What does it say on the dipstick?

Had this exact same problem of analysis paralysis (to much information) before servicing the auto trans on my 2002.

Went into the Toyota service department at local dealer. Service desk called their master trans tech. Explained my confusion to their tech. He smiled and said... 'What does it say on the dipstick?'

Me: D'oh! FacePalm!

Problem solved.

😉

I would not use anything other than Dexron II

Can you tell me where to buy some of that stuff? I completely struck out when I went searching for it.

I spent many collective hours researching and reading online what I thought was the best one. I came to the conclusion that the best one in my opinion was the blue bottled Valvoline Dex Merc. I chose it based on its higher temperature viscosity, it was one of the only ones that made a much higher viscosity at high temperatures. It's not exactly as high as original dexron, but it was the closest match I can find and it's what I currently using.

I also use the same fluid in the power steering system.

I had the radiator bypassed with a separate stand-alone transmission oil cooler, added a magnifying magnetic filter, had the transmission filter replaced and the whole thing flushed out.

She runs great now!!!

I seen lots of people use valvoline max life dex merc in a pile of different vehicles with excellent results. Next time I exchange mine I am using valvoline max life dex merc.

T2 and T3 are basically non existant anymore and Toyota WS I wouldn't put in these transmissions..

Granted I never seen a TB saying that we cant. I just think it's too different.


Besides I read somewhere that Castrol makes the Toyota WS it may have been off Bob's the oil guy forum. So that would he a possible solution to the newer toyota transmissions.

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If you have access to Pennzoil Multi-Vehicle Synthetic that is an excellent DexIII equilivant. I also use it in my 94 Cummins that calls for ATF+4 and that trans has 180,000 miles on it and still chirps the tires in the 1-2 upshift.


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My one buddy owns a mom and pop garage. Works on all types of cars and with all his research on bobsoilguy forum he settled on Valvoline.

Great to know Pennzoil Multi-vehicle synthetic is a great oil too.. :-)

I used Castrol motor oils for years so I was glad to see they make the Toyota WS.

It what my friend who owns the local trans shop uses for DexIII. Too many personal opinions on the oil forum and everyone there is an expert and chemical engineer.


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My tranny drain bolt says Dex II, my dipstick says Dextron II/III. Owners manual says Dex III. The atf I chose (mobile 1 synthetic atf) says compatible with Dex II and Dex IIIH and Dex IIIG. The Dex g & h are compatible with Dex III. I drained and flushed 14 1/2 bottles into my tranny to get the fluid lvls perfect when cold and hot.


We’ll see how this works out. You see how it’s so confusing though. The truck list 3 different ATFs. this is why I will not pay any mechanic to do these type of things if I can do it myself. Shoutout Timmy the tool man, your vids are great! Got this done by myself in 4 hours ! Thank you



2001 SR5 4x4 Premium
2017 SR5 4x4 Premium

How’s the transmission been this past week O2runnersr5?

So far so good with the mobile 1 atf synthetic. Wasn’t having any shifting issues before but it had been 10 years/40k miles since it was changed. The flush went good and trans still shifts great. Been under the truck this weekend changing diffs and transfercase fluids and didnt see any transmission leaks from the hoses and/or drain plugs.


2001 SR5 4x4 Premium
2017 SR5 4x4 Premium

That's every forum though. ;)

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So, just to be clear- is there a separate Valvoline Maxlife for Dex Merc or is it the same as the Maxlife in the red gallon jug? I just got 4 gallons of Maxlife that says it's a suitable replacement for GM DEX III.

This is what I got from wally-world.


I want to get the Toyota T-IV out of the trans as soon as possible. It still burns my b*lls that I followed the suggestions from the forum and used the T-IV and now the TSB got posted about NOT using the T-IV in our transmissions. I get to spend another $80 in fluid so I want to be sure that I'm using the right stuff. ( at least what most of the forum members are saying works for our transmissions)

That’s what I use. “Multi-vehicle ATF”.

If the jug says dexron compatible your should be good.. Like @Dieselchessy said that's what he uses without issues. . That's what I plan to use next fluid exchange.

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