Picking the correct ATF for 00 Camry

[ddagsyn]

hi
I am trying to figure out the right transmission fluid for my 2000 V6 Toyota cmary that says Dexron 2 or 3 on the dipstick and as I read all the labels getting more and more confused. So I need some help in selecting the correct one from the Castrol website. If you have any other brand suggestion that is availabe let me know. Thanks

DEX/MERC DOMESTIC MULTI-VEHICLE
http://www.castrol.com/castrol/secti...tentId=7027043

IMPORT MULTI–VEHICLE
http://www.castrol.com/castrol/secti...tentId=7028224

DEXRON®–VI
http://www.castrol.com/castrol/secti...tentId=7028225



Thanks

[95PimpingCamry]

You can use the first or third one, but not the second one.

You can use anything that says it meets Dexron requirements. I personally use Valvoline Maxlife.

EDIT: It appears that the second one can also be used. See my later post for details.

[hill8570]

Anything that meets Dexron III specs is fine. I typically run Walmart Supertech Dex III ATF, but if you've got money to burn, the first one you list will work fine. The new Dexron specs tend to be a bit lower viscosity (thinner) than Dex III -- usually you can use them, but I've heard of occasional shifting issues when using an ATF that meets the newer Dexron requirements in older trannys. FWIW.

[ddagsyn]

Originally Posted by 95PimpingCamry

You can use the first or third one, but not the second one.

You can use anything that says it meets Dexron requirements. I personally use Valvoline Maxlife.

I am guessing you use the following valvoline product.

http://www.valvoline.com/products/br...ssion-fluid/37

Doesn't the Toyota dealership use Valvoline oils as well.
thanks

[freeyellow2000]

Originally Posted by 95PimpingCamry

You can use the first or third one, but not the second one.

Any particular reason why you can't use CASTROL IMPORT MULTIVEHICLE (2nd one) ?

[95PimpingCamry]

ddagsyn:
Yes, that is what I use.

freeyellow2000:
You can't use the second one because it doesn't state that it meets Dexron requirements, unless I missed something. Just because it says Toyota, doesn't mean you can use it. It must say that it meets Dexron reqs.

EDIT: Sorry, I didn't scroll down on the second one, so I missed where it said:
"General Motors DEXRON®–III H and prior (Not for use where DEXRON®–VI is required)."
So I guess it can be used.

[ddagsyn]

Originally Posted by 95PimpingCamry

ddagsyn:
Yes, that is what I use.

freeyellow2000:
You can't use the second one because it doesn't state that it meets Dexron requirements, unless I missed something. Just because it says Toyota, doesn't mean you can use it. It must say that it meets Dexron reqs.

EDIT: Sorry, I didn't scroll down on the second one, so I missed where it said:
"General Motors DEXRON®–III H and prior (Not for use where DEXRON®–VI is required)."
So I guess it can be used.

thanks for your replies- On the topic of differential fluid drain and filler plug. Am I correct in assuming that on a 2000 V6 Camry the differential drain and filler is the same as the transmission drain and filler? That is there is no separate drain and refill on the differential?

I am planning to do only a drain and refill on my transmission. This is the procedure I am going to follow. Let me know your comments or advise.

- Secure the car on car ramps and secure the back wheels to prevent rolling. Parking brake is also set.
-Unscrew the transmission drain plug and let the fluid drain. I know this will not drain the entire transmission. Plan on doing this more frequently to get entire fluid refreshed.
- Screw the transmision drain plug (33ft/lb torque).
-From the filler dipstick hole fill in the amount drained. Plan on using Valvoline Max life ATF.
-Start/drive check for leaks and check dipstick level.



thanks

[95PimpingCamry]

^ I don't know about the gen 4 v6, but the gen 3 I4 has a separate diff that requires a separate drain and fill. To check for yourself, either consult your Haynes manual (If you don't have one, get one), or crawl under your diff and look for a drain plug.

[JohnGD]

The first two are fine. The third one, Dexron VI, is iffy. While GM claimed that it's "backward compatible", they also issued a TSB on problems in older transmissions. So I think it would be safer to stick with the thicker "traditional" Dexron III type fluid.

Since GM no longer licenses out the Dexron III name, oil companies can only sell them as "compatible" fluid. It's still fine.

In addition to those two, WalMart's SuperTech DIII works fine. If you want a good value synthetic blend, try the SuperTech Mercon V. It's listed as DIII compatible and the formulation is approved by Ford.

Originally Posted by ddagsyn

hi
I am trying to figure out the right transmission fluid for my 2000 V6 Toyota cmary that says Dexron 2 or 3 on the dipstick and as I read all the labels getting more and more confused. So I need some help in selecting the correct one from the Castrol website. If you have any other brand suggestion that is availabe let me know. Thanks

DEX/MERC DOMESTIC MULTI-VEHICLE
http://www.castrol.com/castrol/secti...tentId=7027043

IMPORT MULTI–VEHICLE
http://www.castrol.com/castrol/secti...tentId=7028224

DEXRON®–VI
http://www.castrol.com/castrol/secti...tentId=7028225



Thanks

[JohnGD]

No. I don't know when the change-over date was for the separate transmission/differential fills. But in 2000, the last days of the A540 series, I would think they only share the same dipstick tube for filling, but still have separate drains using the 10mm hex.

I don't know how mechanically inclined you are. But I'd actually recommend that you get a Fram ATF kit and change out the strainer/gasket. If not, just start with drain/refill. After 9 years you're going to have a layer of metal sludge in there (wear from friction and steel, like brake pad and rotor).

Originally Posted by ddagsyn

thanks for your replies- On the topic of differential fluid drain and filler plug. Am I correct in assuming that on a 2000 V6 Camry the differential drain and filler is the same as the transmission drain and filler? That is there is no separate drain and refill on the differential?

[JohnGD]

Valvoline fluids are very good.

I'd add the differential part:

- Look for the differential drain plug on the back side of the differential, facing the firewall. (Use a combination of tools in the close quarters, combo wrench, adjustable wrench with the 10mm hex, if you don't have a short version.)

- Drain the fluid in the differential. Observe it's condition for own reference.

- Measure the amount with the fluid drained from the transmission pan.

- Add back into the dipstick tube.

Originally Posted by ddagsyn

I am planning to do only a drain and refill on my transmission. This is the procedure I am going to follow. Let me know your comments or advise.

- Secure the car on car ramps and secure the back wheels to prevent rolling. Parking brake is also set.
-Unscrew the transmission drain plug and let the fluid drain. I know this will not drain the entire transmission. Plan on doing this more frequently to get entire fluid refreshed.
- Screw the transmision drain plug (33ft/lb torque).
-From the filler dipstick hole fill in the amount drained. Plan on using Valvoline Max life ATF.
-Start/drive check for leaks and check dipstick level.

thanks

[ddagsyn]

Originally Posted by JohnGD

No. I don't know when the change-over date was for the separate transmission/differential fills. But in 2000, the last days of the A540 series, I would think they only share the same dipstick tube for filling, but still have separate drains using the 10mm hex.

I don't know how mechanically inclined you are. But I'd actually recommend that you get a Fram ATF kit and change out the strainer/gasket. If not, just start with drain/refill. After 9 years you're going to have a layer of metal sludge in there (wear from friction and steel, like brake pad and rotor).

Regarding the differential - see last poster information in the link. I guess i will find out soon.
99 v6 camry differential fluid

[ASG14]

I just use ATF-4 from the dealer in my '96, and do regular drain and fills.

[ty**20]

Originally Posted by ddagsyn

Regarding the differential - see last poster information in the link. I guess i will find out soon.
99 v6 camry differential fluid

If 99-01 camry V6 tranny shares ATF and differential fluid, then how much qts. is needed to be pour into the dipstick hole to fill both places? The last poster doesn't tell that.

[ddagsyn]

Originally Posted by ty**20

If 99-01 camry V6 tranny shares ATF and differential fluid, then how much qts. is needed to be pour into the dipstick hole to fill both places? The last poster doesn't tell that.

I checked the Chilton manual last night and it just adds to my confusion regarding the differential. The manual in Section 1 sub 27 states that only 1999 Lexus ES 300 and later have the same drain and fill for the differential.

For the V4 the drain is separate from the filler and they have a picture of an actual engine showing that. (OK I agree based on the postings on the website)

HOWEVER on the V6 they show a figure of a differential and show a separate drain and fill tube. OK, I was convinced that the V6 2000 had a separate differential drain but where did the filler come from. Isn't the ATF for the differential filled from the dipstick?.
Thanks