Toyota transmission fluid question - Toyota Tundra Forums : Tundra Solutions Forum

Pitbull · #1 (**permalink**) 04-12-2004, 10:34 AM

Toyota switched at the end of the 2003 model year from IV ATF to WS ATF in the new 5speed transmission they are using in the Landcruiser/LX470/GX470 and 4runner. Does anyone know what is the difference in the two fluids? What happens if they are mixed? What is the cost difference? Toyota claims that if you don't tow that you never need to change this new WS ATF fluid. I'm concerned that if I ever have the dealer change it they might use the IV ATF instead of the WS. Any information you could give me on this new fluid would be appreciated. What is this stuff???

KLS · #2 (**permalink**) 04-12-2004, 02:12 PM

Toyota WS ATF is new to me. Generally speaking, the friction modifiers in the ATF are designed to suit the friction characteristics of the clutch material. This might be one reason for the WS--different clutch material in the 5-speeds.

Transmission makers are specifying better quality ingredients in ATF to make it longer lived. GM's new Dexron-III(H) ATF spec requires better base oil as well as better additives and will have about double the service life of the current Dexron-III(G). (H) is the current factory fill in GM transmissions and will be on retail shelves later this year. Toyota might be taking somewhat the same action. VW already claims lifetime ATF with their unique spec. Red Line D4 ATF is a suitable substitute for many of these unusual ATFs (Volvo, VW, others) according to Red Line. I'd contact Red Line directly with a specific question about any change from the factory ATF to D4.

Ken

Pitbull · #3 (**permalink**) 04-12-2004, 02:22 PM

Thanks Ken, I just got this from one of the top Toyota parts guys that I know. Based on his information I bet there will be a lot of 5 speed owners screwing up their transmissions by change to the wrong fluid.

"Toyota has not published any kind of information that I am aware of that states what the difference in the fluids is. They should not be mixed. They do say" "WS FLUID IS A WORLD STANDARD(WS) FLUID THAT IS NOT INTERCHANGABLE WITH ANY OTHER FLUID AND AT THIS TIME THERE IS NO EQUIVALENT FLUID. DUE TO REDUCED VISCOSITY, IF A VEHICLE CALLING FOR WS FLUID IS FILLED WITH ANYTHING ELSE, THE VEHICLE MIGHT NOT START OFF AT EXTREMELY LOW TEMPREATURES UNTIL THE FLUID IS WARMED UP. THE VEHICLE MIGHT ALSO EXIBIT UNFAVORABLE SHIFT CHARACTERISTICS."

Toyota supplied T4 (what I stock) lists for $4.15 a quart. WS is packaged in a 4 liter steel (like a Coleman white gas can) can and lists for $40.59 ($9.60 a quart according to my high school math )