I have 105k mi on my 4runner, and have no service history on it. I want to replace the transmission fluid on it to be safe. I took it to the dealer, and had them do a "Transmission Fluid Exchange".

They ended up putting in 4 qts of the ATF T-IV, instead of Dextron 3, which is what the FSM calls for.

Is it bad to mix the old Dextron 3 that was in there with the T-IV? Also, is it bad to use T-IV in a transmission that calls for Dextron 3?

The T-IV and Dexron are similar enough that they can (and are) be mixed regularly. I wouldn't worry about it.

If the dealer did a full fluid exchange, they probably would have used around 14-15 quarts instead of 3-4. I did the same thing and took my 2000 T4R (4WD) to the dealer and although I thought they did a full flush, they just dropped and filled.

Reading through these posts, I decided to do a full transmission flush myself to get everything out of the torque converter. I replaced with Mobil 1 Synthetic and it made a HUGE difference on a truck with almost 160K miles.

If you have the time and $$$, I would recommend you to do a DIY tranny flush, drop the pan, swap out the tranny filter and fill back up with Mobil 1 synthetic. Also, if you don't have a tranny cooler - it would be worth the investment to put one on. All of this stuff can be done by yourself without too much of a hassle. If you need more info - let me know

This is a DIY write-up on an early 4th gen which uses the same transmission as your 3rd gen.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/mainte...tml#post393776

Thanks for the info guys! The dealer did a drain and fill, not a flush, so it was just 5 qts of T-IV they put in.

I think I will do a flush and fill myself, using that forum post as a guide, one of these days when I have some time.

One of the BEST darn write-ups on a full, DIY transmission service for a 3rd gen 4Runner is linked below. This is the one I followed and it turned out perfect. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED as it has lots of pics to follow! Good luck!

Dropping Pan And Flushing Transmission

Awesome write-up and quotes the correct torque specs which is more than I can say for my FSM. 65 ft/lbs ≠65 in/lbs

Edit: I have seen at least one thread on here that argued T-IV and Dexron III were incompatible and would cause problems. One member stated that there was a TSB on the compatibility of the two ATFs but couldn't produce it.

What does your dipstick say? Dex or a bunch of Japanese and T-IV?


t4 and dex are listed as incompatible.

Would this one work for an '01 as well?

I realize this is an extremely old thread (I hope you guys are still active) but this link is broken for me, any other recommended threads?

Thanks,
Garrett

I know I have a link to a more detailed write-up somewhere, but this gives you an idea of what is involved.

TheeMikeB Build Thread

Edit: here it is http://www.skjos.net/toyota/trans/tranny.html

Cheers for the help! Doesn't really address what's needed for an auto transmission though.

I found some muti-vehicle ATF made by Valvoline at O"Reilly's, and the label says it can be used in vehicles that use these fluids:

Ford MERCON applications

GM DEXRON-II and DEXRON-III applications

BMWLT 71141 and ETL 7045E applications

Nissan/Infiniti Nissan ATF, Matic D, Matic K,and Matic J applications

Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II and SP-III applications

Subaru ATF HP

Hyundai/ KIA SP-II and SP-III applications

Toyota/Lexus Type T, T-III and T-IV applications


Honda/Acura ATF-Z1 (except in CVTs) applications

Mercedes Benz NAG1 applications

Volvo passenger car applications (except AW-1)

Volkswagen/Audi TL52162


Have any of you used this?

What benefits did you notice from this switch and flush? I have an 01 that had an unknown fluid used before I purchased and I was considering flushing with Toyota fluid but I would like to weigh the Mobile 1.