ATF For 1998 Camry 4 cyl - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

ed0628 · 07-02-2010, 08:22 PM

I'm planning to do a drain and fill on my car's tranny. I understand it requires Dexron 3. Can I safely use Dexron 4.

I also have a 1999 Dodge Caravan which used Dexron 3. A Mopar TSB upgraded the 3 to a 4 and made it retro for Mopar cars and trucks. Apparently the 4 is superior to the 3 and has been installed in my van.

Are any of you aware of any upgrade for Toyota vehicles?

I would appreciate a discussion of this subject and thank you for your participation.

ed0628

csaxon · 07-02-2010, 08:52 PM

Dexron VI is the follow on to III. GM didn't spec a dexron IV. Your Dodge probably uses the ATF+3 Spec transmission fluid. That is not a Dexron spec fluid. Most newer Toyota's use the ATF-WS spec fluid.

csaxon · 07-02-2010, 09:43 PM

Toyota does have an ATF fluid designated T-IV but it is not designated for any Toyota after 1990 that is using dex II or dex III.

ed0628 · 07-04-2010, 10:57 PM

csaxon,

Thank you for responding to my query. You are correct, my 1999 Caravan takes ATF 4, not Dexron 4. Looks like I will be using Dexron 3 for D&F on my Camry.

Thanks again for your interest and clarification.

ed0628

TedL · 07-12-2010, 08:37 PM

I would suggest you do what I've done...switch over to Dexron VI (GM skipped from 3 to 6). It's synthetic, basically to meet the tough performance standards to qualify for the label, and replaces all previous versions of Dexron.

I get SuperTech Dexron VI at Walmart fro $3.77/qt. GM licenses the product, and everyone has to meet the same standards.

It's been in our 3 Toys ('97 Camry, '99 Avalon, '03 Avalon) for a combined 65k miles, and the shifting smoothness is excellent.

ed0628 · 07-13-2010, 12:26 PM

TedL,

Thank you for your info. Can I do a drain and fill, or should I consider a flush first?

I appreciate your courtesies.

ed0628

TedL · 07-13-2010, 01:42 PM

Well, to get the full benefits of the fluid upgrade, you want a full change.

I actually do the flush every 30k, disconnecting the return hose from the cooler in the rad. But I don't bother to drop the pan. As noted elsewhere, the "filter" is like a screen.

Figure on using 12 - 13 quarts for the flush. If you don't have a second car around, have 16 qts on hand when you start, because Mr. Murphy was a bloody optimist.

Use a clear tube (Lowes, HD) to make it easier to track the fluid color change to new looking.

ed0628 · 07-13-2010, 09:35 PM

TedL,

Thank you again for all of your info. It is very helpful and I plan on changing by flushing.

ed0628