Suitable alternative for Type IV ATF

[touringcamry]

Is there any suitable alternative for Toyota's Type IV transmission fluid that I can get at Autozone or Kragen? I'd rather not have to go to the dealer to buy a few quarts of ATF.

[TRD VVTi]

I have yet to come across any fluid that meets the Type T-IV specification yet.

[JSM1284]

first question, why do you need a few quarts of fluid?

[gdanaher]

This prompted me to call Quaker State and their response was that a) the standard for this product is still a little iffy as Toyota views it as proprietary and until the information is published that sets a 'standard', then they won't be able to retail a product guaranteed to meet the 'standard'. b) it is a small niche market with limited retail sale prospects at this time. No need to make it because nobody is needing it right now. They thought it would be available from thrid party vendors in a year or so after Toyota opens the door.

[TRD VVTi]

Originally Posted by gdanaher

This prompted me to call Quaker State and their response was that a) the standard for this product is still a little iffy as Toyota views it as proprietary and until the information is published that sets a 'standard', then they won't be able to retail a product guaranteed to meet the 'standard'. b) it is a small niche market with limited retail sale prospects at this time. No need to make it because nobody is needing it right now. They thought it would be available from thrid party vendors in a year or so after Toyota opens the door.

Thanks for the info.

I've wondered what the deal was. Every fluid that I checked, including the synthetics don't list the Type T-IV spec.

[touringcamry]

Originally Posted by TRD VVTi

I have yet to come across any fluid that meets the Type T-IV specification yet.

Hrm...that sucks. It'll probably cost more in gas to go to the dealer and back than the ATF will cost.

[touringcamry]

Originally Posted by JSM1284

first question, why do you need a few quarts of fluid?

To fill an U241E transmission.

[charlie_bravo]

Prob. not at your local store, but Amsoil ATF can be used.

[touringcamry]

Yer...decided to just get the stuff from the dealer.

Dumb ass drained the tranny and double filled the oil. But at almost 90000 miles, it's probably not a bad idea to change the fluid.

[TRD VVTi]

Originally Posted by touringcamry

Yer...decided to just get the stuff from the dealer.

Dumb ass drained the tranny and double filled the oil. But at almost 90000 miles, it's probably not a bad idea to change the fluid.

You already have 90,000 miles on your Camry?

I guess you'll be our long term test case huh?

EDIT: After searching I've found that the only one to claim that Amsoil can be used to replace Type T-IV, is Amsoil themselves. This is what they say about the service life:

Originally Posted by Amsoil

SERVICE LIFE
AMSOIL Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is recommended for use up to 60,000 miles under severe service* and up to 100,000 miles under normal service*

At $9.05 per quart it seems like it's actually a disadvantage to use Amsoil ATF instead of the factory Toyota Type T-IV.

[touringcamry]

Not my car. I've changed my oil enough times to know that I don't use a 10mm allen key to do it.

My 07 has about 7800 miles and it's a 5M so it would use 75W-90 gear oil that meets GF4 requirements.

[TRD VVTi]

I guess Mobil also makes a compatable Type T-IV fluid.

Mobil ATF-3309

I won't use anything but the factory fluid though.

[eaglesvr]

Just got a case of 12 qt of T-IV from ebay for $25+shipping- not more expensive than any third party atf

[Mike Murrell]

I've contacted EVERY transmission supplier(major labels) and none have a substitute for IV. Amsoil was not contacted. More on this "attitude" below.

There's only one -> IV and it's at your Toyota dealer. It's basically the same as the so called WS(world standard) in terms of "who has it".

The Toyota dealer at this time is your ONLY source for IV or WS.

I have never been able to get on-board with Amsoil's rip off prices.

It's your car - do as you like.

[gdanaher]

Take a look at Red Line D6 ATF. They claim to be be compatible with WS.