What power steering fluid?

[ventsyv]

The power steering fluid is a bit law on my wife's 03 Matrix. I bought Castrol ATF for imports


I think this should be OK to be used as a power steering fluid right?

[humanoid]

Some vehicles use ATF fluid for steering fluid, I would make sure you get the correct fluid for it.

[ventsyv]

That's what I'm trying to do. Is there anywhere I can check?
Thanks!

[humanoid]

Does the cap on the reservoir give any indication as to what type of fluid?

[Zembonez]

Originally Posted by ventsyv

That's what I'm trying to do. Is there anywhere I can check?
Thanks!

Owner's manual will tell you what kind / type of fluids to use.

[fishexpo101]

The type of fluid will be stamped right on the powersteering cap. That Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle would be OK for the transaxle, as I believe that is Toyota Type T-IV compliant. Powersteering can use ATF, but verify that is says Type T-IV or Dexron II/III ATF - the two are not interchangeable.

[Billzebub]

Originally Posted by fishexpo101

The type of fluid will be stamped right on the powersteering cap. That Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle would be OK for the transaxle, as I believe that is Toyota Type T-IV compliant. Powersteering can use ATF, but verify that is says Type T-IV or Dexron II/III ATF - the two are not interchangeable.

I noticed my PS fluid was low at cold, right at the min mark. I haven't added any in five years. I do not see a leak.

I went to Advance Auto and bought a Qt. of DexIII/Mercon ATF fluid and added about 3-1/2 to 4 tsp with a medicine dropper.

I will keep an eye on it for leaks, but I don't know if it evaporated, burnt off or what.

EDIT:

Sry, I should note that I drive a 2005 Tacoma DCSB SR5 4x4 SR5.

I found this post with Google search and didn't realize it wasn't the Tacoma forum until just now.

[shortlid]

Over time it just evaporates off. I suck the old fluid out with a turkey baster every other oil change and replace it with new fluid. Seems to work well and keeps the steering tight as when new. Most Toyota's take Dextron III or better in the P/S system