02-19-2020, 09:08 AM
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#31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2ndhandyotaman
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)
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Those TB have been out for years. It's up to you what fluid you put in your transmission. I just have seen posts and people having issues with T-IV fluid and Toyota most have as well as they released 2 separate TB on it. From what I gather the transmission can slip with T-IV fluid and not function properly.
The kicker is T-IV is compatible with most Toyota transmissions. Our 3rd gen transmission is an exception to the rule because there are TB stating that too.
Sent from my SM-J337V using Tapatalk
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7 3rd gens listed in the build thread (2 are parts mobiles)
Build Thread: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...os-builds.html
Brillo's Bucket Fluid Ex changer: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ml#post3358086
Sparks Plugs Wire and Coil Information: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...on-5vz-fe.html
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02-19-2020, 01:46 PM
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#32
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brillo_76
The kicker is T-IV is compatible with most Toyota transmissions. Our 3rd gen transmission is an exception to the rule because there are TB stating that too.
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There are also a number of Toyota transmissions that don't work with DEX fluids and require the T-IV...
(The auto that was originally in my Alltrac Camry is one of them - even though the FWD version of the otherwise same trans required DEX-II/III. Very odd stuff)
-Charlie
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'99 4Runner SR5 Auto - 4WD swapped
'89 Camry Alltrac LE 3S-GTE 5spd
'17 Chevy Volt Premier
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Previous: '88 Camry Alltrac LE 3S-GE BEAMS, 90 Camry 3S-GTE, 90 Camry DX, '03 WRX wagon, '08 Outback XT
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02-19-2020, 02:22 PM
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#33
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Quote:
Originally Posted by phattyduck
There are also a number of Toyota transmissions that don't work with DEX fluids and require the T-IV...
(The auto that was originally in my Alltrac Camry is one of them - even though the FWD version of the otherwise same trans required DEX-II/III. Very odd stuff)
-Charlie
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Would you say a guess would be 5%?
Sent from my SM-J337V using Tapatalk
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7 3rd gens listed in the build thread (2 are parts mobiles)
Build Thread: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...os-builds.html
Brillo's Bucket Fluid Ex changer: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ml#post3358086
Sparks Plugs Wire and Coil Information: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...on-5vz-fe.html
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02-19-2020, 06:51 PM
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#34
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On Valvoline Max Life for my A340E (2wd). Full flush and filter change.
Good fluid from what I can tell. Reasonable priced, easily available. Yes, there are more exotic and pricier fluids out there. Max Life for me.
IMHO folks get into more trouble by not changing fluids on a good schedule.
Yeah its kind of a pain but needs to get done.
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2002 Sport Edition (Big Red) 2wd auto, 235k
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02-19-2020, 09:32 PM
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#35
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brillo_76
Those TB have been out for years. It's up to you what fluid you put in your transmission. I just have seen posts and people having issues with T-IV fluid and Toyota most have as well as they released 2 separate TB on it. From what I gather the transmission can slip with T-IV fluid and not function properly.
The kicker is T-IV is compatible with most Toyota transmissions. Our 3rd gen transmission is an exception to the rule because there are TB stating that too.
Sent from my SM-J337V using Tapatalk
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I agree that it was ultimately up to me to figure out exactly what to use, at the time that I chose to use the T-IV the general consensus on the matter was that it was ok to use, so I went with it and honestly haven't had any issues, but now after seeing those TB's in here, I decided that I'd rather be safe than sorry. The rig has 235K on it, I'm not replacing the trans if it goes because I used an incapable fluid that even the stealership recommended the T-IV.
My question now is- is there more than 1 type of the Valvoline Maxlife? The pic that I posted is what I purchased at wally-world, on the back of the jug it clearly says it's a direct replacement for GM DEXIII , among others.
I've seen a few mentions of using only the Maxlife Dex/Mercon which I didn't see in the store, so I want to be sure if it's 1 or 2 types of Maxlife available.
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'99 Limited, 225K miles, 3.4/automatic, multi-mode, e-locker, broken sunroof, no DRL's. 265-75-16 Hankook Dynapro ATM. New Moog rear springs, KYB Monomax F&R.
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02-19-2020, 09:55 PM
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#36
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Same product, yours has the new label, old label verbiage was slightly different. Same stuff. Only one “multi-vehicle ATF”. That verbiage didn’t change.
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Owned 82, 83, 87 pickup, 98, 99 SR5 4runner
Currently own a 98 SR5, 5spd, 4x4, e-locker, no sunroof. 2012 LTD with the normal options.
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02-23-2020, 07:38 PM
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#38
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Just an update, I didn't see the point of cluttering our section with another thread on the matter. Yesterday I pumped out the T-IV and replaced it with the Valvoline Maxlife. I used my "calibrated" jug to measure out how much was being pumped. I found that if I counted out load " 1-mississippi, 2 mississippi, ect.. all the way to 10 mississippi", it equaled 1 qt of fluid being pumped. Seriously, it worked out that way.
I exchanged 12 qts ( 3 gallons ) and called it 'done'. On the test drive, the trans didn't want to down shift from 4th into 3rd. The converter would unlock, but it wouldn't drop to 3rd. I decided to take it on a hilly run and work the gears manually. After 10 miles, the trans started to shift correctly. I drove it again today and everything seems fine. The fluid looks good. I have no idea what to think about the trans not shifting,other than maybe it was a side effect of going from the T-IV to the aftermarket DEX III fluid.
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'99 Limited, 225K miles, 3.4/automatic, multi-mode, e-locker, broken sunroof, no DRL's. 265-75-16 Hankook Dynapro ATM. New Moog rear springs, KYB Monomax F&R.
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02-23-2020, 08:03 PM
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#39
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2ndhandyotaman
Just an update, I didn't see the point of cluttering our section with another thread on the matter. Yesterday I pumped out the T-IV and replaced it with the Valvoline Maxlife. I used my "calibrated" jug to measure out how much was being pumped. I found that if I counted out load " 1-mississippi, 2 mississippi, ect.. all the way to 10 mississippi", it equaled 1 qt of fluid being pumped. Seriously, it worked out that way.
I exchanged 12 qts ( 3 gallons ) and called it 'done'. On the test drive, the trans didn't want to down shift from 4th into 3rd. The converter would unlock, but it wouldn't drop to 3rd. I decided to take it on a hilly run and work the gears manually. After 10 miles, the trans started to shift correctly. I drove it again today and everything seems fine. The fluid looks good. I have no idea what to think about the trans not shifting,other than maybe it was a side effect of going from the T-IV to the aftermarket DEX III fluid.
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You realize you just swapped out genuine T-IV fluid for an aftermarket multi-vehicle fluid that also meets T-IV spec, right? Matter of fact, I bet the shifting problem has to do with Maxlife ATF being more similar to Toyota WS than a Dexron 3. In other words, it is too thin. You were better off with the Type-IV. I had the same issue with Maxlife.
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02-23-2020, 09:04 PM
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#40
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Quote:
Originally Posted by T4R2014
You realize you just swapped out genuine T-IV fluid for an aftermarket multi-vehicle fluid that also meets T-IV spec, right? Matter of fact, I bet the shifting problem has to do with Maxlife ATF being more similar to Toyota WS than a Dexron 3. In other words, it is too thin. You were better off with the Type-IV. I had the same issue with Maxlife.
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Well, the complete lack of solid information from either the forum or Toyota, or the aftermarket is beyond frustrating. The TSB clearly says that the T-IV isn't compatible with our transmissions. Toyota doesn't offer a Dexron III fluid. The Maxlife clearly says that it's a DEX III replacement. I didn't see it mentioned being a replacement for the WS or T-IV.
I don't know anymore at this point, I'm frustrated with the whole ordeal. Most people using the Maxlife seem to think that it works well. I'll have to wait and see, and hopefully not destroy the old transmission in the process.
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'99 Limited, 225K miles, 3.4/automatic, multi-mode, e-locker, broken sunroof, no DRL's. 265-75-16 Hankook Dynapro ATM. New Moog rear springs, KYB Monomax F&R.
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02-23-2020, 09:19 PM
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#41
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I just put Valvoline Maxlife ATF in my '98
Hey all, here's my story.
I picked up a '98 SR5 4WD automatic late last year with a broken transmission dipstick. After changing everything except the transmission fluid, it was still sluggish on the get up and go.
I ended up dropping the pan after draining coffee like fluid out of it. Couldn't get the broken piece out of the pan --- ended up getting a new pan.
Anyhow, I went with Valvoline Maxlife ATF in mine. I measured out a little over 6qts from what drained over the time I had the pan off. While I was there I replaced the transmission filter.
(see YouTube)
Poured in the equivalent amount of Valvoline Maxlife ATF, and took her for a spin. Immediately noticed a difference in pickup, although it was probably related to the new transmission filter.
At this point I knew I was about 50/50 old coffee fluid and new Valvoline, so after warming it up I drained it again. Got about 3qts of purplish fluid out. Refilled with equivalent Valvoline. Started up, took her for another spin, shifted through all the gears manually, and measured the fluid. Was showing quite low, and ended up taking another 3/4s of a quart before got up in the hot range.
I now how have 2 new quarts left from my original 12 that I was planning on putting in, so I ordered another 2 quarts. After putting some mileage on to work the gunk out I'll drain and refill again.
I went with Valvoline Maxlife ATF in mine because Timmy the Toolman recommends it AND my master toyota mechanic uncle who trains the techs at dealers recommended it.
My '98 (now) runs like I expected it to when I got it ... like a V6 instead of a 4-banger. But again that may be because of the transmission filter...
EDIT: 231k miles on it. I have no idea if the transmission fluid was ever changed or not. If I was to do it all again, and I had the funds, I'd go for Royal Purple instead of Valvoline. Seems to be higher quality stuff.
Last edited by cdg11343; 02-23-2020 at 09:34 PM.
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02-23-2020, 11:54 PM
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#42
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2ndhandyotaman
Well, the complete lack of solid information from either the forum or Toyota, or the aftermarket is beyond frustrating. The TSB clearly says that the T-IV isn't compatible with our transmissions. Toyota doesn't offer a Dexron III fluid. The Maxlife clearly says that it's a DEX III replacement. I didn't see it mentioned being a replacement for the WS or T-IV.
I don't know anymore at this point, I'm frustrated with the whole ordeal. Most people using the Maxlife seem to think that it works well. I'll have to wait and see, and hopefully not destroy the old transmission in the process.
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Read the back of the bottle. It meets pretty much every spec. Nissan matic, Mitsubishi Diamond, Toyota IV and Toyota WS. Just because it says Dex/Merc does not mean it is a pure Dexron 3 like GM specified in 1999. Dex/Merc means anything these days. Mobil DM is the closest you'll get to factory fill Dexron. If you read spec sheets for Maxlife it is thinner than your average Dexron.
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02-23-2020, 11:57 PM
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#43
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Quote:
Originally Posted by T4R2014
You realize you just swapped out genuine T-IV fluid for an aftermarket multi-vehicle fluid that also meets T-IV spec, right? Matter of fact, I bet the shifting problem has to do with Maxlife ATF being more similar to Toyota WS than a Dexron 3. In other words, it is too thin. You were better off with the Type-IV. I had the same issue with Maxlife.
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He drained a fluid Toyota says specifically not to use, and then filled the tranny with fluid that the manufacturer says is compatible, and that many folks have had good luck with.
I’d more expect his temporary shifting issue was due to air in the system or some other anomaly caused by the fluid exchange.
When I exchange tranny fluid I always let the vehicle run at a stop and cycle it through all the gears a few times leaving it in each gear for several seconds. I do this hoping it will move out any air I may have introduced.
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Owned 82, 83, 87 pickup, 98, 99 SR5 4runner
Currently own a 98 SR5, 5spd, 4x4, e-locker, no sunroof. 2012 LTD with the normal options.
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02-24-2020, 12:00 AM
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#44
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dieselchessy
He drained a fluid Toyota says specifically not to use, and then filled the tranny with fluid that the manufacturer says is compatible, and that many folks have had good luck with.
I’d more expect his temporary shifting issue was due to air in the system or some other anomaly caused by the fluid exchange.
When I exchange tranny fluid I always let the vehicle run at a stop and cycle it through all the gears a few times leaving it in each gear for several seconds. I do this hoping it will move out any air I may have introduced.
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Which manufacturer? Valvoline? I don't think Toyota said to use a multi-vehicle fluid marketing as a Dexron but resembling Toyota WS. Sure it will work for a while, but on higher mile vehicles that viscosity will cause poor shifting.
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02-24-2020, 11:36 AM
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#45
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Quote:
Originally Posted by T4R2014
Which manufacturer? Valvoline? I don't think Toyota said to use a multi-vehicle fluid marketing as a Dexron but resembling Toyota WS. Sure it will work for a while, but on higher mile vehicles that viscosity will cause poor shifting.
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Hello, what do you recommend then?
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