Greetings all. Just a quick note about my transmission. I changed the filter and flushed the fluid in my transmission today. I removed the pan and filter. Adjusted the valve for firmer shifts (I don't notice any difference in the shifting). I then installed the new filter and pan and flushed the fluid by removing the return line from the cooler and using the transmission pump to run about 15ltrs. of fluid through the transmission, about 2 ltrs. at a time. This was my second flush - the first was at 90,000 miles and now at 160,000 miles. I used Valvoline Max Life ATF both times. The fluid was not as dirty looking this time as last time.
Regards.

 

The consensus on this board seems to be toyota type iv is best, theres some posts on here about trans problems from using the wrong fluid if you go back a while, ive been using t IV in both my SC and had no problems, smooth shifts, hopefully all is well , but you may not know for awhile.

 

If you want the consensus to be type iv is best then that is what it is. If you read I now have 70,000 miles on Valvoline oil and the tranny is as good as new. The magnets had less on them than the first time and the filter/screen had no visible residue. Where I live the toyota dealership wants $14 per litre for the type iv. The most important thing is to keep the oil clean.

Regards

 

I would be interested to know if others have been successful with non Toyota Transmission fluid. I have been using Amsoil for years in all makes of cars.

 

If other fluid can be safely used then thats valuable information. I was basing this on some older threads i read about people having issues with non oem trans fluid but I am an amsoil fan myself and use their atf in my es300, would be very interested to hear if any one has used that paticular fluid with longterm success, if so im all ears but will wait until a first hand account surfaces before trying.

 

Thanks for the reply. In another transmission related post someone mentioned a Lexus Dealer using Valvoline Max Life ATF. After some more research I will be using Amsoil. I have only had my SC 300 for two weeks. It only has 38K miles so it has sat around most of its life and needs all fluids changed. Would like to hear from others who use synthetic ATF

 

Back up.... 38k miles? Where did you find such a gem?! Congrats on the rare find

 

It came out of an estate in Florida and was serviced with timing belt, tires, battery and serpentine belt. Belts were changed because of the age. Yes I paid a premium, happily. I will let you know down the line how the Amsoil goes. In this day of age I don't feel comfortable using non synthetic's.