2001 ATF questions

[Whiplash Willy]

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?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

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.

 

[BamaDrewski]

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

 

[CJ3Flyr]

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/maint...on-service-4th-gen-t4rs-prior.html#post393776

 

[Whiplash Willy]

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.

 

[BamaDrewski]

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

 

[004Gunner]

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

:iagree: 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.

 

[Rix]

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


t4 and dex are listed as incompatible.

 

[JoeT4R]

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

Would this one work for an '01 as well?

 

[garrettqwan]

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

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

 

[VolcanoT4R]

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.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/155100-theemikeb-build-thread-5.html#post1631907

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

 

[garrettqwan]

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

 

[737AMT]

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?

 

[cklin424]

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

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.