Tranny question and fluid

[sampsongrsk]

I have searched the forum for this and havent heard anything in real relation to it...

I have 123k miles on my i4 98 AT, and i plan on changing the filter/screen along with most of the fluid and the gasket. I bought the car at 120k and dont know if the fluid has ever been changed, it is brown in color and doesnt smell like it has gone bad. I plan on puting in some synthetic blend Mercon V ATF, the penzoil bottle says it is compatable with Dextron III and II so should this be ok? (just cuz the bottle says so doesnt always mean it is). And if anyone has any link to an easy step by step for a drop pan and refill DIY please post a link.

Also as far as i know i need a driver side door actuator (automatic lock wont work but key will). I am having a hell of a time trying to find a replacement for it but i have found some so called "universal" actuators online for 10 dollars, does anyone have any experience with this stuff and do they actually work? thanks in advance

[95PimpingCamry]

I have a 95 camry with A/T, and I have been running Valvoline Max Life Dexron III, and it works great. I don't know how Mercon would work considering that toyota says to use Dexron. I would just go with Dexron to be on the safe side. As far as the lock actuator, universal = cheap crap that doesn't fit. Do it right and get the correct actuator either online or at a junk yard. It will make life alot easier.

[GrkBallaG]

Originally Posted by sampsongrsk

I have searched the forum for this and havent heard anything in real relation to it...

I have 123k miles on my i4 98 AT, and i plan on changing the filter/screen along with most of the fluid and the gasket. I bought the car at 120k and dont know if the fluid has ever been changed, it is brown in color and doesnt smell like it has gone bad. I plan on puting in some synthetic blend Mercon V ATF, the penzoil bottle says it is compatable with Dextron III and II so should this be ok? (just cuz the bottle says so doesnt always mean it is). And if anyone has any link to an easy step by step for a drop pan and refill DIY please post a link.

Also as far as i know i need a driver side door actuator (automatic lock wont work but key will). I am having a hell of a time trying to find a replacement for it but i have found some so called "universal" actuators online for 10 dollars, does anyone have any experience with this stuff and do they actually work? thanks in advance

No and a hell no....

If you use mercon your tranny is gonna go bad REAL fast. If the fluid is brown, its pretty badly burnt and or is the original fluid. If you flush it, it might make things worse.

[toyomoho]

There is Mercon which is compatible with Dexron. There is also Mercon V which is a different fluid, don’t use Mercon V in place of Dexron..