Tranny Fluid Options?

[blackLE]

OK so I have kept up and changed my tranny fluid several times on my 2003 Corolla. Each time I used the Toyota Type t-IV fluid. All is well and it runs great. My question is has there been any 'alternatives' to this specific fluid that meets Toyota requirements and is 'available' at say Advanced or Auto Zone. I spoke with a parts guy many years ago about a 'substitute' fluid and he said there was and I don't remember what it was but said that it 'may' void' my warranty at the time so I continue to use Toyota's OEM fluid. Thoughts???? Thanks

[nitronate33]

many ATF's that you can buy at any auto parts store meet the Toyota T-IV specification. all you have to do is read the label on the back of the bottle. I know for a fact that Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF meets it because i used it when i changed the fluid on my wife's Solara.

[mikered30]

I am not sure if M1 still meets that requirement but last time I checked Maxlife met the standard and is semi synthetic.

[invader]

Amsoil synthetic ATF. Save about 20% with promo code:

http://www.woodsbrosracing.com/amsoil/atf.htm

[blackLE]

Thanks for the quick responses. I will do some checking on these.

[invader]

Suitable alternative for Type IV ATF

[dorman68]

I have been using Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid from the start with zero issues. I do a drain and refill every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Castrol states that it covers the following specs.


•Honda, Acura — ATF–Z1 (except in CVTs)Toyota, Lexus — Type T, T–III, T–IV
•Nissan, Infiniti — Matic–D, Matic–J
•BMW — LA2634, LT71141
•Mitsubishi — Diamond SP–II, SP–III
•Hyundai — SP–II, SP–III
•Volvo

[Rockosmith]

How many quarts?

[dorman68]

Originally Posted by Rockosmith

How many quarts?

I have been needing 3-1/2 qts to perform a drain & refill.

[mikered30]

It is 3.5 qts for a drain and refill, but if you want to get the most bang for your buck try this method:
DIY: GEN 9 Corolla Transmission Fluid Exchange & Strainer Replacement Procedure.

[blackLE]

Originally Posted by dorman68

I have been needing 3-1/2 qts to perform a drain & refill.

Thats about what mine is for a quick drain and refill.

[GREENPUS]

I've been very happy with Redline D4-ATF - I also didn't drain and fill. I flushed the system and completely refilled with the Redline

[invader]

Also, all 3 universal synthetic ATF made by Amalie who bought the Wolf's Head brand from Shell in 2006.

http://www.amalie.com/specs/4b_trans_cvt.pdf
http://www.wolfshead.com/products/un...theticATF.html
http://www.xcellube.com/default.html...Synthetic.html

[TheUrge]

Honestly I would just stick with the Toyota T-IV. It's a little more expensive, but so is getting your transmission rebuilt.

Maybe it's just me, but when a fluid says its T-IV "compatible" I still don't feel comfortable using it.

Why take the risk and possibly put something in that might not be the right fluid? You might see a performance gain by using something like redline or amsoil, but I doubt your going to be able to tell the difference really.

Spend a couple more bucks and get the right stuff.

[tbalon]

Valvoline MaxLife* DEX/MERC ATF ($18/Gallon) This ATF is recommended for use where DEXRON, DEXRON II, III and VI, Toyota T-IV and WS, MERCON®, MERCON® SP and LV, Allison TES 295 and 389, Nissan Matic-D, Matic-J and Matic-K, Honda Z-1 (except CVT), Mercedes NAG-1, Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II and SP-III and many others are required.