I just bought a used '03 Corolla LE with 28K miles on the odometer. My daughter also has an '03 Corolla S with about 65K. My question is, is it necessary to use Toyota brand ATF in the tranny's of our cars or is a good brand Dexron fluid such as Castrol OK? I can buy Castrol ATF for much less than the Toyota dealership charges for Toyota brand ATF, but I want to use what ever is best because we intend to drive these cars for a long time. I have a 94 Nissan Altima with 192K miles and I have changed the 3 quarts in the pan every 15K using only Dexron II and later Dexron III and it still shifts like new, but I want to make sure that our Toyotas don't require using Toyota brand fluid before I buy another brand.
Check your owner's manual. There should be a fluid TYPE specification (but not a brand specification). For example, a 2007 automatic transmission takes ATF Type T-IV. You don't have to use Toyota brand fluid, but don't use Dexron either. Castrol does make a transmission fluid for these cars, and it's called "Import Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid":
Thanks to everybody who replied, I had no idae that ATF was such a controversial subject with Toyota owners. I guess I will play it safe and use the Toyota brand ATF from a local Toyota dealership. A few bucks more for an annual fluid change isn't a big deal if it keeps the tranny's in good shape and it will be well worth the relatively small extra cost. The fluid in both cars is still clear and bright red, so I'm not in a big hurry to change it anyway.
Toyota ATF Type T-IV is the right fluid, it's kinda pricey since you can only buy it at a dealer, I think it was $6-7 a quart, could be you can get it cheaper on line somewhere I haven't looked, there are other ATF brands that say their compatible but myself I only use the right one that was meant for my car! Remember if you only drain it from the plug underneath you're only getting about half of the old ATF out, you need a complete flush/fill to get the job done right...And in my opinion never add any additives(trans cure-trans medic...etc.) they do more harm then good! Good Luck!
I just did a drain and fill with Amsoil Universal ATF.
Just curious,
Toyota ATF Type T-IV is the OEM tranny fluid used in almost every Toyota over the years with good results, why did you change and put a different one in, the cost or has it been proven that Amsoil or other brands are better, if so do you have any links on this?
Toyota ATF Type T-IV is the right fluid, it's kinda pricey since you can only buy it at a dealer, I think it was $6-7 a quart, could be you can get it cheaper on line somewhere I haven't looked, there are other ATF brands that say their compatible but myself I only use the right one that was meant for my car!
I agree that for the relatively low price-per-quart of the Toyota fluid ($7/quart is pretty cheap for a "specialty" fluid), you might as well use that.
To the original poster, If you're draining it out every year, there's absolutely no reason to use a more expensive fluid. Also, I wouldn't bother with flushing either, if you're doing annual drains. Your transmission fluid will be PLENTY clean at all times. Even doing it once a year, you'll be draining out practically brand new fluid.
Toyota ATF Type T-IV is the OEM tranny fluid used in almost every Toyota over the years with good results, why did you change and put a different one in, the cost or has it been proven that Amsoil or other brands are better, if so do you have any links on this?
Amsoil is a FULL SYNTHETIC ATF, the toyota brand is only part synthetic. the parts guy at the counter and a tech told me it was synthetic blend. on the back of the bottle it even says "contains petroleum oil". i always like to stick with full synthetic fluids even if they cost more. Mobil 1 just came out with a new synthetic ATF that has been reformulated to meet all asian and domestic brands even type T-IV. they sell it at walmart.
Be careful when picking fluid, just because Mobil or any other company says "is suitable for" or compatible with your tranny doesn't make it the best for your application. The only Toyota approved fluid is T-IV and Mobil 3309. Many of the fluids are universal, one fluid fits all, as in amsoil. My 2 cents.
I believe Amsoil ATF is a higher quality fluid than the T-IV, and I have not seen any incompatibility issues with the amsoil universal from my research online. So far the shifting feels a bit smoother with the amsoil, but this may be just in my head. I guess if you have any doubts, just stick with the T-IV and it'll do the job fine.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Linear Mode
