A750F Transmission Fluid - ATF WS or T-IV ?!?!

The more I read, the more I'm confused. I know (from searching and reading) that this has been covered a hundred times, but I'm hoping for some clarification as to this specific case.


Vehicle: 2003 4runner LTD 4WD, 4.7L, Manufactured 4/03.

1) From what I've gathered all V8 4th gen 4WD 4runners have the A750F trannsmission. (correct me if I'm wrong)

2) Sometime in mid 2003, Toyota switched from a "non sealed" (with dip stick) to a "sealed" transmission (no dipstick).

3) From other posts here, the recommended transmission fluid for the A750 is ATF Type IV.

4) This PDF recommends type WS. Which is it??

5) At the time of the "switch" to sealed tranny, Toyota began recommending the ATF WS in their transmissions and stated that the T-IV was NOT compatible with this new fluid. Why the discrepancy?? Still the same transmission, just no dipstick.


My questions:

1) Is the non sealed early 4th gen transmission still the A750F?

2) If the A750F is non sealed (with dipstick), do I use ATF T-IV or ATF WS??

3) Did the sealed and non sealed A750F always use ATF WS or did it change from ATF T-IV to WS at some point?

4) Non sealed vs. sealed should not affect the type of fluid the transmission uses, correct??

Found this thread in a search and wanted to bump it up because I have the same question(s). We have a 2003 4Runner with the V8 and A750F transmission, with a dipstick (non-sealed, I guess). ATF was changed by a Toyota dealer at 30k miles and they used Toyota T-IV fluid. The truck is now coming up on 70k and I want to do another change, but don't know whether it is best to stick with the T-IV, switch to WS, or something else altogether?

If you have a trans dipstick, it uses T-IV. (I think it says so on the dipstick.)
The "sealed" trans (no dipstick) uses WS.

All 2003 models have the dipstick, so they use T-IV.

The V8 got the sealed trans in 2004, and the V6 got it in 2005.

T-IV and WS are NOT compatible, so don't mix them or replace one with the other.

Thanks for the reply Toto, that's what I was leaning towards but just wanted to hear another opinion. Just as an academic question, is there any internal difference between the sealed and non-sealed A750F, other than the presence of a dipstick?

Supposedly, the transmission is using different friction material from the WS version even though it is the same designation. But I haven't really been able to verify that 100%.

toto said:

If you have a trans dipstick, it uses T-IV. (I think it says so on the dipstick.)
The "sealed" trans (no dipstick) uses WS.

All 2003 models have the dipstick, so they use T-IV.

The V8 got the sealed trans in 2004, and the V6 got it in 2005.

T-IV and WS are NOT compatible, so don't mix them or replace one with the other.

Click to expand...

I can confirm that if you have a non-sealed (aka have a trans dipstick) that you need T-IV fluid. Says it on right on the dipstick. I plan on replacing my transmission fluid soon so I've been doing some research.

From AMSOIL's vehicle lookup, you need T-IV fluid.

It's very simple.

dipstick = Type T-IV
No dipstick = WS


No ands, ifs, or butts. :lalala:

djsixbillion said:

Found this thread in a search and wanted to bump it up because I have the same question(s). We have a 2003 4Runner with the V8 and A750F transmission, with a dipstick (non-sealed, I guess). ATF was changed by a Toyota dealer at 30k miles and they used Toyota T-IV fluid. The truck is now coming up on 70k and I want to do another change, but don't know whether it is best to stick with the T-IV, switch to WS, or something else altogether?

Click to expand...

I have a 2005 4runner since new from dealer. I had thetranny serviced at dealer at 100,000 miles and their invoice says 6 quarts of T-IV.

My owners Manuel mentions both WS and T-IV.

I’m still puzzled as to what to use for my next DF. I have 5 quarts of T-1V so I should use that, correct?

I have the sealed tranny.

Your owners manual actually TELLS you what fluid to use. If you want to post an image of the manual page that "mentions" both types, then it would help to understand the context of this mention and we can help narrow down your options to the correct fluid for your vehicle.

Seymore Butts said:

Your owners manual actually TELLS you what fluid to use. If you want to post an image of the manual page that "mentions" both types, then it would help to understand the context of this mention and we can help narrow down your options to the correct fluid for your vehicle.

Click to expand...

Captsolo said:

I have a 2005 4runner since new from dealer. I had thetranny serviced at dealer at 100,000 miles and their invoice says 6 quarts of T-IV.

My owners Manuel mentions both WS and T-IV.

I’m still puzzled as to what to use for my next DF. I have 5 quarts of T-1V so I should use that, correct?

I have the sealed tranny.

Click to expand...

This is what it says in the 2005 Toyota 4Runner owner's manual...on page 404....and also a link to the 2005 owner's manual from the Toyota Owner's website..

No where did I see even a mention of T-IV fluid.

https://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om-s/OM35843U/pdf/OM35843U.pdf

"AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Fluid capacity (drain and refill),
L (qt., Imp. qt.):
Up to 3.0 (3.2, 2.6)
Fluid type:
Toyota Genuine ATF WS
Change automatic transmission fluid only
as necessary.
Generally, it is necessary to change
automatic transmission fluid only if your
vehicle is driven under one of the Special
Operating Conditions listed in your
“Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or
“Owner’s Manual Supplement”. When
changing the automatic transmission fluid,
use only “Toyota Genuine ATF WS” (ATF
JWS3324 or NWS9638) to aid in assuring
optimum transmission performance.
Notice: Using automatic transmission
fluid other than “Toyota Genuine ATF
WS” may cause deterioration in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission
accompanied by vibration, and ultimately damage the automatic transmission
of your vehicle."

AuSeeker said:

This is what it says in the 2005 Toyota 4Runner owner's manual...on page 404....and also a link to the 2005 owner's manual from the Toyota Owner's website..

No where did I see even a mention of T-IV fluid.

https://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om-s/OM35843U/pdf/OM35843U.pdf

"AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Fluid capacity (drain and refill),
L (qt., Imp. qt.):
Up to 3.0 (3.2, 2.6)
Fluid type:
Toyota Genuine ATF WS
Change automatic transmission fluid only
as necessary.
Generally, it is necessary to change
automatic transmission fluid only if your
vehicle is driven under one of the Special
Operating Conditions listed in your
“Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or
“Owner’s Manual Supplement”. When
changing the automatic transmission fluid,
use only “Toyota Genuine ATF WS” (ATF
JWS3324 or NWS9638) to aid in assuring
optimum transmission performance.
Notice: Using automatic transmission
fluid other than “Toyota Genuine ATF
WS” may cause deterioration in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission
accompanied by vibration, and ultimately damage the automatic transmission
of your vehicle."

Click to expand...

Here's a link for the 2005 4 speed transmission
2000 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4 Speed Automatic Transmission Photo #67136072 | GTCarLot.com

The owners manual says use ATF Toyota T-1V (4 speed). Adjacent page says 5 speed use WS

When the dealer serviced my tranny after 5 years they used the T-1V - so I guess this is what I should continue to use in a D/F (5 quarts)

Captsolo said:

Here's a link for the 2005 4 speed transmission
2000 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4 Speed Automatic Transmission Photo #67136072 | GTCarLot.com

The owners manual says use ATF Toyota T-1V (4 speed). Adjacent page says 5 speed use WS

When the dealer serviced my tranny after 5 years they used the T-1V - so I guess this is what I should continue to use in a D/F (5 quarts)

Click to expand...

Open the driver door and look at the sticker that has the manufacture date, tire pressure, vin, etc.

In the bottom right corner, three lines from the bottom it should say either A340 or A750 and the final letter E or F will indicate 2wd or 4wd respectively. Yours will likely say A750E as yours is a 2005 2wd. The A340 is the 4 speed and takes the type iv. The A750 is the 5 speed and should take the WS

Another indication of 4 speed vs 5 speed is your gear selector will be PRND32L for the 4 speed or PRND432L for the 5 speed.

Captsolo said:

Here's a link for the 2005 4 speed transmission
2000 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4 Speed Automatic Transmission Photo #67136072 | GTCarLot.com

The owners manual says use ATF Toyota T-1V (4 speed). Adjacent page says 5 speed use WS

When the dealer serviced my tranny after 5 years they used the T-1V - so I guess this is what I should continue to use in a D/F (5 quarts)

Click to expand...

There are no 4 speeds transmissions for the 2005 model, only the 5 speeds.

The link you posted is for a 2000 T4R not a 2005, and the link is not to a owner's manual.

But using your link/website, here's the specs for all 2005 T4R models and they all only come with the 5 speed....100%.

2005 Toyota 4Runner Data, Info and Specs | GTCarLot.com

Did you look in your owner's manual, if so please post the page number so we can find it as well??

I posted that info for you directly from Toyota's website so you could truly trust what it actually says and not some other non affiliated website that could say many things that may not be true, even the website you posted backs up what type transmission that is in your 2005 T4R but I hoped you would at least look for yourself in your owner's manual to know what type fluid your transmission should be using!!

a 2005 4runner uses WS. period. nowhere in a 2005 manual does it say to use T-IV trans fluid.

as mentioned above, that link is for a 2000 4 runner, not a 2005!

& the captain just posted on another thread that his 2005 4runner came with T-IV fluid when new...

Captsolo said:

New T-IV is non synthetic
New WS is synthetic

dealer receipt says 6 quarts used.

All I can say is the car came new with T-IV and tranny has 150,000 miles on it and shifts fine. Dealer did D/F 45,000 miles ago.

Click to expand...

firebirdguy said:

a 2005 4runner uses WS. period. nowhere in a 2005 manual does it say to use T-IV trans fluid.

as mentioned above, that link is for a 2000 4 runner, not a 2005!

& the captain just posted on another thread that his 2005 4runner came with T-IV fluid when new...

Click to expand...

Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV - Bing

Sure Fierbird's advice trumps the dealer I use and the OM that came with my 2005 4runner and sits in my lap right now :

THE OM that came with my 2005 4runner V6 SAYS:

(copyright @ 2004 TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION) PAGE "i" (VERY FIRST PAGE)

page 261 of same OM it says

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (4 speed)

"When changing the ATF, use only "Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV" (ATF JWS33309 or NWS6500)

In the 4runner manual in italics TM write: "Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV"

TOYOTA MANUAL writes as follows pg 261:

""Notice: Using other ATF other than ""Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV" may cause deterioration in shift quality, locking up your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately damage the ATM of your vehicle""

SPECIAL NOTE: Both Executive Motors / Toyota Motors dealer here in Nassau have serviced my 4runner with Type T-IV (Not WS) ever since I owned the car and it says so on their invoice with the charges (that I keep) AND I have 150,000 miles on the 4runner engine and transmission without any transmission "slippage" ever!


copy and paste below off internet...

Genuine Toyota ATF Type T-IV is an advanced Automatic Transmission Fluid that has been specifically designed by Toyota's R&D division, especially for Toyota/Scion/Lexus automatic transmissions. This Genuine Toyota ATF meets or exceeds all Toyota warranty requirements and is tested and approved by Toyota. Toyota Type T-IV ATF provides for smooth shifting even in extreme temperatures and the precise friction coefficient helps prevent transmission shudder. Special additives help protect against excessive wear and corrosion and this ATF is chemically balanced to be compatible with rubber seals and metal finishes inside your Toyota, Scion or Lexus transmission. Please refer to your owner's manual to ensure that this Type T-IV ATF is the correct fluid for your vehicle.

Specifically designed by Toyota for certain Toyota/Scion/Lexus automatic transmissions.
Required for use in many Toyota models.
Meets or exceeds all Toyota warranty requirements.
Protects against excessive wear and corrosion.


BTW.... IF you have Type T-IV ATF you must only service or add Type T-IV ATF.
Type T-IV ATF is not compatible with Toyota Type WS (used in new cars and trucks built by Toyota).
Amazon.com: Toyota 00289-ATFWS Lexus & Automatic Transmission Fluid WS ATF World Standard, Pack of 4: Automotive

WS is a synthetic
Type T-IV is non-synthetic

A near 10 year old thread...and it was figured out, what 8 years ago.

Dipstick
Takes the T-IV

No dipstick
Takes WS

Hey captain go out and take a picture of the door jam so we can see what the hell you are talking about.

AuSeeker, firebirdguy and y=mx+b are all telling you what is actually real.:director:

Captsolo said:

Sure Fierbird's advice trumps the dealer I use and the OM that came with my 2005 4runner and sits in my lap right now :

THE OM that came with my 2005 4runner V6 SAYS:

(copyright @ 2004 TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION) PAGE "i" (VERY FIRST PAGE)

page 261 of same OM it says

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (4 speed)

"When changing the ATF, use only "Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV" (ATF JWS33309 or NWS6500)

In the 4runner manual in italics TM write: "Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV"

TOYOTA MANUAL writes as follows pg 261:

""Notice: Using other ATF other than ""Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV" may cause deterioration in shift quality, locking up your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately damage the ATM of your vehicle""

Click to expand...

Could you please post a link to the owner's manual that you're quoting the above from...or if it's the actual manual please post photos of that page and the cover of the manual.

Did'nt the captain at some point mention he was 105 years old?
I have a 100+ year old grandmother and i can say that when you are that old reality is what you make it.
...and actually long before you even get that far along.:clock:

Maybe its a south american/euro build.?
Most here will be N. American... as far as info.

BackOff said:

A near 10 year old thread...and it was figured out, what 8 years ago.

Dipstick
Takes the T-IV

No dipstick
Takes WS

Hey captain go out and take a picture of the door jam so we can see what the hell you are talking about.

AuSeeker, firebirdguy and y=mx+b are all telling you what is actually real.:director:

Click to expand...

firebirdguy and captsolo have been going round and round in the "170k service" thread (link here). I'm not sure why they're still going back and forth regarding which transmission takes what fluid. I posted the following in that thread...

Directly from the owners manuals:

Page 404 of the 2005 4Runner owners manual (link here):
Notice: Using automatic transmission
fluid other than “Toyota Genuine ATF
WS” may cause deterioration in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission
accompanied by vibration, and ultimately damage the automatic transmission
of your vehicle.

In contrary from page 350 in the 2003 manual (link here):
Notice: Using automatic transmission
fluid other than “Toyota Genuine ATF
Type T−IV” may cause deterioration in
shift quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and
ultimately damage the automatic transmission of your vehicle.