You are currently viewing our community as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our Member Supported community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload photos, content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.
Engine & DrivetrainDiscussions about the engine and drivetrain of your vehicle.
This is a discussion thread titled "Automatic Transmission Fluid, new requirements", within the Engine & Drivetrain forum, part of the Technical & Vehicle Assistance Forums category.
My 2003 manual calls for using ONLY Toyota's auto trans fluid.
It prohibts the use of any other kind/make.
Previous manuals (at least I know for 2000 and for 2001) is not
specific to Toyota's auto trans fluid., this one is.
I called 2 dealers who didn't know this. They assumed using Dexron III was still the case (as is in earlier models).
My warning to ya'll. I'd be questioning which ATF to use when at
dealer and/or other lube places. I'd not use anything else on a 2003.
See other threads re: transmission problems. I am assuming that
Toy knew there is/was a trans problem on earlier models and now
trying not to take any chances (by using their own brand with different additives). My 2000 had some problems.
Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid, new requirements
Quote:
Originally posted by Indy My 2003 manual calls for using ONLY Toyota's auto trans fluid.
It prohibts the use of any other kind/make.
Previous manuals (at least I know for 2000 and for 2001) is not
specific to Toyota's auto trans fluid., this one is.
I called 2 dealers who didn't know this. They assumed using Dexron III was still the case (as is in earlier models).
My warning to ya'll. I'd be questioning which ATF to use when at
dealer and/or other lube places. I'd not use anything else on a 2003.
See other threads re: transmission problems. I am assuming that
Toy knew there is/was a trans problem on earlier models and now
trying not to take any chances (by using their own brand with different additives). My 2000 had some problems.
The problem with the Toyota fluid is that it is expensive. It might just be a synthetic with additives. After a while it might drop in price. It probably exceeds Dex III performance and cannot be interchanged. Though it's not as bad as Mercedes. Replacing that fluid is a definite poke in the eye.
It might be that over time other trans fluid makers build one that meets toyota's specs. Whatever that might be. Their new transmission must have higher fluid requirements that they went with the proprietary fluid.
Personally, I flushed with synthetic ATF and plan on doing that every 30,000 miles. Often synthetic can overcome design defects. But the 2003 have a new trans so you can't say they changed it due to earlier problems. It's a better design, or at least higher performing. The new trans might have some shortcomings that haven't been discovered yet.
I'm not saying toyota has any design defects. Certainly, a given (small)percentage of "good" transmissions are qoing to have quality issues. That's just life. The issue is how much you want to spend in design manufacture to tighten up specs to avoid quality issues.
That sucks!! Toyota Type T fluid is expensive. Amsoil and the other makers of good synthetic tranny fluid do not cover this Type T spec. Wonder what's different??
I got this from the Amsoil folks:
Transmission Fluid type T-IV is a proprietary Toyota fluid. There is no AMSOIL equivalent.
Originally posted by Stooge That sucks!! Toyota Type T fluid is expensive. Amsoil and the other makers of good synthetic tranny fluid do not cover this Type T spec. Wonder what's different??
I got this from the Amsoil folks:
Transmission Fluid type T-IV is a proprietary Toyota fluid. There is no AMSOIL equivalent.
Nope........
Shaeffer's or some of the specialty (high quality) oil distributor's might come up with something that is type-T equivalent. There are more and more Toyota's requiring type T (and there are a LOT of Toyota's sold) so someone is going to start to make aftermarket fluid that meets the spec.
(or someone takes a jump and tries an alternative and "finds out the hard way" whether it works or not.
I don't believe the millions of late 80's and early 90's Chrysler owners with Ultra-Junk transmissions would agree. At this time, Chrysler dealerships across the country were instructed that Dextron II was OK in this transmission with a "friction modifier additive" ($10 for 2 ounces of this snake oil). Scores of transmissions failed. Now, Chrysler uses the ATF+ without exception and their transmission failure rate has improved. I'm not saying it was all the fluid's fault - but I personally question any one or company that makes a "do all" or "snake oil-type" claim about any additive. At best, I find additives to do no harm and just waste your money, and at worse, break something.
I agree that most additives are terrible, and I certainly know nothing about Chrysler Corp transmissions.
There are about a half dozen additive companies that I trust when their product is indicated for a specific problem. Lubegard is one of these. I have experiece with Lubegard Red working well in Dexron III; I don't have experience with Lubegard Black for Toyotas.
This is an interesting post. I have a 2001 and I'm approaching the time to replace my fluid. Should I use the Toyota fluid or go with a good aftermarket synthetic? Is the Toyota fluid synthetic or a better quality?
__________________
"You play the hand you're dealt. I think the game's worthwhile." -C. S. Lewis
Originally posted by Agent WD-40 This is an interesting post. I have a 2001 and I'm approaching the time to replace my fluid. Should I use the Toyota fluid or go with a good aftermarket synthetic? Is the Toyota fluid synthetic or a better quality?
Unless it's changed since 2000, your trans does not require type T. Dex III is called for. I'd put in a good synthetic.
Nissan/Infinity seems to be going the same route as Toyota. In fact, I bought an Infinity G35 that doesn't even have a T-fluid dipstick. Only the dealership has the tools to check or replace the fluid, and it's a special new Nissan T-fluid.
I have a 2001 Tundra and a 2002 Sequoia. I flushed both trannies out at 1000 miles with Amsoil synthetic. Tundra - 38K, Sequoia 17K - no problems or regrets. Both still are smooth with nice firm shifts!
I want to hear from Alan (the other one) about the new transmission. Is there a thread that talks about it? [Dag-nabbit, Lon...why the 30 second wait between searches? Would that more people actually use the search tools.]
And Jackman, word? The G35 has no T-dipstick and no drain/fill access???
Originally posted by Alan I want to hear from Alan (the other one) about the new transmission. Is there a thread that talks about it? [Dag-nabbit, Lon...why the 30 second wait between searches? Would that more people actually use the search tools.]
And Jackman, word? The G35 has no T-dipstick and no drain/fill access???
Alan- the manual states that you have to take the car to the dealer to check ATF fluid and service. There is no dipstick or fill spout. There might be drain access, but I haven't found it. The dealer says they have a tool that they use specifically to check and service the fluid level. This is to guard against anyone using the wrong type ATF I guess. I'll have to admit, it's an awesome transmission, but I'd like to at least be able to check the level.
Automatic Transmission Fluid, new requirements
Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid, new requirements
