What kind of PS fluid to add in Camry 99 4cyl?

[areg]

Hi, I am one month driver and bought Camry 1999, 221kmile 2.2L L4 FI 16V.
I noticed that Power steering fluid is a little bit low than MIN. What kind of fluid am I need to add? Or may be I need to replace it?
Thanks

[BMR]

It takes Dexron III automatic transmission fluid. It probably says that on the reservoir cap, unless it's been replaced with some generic cap. There is no recommended interval for changing it, but I think it's a good idea to do it once in a while; maybe every 100k miles? Here's a DIY thread showing how to do it. It's pretty easy.

[areg]

Can you please give me link for shopping with that fluid? I would like to see exactly what is the name and how it looks like. Sorry, I am really don't understand about the car stuff. Thanks

[BMR]

Sure... link to autozone's website. There are many brands. Just make sure it says Dexron III on the label. Or ask for help at any auto parts store. Walmart carries it too, if that's more convenient.

[fenixus]

I think Walmart's Supertech ATF (Mercon-V can be used instead of Dexron-III) comes at great pricing, way below autozone's pricing.

actually, better synthetic ATF fluids (Castrol IMV ATF, Mobil1 ATF, Royal Purple ATF, etc.) can be purchased real cheap from Advance Auto Parts online with discount coupons (e.g. P20, A123, BIG15, BIG30, BIG50, VISA, PAYPAL, etc.) and local pickup :0 it works on ATF, but it doesn't work on motor oils
with a proper total and proper code you can get up to 40% off, instead of putting lots of items on a single order you can always separate them into a few smaller ... more efficient and optimal ones too

see examples:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...mZRMVVIMzVLUFE

store page is here:
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com

my current shopping cart sample:

[touringcamry]

If your car has the original fluid, it may look like apple juice color, but it's just missing the dye. Dexron III typically has a red dye in it so don't get worried if you see some color difference. It's similar to red wine color.

[JohnGD]

If you're mechanically inclined definitely do the DIY linked by BMR and flush out the whole system. Just be careful of the brittle reservoir after all these years. The tube might crack off.

Otherwise just siphon and refill a few times over a week should do. Use an old shampoo pump like in the DIY and clean it first (I never realized these old pumps are so useful Kudos to Ken4 in the DIY).

You can use any GM Dexron III suitable ATFs. But I'd stay away from the thinner Dexron-VI in these older systems.

Walmart's SuperTech Mercon-V works fine and its spec is very tight across brands (like GM's Dexron-VI). Just don't pick up an old formulation of Mercon-V gathering dust somewhere because the old formulation isn't Dexron-III suitable. Always read the label for "Dexron III" suitability.

But as mentioned, if you have an Advance Auto nearby and use the discount codes, definitely get the Mobil-1 ATF or Castrol Import Multi-vehicle ATF. Castrol ATFs are now called TransMax and Walmart has it too after disappearing for a while. Pricewise you'll be close to Mercon-Vs.

[areg]

As I am new driver I am afraid to change it myself. May be I will take it some place to change. Could you please tell me where can I take it? And also how much volume of that fluid will I need to buy?
I am hearing weak sound (like "uuuuu") when I turning wheel or when I am stopped at intersection and taking my foot off from brake. And I am told that it may be connected with power steering fluid. So I don't know change it completely or just add some. Can I add the red one on the one which in car now? I noticed that the level is a little (about 1-2 milimeters) below the MIN mark for cold regime.

Also I am wondering is that OK that coolant mark is higher(may 1 or 1,5 inch) the MAX mark?
Thanks.

Originally Posted by BMR

Sure... link to autozone's website. There are many brands. Just make sure it says Dexron III on the label. Or ask for help at any auto parts store. Walmart carries it too, if that's more convenient.

[BMR]

Originally Posted by areg

As I am new driver I am afraid to change it myself. May be I will take it some place to change. Could you please tell me where can I take it? And also how much volume of that fluid will I need to buy?

Try taking it to one of those oil change places? I'm not sure they do power steering flushes. I stay away from those places myself. It shouldn't take more than a couple quarts to flush it. It's not super important to flush it. Most folks never do and never have a problem. It's one of those things us anal-retentive people do to avoid problems and take care of our "babies".

I am hearing weak sound (like "uuuuu") when I turning wheel or when I am stopped at intersection and taking my foot off from brake. And I am told that it may be connected with power steering fluid. So I don't know change it completely or just add some. Can I add the red one on the one which in car now? I noticed that the level is a little (about 1-2 milimeters) below the MIN mark for cold regime.

A light whining noise is common when the fluid is low. And yes, you can just top it off with the red Dexron III fluid.

Also I am wondering is that OK that coolant mark is higher(may 1 or 1,5 inch) the MAX mark?
Thanks.

So the coolant reservoir level is above the MAX mark? Is it that way when the engine is warmed up?... or cold?

[JohnGD]

If Areg doesn't have a shampoo pump handy check the dollar store for one of those empty pump bottles. Use it to siphon out about 10-12 oz of ATF from the reservoir and fill it back up. Put some paper towels/newspaper around so you don't get ATF onto the drive belts and pulleys. Clean off with alcohol if necessary. If you can pump liquid soap/shampoo you can pump ATF out of the reservoir. Really.

Do this 3-4 times in the coming week or two and you should have just about all new fluid in the system. So buy 2 qts.

A shop will probably charge too much to siphon out the 10-12 oz. If there isn't a Walmart nearby (for their SuperTech Mercon-V, ~$4/qt) then check your local parts stores for their store-brand Mercon-V that's suitable for Dexron-III applications (read the label). Dino ATF will be cheaper by $1 or so, again Walmart SuperTech is a great value if you want plain dino.

[areg]

Originally Posted by BMR

A light whining noise is common when the fluid is low. And yes, you can just top it off with the red Dexron III fluid.

I bought today ATF DEX Merc, which the autozone worker said is the same as DEXRON II. I also saw in Camry manual that it need DEXRON II or III. So is there any difference between 2 and 3? May be I need to replace in store? I didn't opened it yet.

Originally Posted by BMR

So the coolant reservoir level is above the MAX mark? Is it that way when the engine is warmed up?... or cold?

When it hot it definitely higher than MAX (I check today, approx 2-2,5cm). I will also check in the cold time.


Also, I am worrying about hand brake. Several times I forget to put it down and car drive without any (noticeable) resistance, but the red Brake light is shown on the dashboard. Does it mean that my hand brake doesn't work?

[areg]

Originally Posted by JohnGD

If Areg doesn't have a shampoo pump handy check the dollar store for one of those empty pump bottles. Use it to siphon out about 10-12 oz of ATF from the reservoir and fill it back up. Put some paper towels/newspaper around so you don't get ATF onto the drive belts and pulleys. Clean off with alcohol if necessary. If you can pump liquid soap/shampoo you can pump ATF out of the reservoir. Really.

Do this 3-4 times in the coming week or two and you should have just about all new fluid in the system. So buy 2 qts.

A shop will probably charge too much to siphon out the 10-12 oz. If there isn't a Walmart nearby (for their SuperTech Mercon-V, ~$4/qt) then check your local parts stores for their store-brand Mercon-V that's suitable for Dexron-III applications (read the label). Dino ATF will be cheaper by $1 or so, again Walmart SuperTech is a great value if you want plain dino.

I am trying to guess why I need to do it 3-4 time. So, I think because it isn't possible to take all fluid at once, and I have to take off every time as much as I can and add new fluid then drive car so the old and new fluids will mix and then again same procedure, every time I will get less fraction of old fluid. Am I true?

Also, I bought today ATF DEX Merc, which the autozone worker said is the same as DEXRON II. I also saw in Camry manual that my car needs DEXRON II or III. So is there any difference between 2 and 3? May be I need to replace in store? I didn't opened it yet.

[fenixus]

Yes, you are correct Areg. the whole PS system holds around 1.7qts of fluid, but the return tank only a third or fourth part of it. that's why you need to do it a few times this way.

If you asked me I would return the cheap ATF with Dexron-II label and instead buy something compatible with both Dex-II/III and modern formulas like excellent Castrol Import Multi Vehicle ATF. however no harm will be done if you use whatever you have now as long as it is Dexron-II or Dexron-III (or Mercon-V) compatible.

Originally Posted by areg

I am trying to guess why I need to do it 3-4 time. So, I think because it isn't possible to take all fluid at once, and I have to take off every time as much as I can and add new fluid then drive car so the old and new fluids will mix and then again same procedure, every time I will get less fraction of old fluid. Am I true?

Also, I bought today ATF DEX Merc, which the autozone worker said is the same as DEXRON II. I also saw in Camry manual that my car needs DEXRON II or III. So is there any difference between 2 and 3? May be I need to replace in store? I didn't opened it yet.

[JohnGD]

GM's Dexron II has long been superseded by Dexron III, IIIg, and IIIh. Then GM stopped licensing the D-IIIs too. There is only officially Dexron VI now, but it's too thin, IMO, for these older systems. The stores typically carry "Dex/Merc"-compatible ATF because Dexron II and III are no longer licensed, so they can't say it's D-II or D-III but only as "suitable for".

D-III is the dino basic, also good for D-II systems. I much prefer the Walmart SuperTech Mercon-V, which is D-III compatible (you can read it on the label) with better properties. Of course Castrol Transmax Import Multi-vehicle formula is also excellent, and Walmart started carrying it again. I have two bottles. It's great for Toyota T-IV, Honda Z-1 and Dexron III type applications (just like the SuperTech Mercon-V). So return it and check your local Walmart. Get 2 quarts.

As far as the hand brake goes, find a safe incline, apply the hand brake (typically 5-8 clicks or so) put it in neutral and let go the foot brake. If it doesn't hold then try adjusting the star wheel first. Get a mechanically inclined friend's help if needed.

I believe the hand brake needs to hold the car up to 30-degree inclines for at least 5 minutes. Can't remember the certification details.

Originally Posted by areg

I bought today ATF DEX Merc, which the autozone worker said is the same as DEXRON II. I also saw in Camry manual that it need DEXRON II or III. So is there any difference between 2 and 3? May be I need to replace in store? I didn't opened it yet.

Also, I am worrying about hand brake. Several times I forget to put it down and car drive without any (noticeable) resistance, but the red Brake light is shown on the dashboard. Does it mean that my hand brake doesn't work?

[areg]

Originally Posted by BMR

So the coolant reservoir level is above the MAX mark? Is it that way when the engine is warmed up?... or cold?

Yes, BMR, I checked around 6pm the coolant level in cold regime is about 1 inch higher than MAX mark.