It takes Dexron III automatic transmission fluid. It probably says that on the reservoir cap, unless it's been replaced with some generic cap. There is no recommended interval for changing it, but I think it's a good idea to do it once in a while; maybe every 100k miles? Here's a DIY thread showing how to do it. It's pretty easy.

 

Can you please give me link for shopping with that fluid? I would like to see exactly what is the name and how it looks like. Sorry, I am really don't understand about the car stuff. Thanks

 

Sure... link to autozone's website. There are many brands. Just make sure it says Dexron III on the label. Or ask for help at any auto parts store. Walmart carries it too, if that's more convenient.

 

As I am new driver I am afraid to change it myself. May be I will take it some place to change. Could you please tell me where can I take it? And also how much volume of that fluid will I need to buy?
I am hearing weak sound (like "uuuuu") when I turning wheel or when I am stopped at intersection and taking my foot off from brake. And I am told that it may be connected with power steering fluid. So I don't know change it completely or just add some. Can I add the red one on the one which in car now? I noticed that the level is a little (about 1-2 milimeters) below the MIN mark for cold regime.

Also I am wondering is that OK that coolant mark is higher(may 1 or 1,5 inch) the MAX mark?
Thanks.

 

I think Walmart's Supertech ATF (Mercon-V can be used instead of Dexron-III) comes at great pricing, way below autozone's pricing.

actually, better synthetic ATF fluids (Castrol IMV ATF, Mobil1 ATF, Royal Purple ATF, etc.) can be purchased real cheap from Advance Auto Parts online with discount coupons (e.g. P20, A123, BIG15, BIG30, BIG50, VISA, PAYPAL, etc.) and local pickup :0 it works on ATF, but it doesn't work on motor oils
with a proper total and proper code you can get up to 40% off, instead of putting lots of items on a single order you can always separate them into a few smaller ... more efficient and optimal ones too

see examples:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ArJXLrjNtp2gdEZiNVBQRV8xMjVkZmZRMVVIMzVLUFE

store page is here:
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com

my current shopping cart sample:

 

If your car has the original fluid, it may look like apple juice color, but it's just missing the dye. Dexron III typically has a red dye in it so don't get worried if you see some color difference. It's similar to red wine color.

 

If you're mechanically inclined definitely do the DIY linked by BMR and flush out the whole system. Just be careful of the brittle reservoir after all these years. The tube might crack off.

Otherwise just siphon and refill a few times over a week should do. Use an old shampoo pump like in the DIY and clean it first (I never realized these old pumps are so useful Kudos to Ken4 in the DIY).

You can use any GM Dexron III suitable ATFs. But I'd stay away from the thinner Dexron-VI in these older systems.

Walmart's SuperTech Mercon-V works fine and its spec is very tight across brands (like GM's Dexron-VI). Just don't pick up an old formulation of Mercon-V gathering dust somewhere because the old formulation isn't Dexron-III suitable. Always read the label for "Dexron III" suitability.

But as mentioned, if you have an Advance Auto nearby and use the discount codes, definitely get the Mobil-1 ATF or Castrol Import Multi-vehicle ATF. Castrol ATFs are now called TransMax and Walmart has it too after disappearing for a while. Pricewise you'll be close to Mercon-Vs.

 

If Areg doesn't have a shampoo pump handy check the dollar store for one of those empty pump bottles. Use it to siphon out about 10-12 oz of ATF from the reservoir and fill it back up. Put some paper towels/newspaper around so you don't get ATF onto the drive belts and pulleys. Clean off with alcohol if necessary. If you can pump liquid soap/shampoo you can pump ATF out of the reservoir. Really.

Do this 3-4 times in the coming week or two and you should have just about all new fluid in the system. So buy 2 qts.

A shop will probably charge too much to siphon out the 10-12 oz. If there isn't a Walmart nearby (for their SuperTech Mercon-V, ~$4/qt) then check your local parts stores for their store-brand Mercon-V that's suitable for Dexron-III applications (read the label). Dino ATF will be cheaper by $1 or so, again Walmart SuperTech is a great value if you want plain dino.

 

I am trying to guess why I need to do it 3-4 time. So, I think because it isn't possible to take all fluid at once, and I have to take off every time as much as I can and add new fluid then drive car so the old and new fluids will mix and then again same procedure, every time I will get less fraction of old fluid. Am I true?

Also, I bought today ATF DEX Merc, which the autozone worker said is the same as DEXRON II. I also saw in Camry manual that my car needs DEXRON II or III. So is there any difference between 2 and 3? May be I need to replace in store? I didn't opened it yet.