a lot of different opinions. I have a SC300('98), the back page of the manual says to use Dexron II transmission fluid. The specification page for SC300 says to use Type II(or IV). The dipstick says to use Type II(or IV). Which is right?

Thanks in advance.

Dec 19, 2002 | 10:19 PM

UZZ32

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From: International

dipstick

Dec 20, 2002 | 04:33 AM

Hermosa

Lexus Champion

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From: California

And please only use Type IV tranny fluid from Toyota. You will not be happy with anything else.

Dec 31, 2002 | 07:26 PM

stock300

Driver

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From: Florida

For whatever it's worth, here's how I interpret the transmission fluid type question:
If you have an SC300, use Dexron ATF (the latest version of Dexron is Dexron III as far as I know). This is based on the dip stick, the owner's manual, and the shop manual. This is also the fluid that is recommenced for the Power Steering. I'm converting to the synthetic ATF from Mobil which is compatible with Dexron III on my '93SC300. I don't know if the later SC300's, such as the 97 - 2000, had a different transmission that may have used Type IV.

If you have an SC400, use Toyota Type IV ATF as recommended by the Owner's Manual, Shop Manual, and dip stick. I have an LS400 and I don't know of a compatible synthetic so I'll stick with the Type IV. The Power steering fluid on the 400 is also Dexron.

Jan 11, 2003 | 08:20 PM

SC300Es

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Well, I went to the dealer here and talked to the guy at the parts. He gave me Type IV and said this is what they use on all their cars. They don't even carry Dexron he told me. Since I it says to use Type IV in two different places(manual, dipstick) I purchased it.

Thanks for all the input.

Jan 11, 2003 | 08:28 PM

Hermosa

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From: California

Quote:

Originally posted by SC300Es
Well, I went to the dealer here and talked to the guy at the parts. He gave me Type IV and said this is what they use on all their cars. They don't even carry Dexron he told me. Since I it says to use Type IV in two different places(manual, dipstick) I purchased it.

Thanks for all the input.

You made the right choice. There are so many posts on this forum about using the proper fluid. The TypeIV fluid is the only one that works well in our cars. People have reported transmission problems when they used regular store bought ATF until they switched back. If you put regular ATF in the tranny I am willing to bet that you would be pissed about the whole experience as well as have been out of the money it cost to do a second flush.