Lifetime ATF?

[blue4r]

This is my ATF dipstick, 2001 Surf. The sticker on it proclaims (in English and Jap): "NOTICE: No need to change ATF under normal driving conditions. See owner's manual when replacing"

On top of all that, the same dipstick, somewhere around where the cold/hot markings are, states that T-IV ATF is to be used. The owner's manual states that Dexron II is to be used for 3RZ and 5VZ prior to 2003, and T-IV for 2003 and newer 3RZ and 5VZ. My tranny is A340F.

So, what do you guys think amounts to "normal driving conditions" and what type ATF are y'all using? I've heard negative things about Toyota's T-IV ATF.

 

[004Gunner]

I don't believe in lifetime ATF. All ATFs I've researched have some point where they begin to break down and it's primarily because of heat. The ATF can also become contaminated over time. Normal driving conditions should be outlined in the manual, but from all the manuals I've read, some severe driving conditions are described as frequent trips of less than 5 miles, driving on salted/sandy/gravel roads, towing, stop and go traffic in 90+ F temps, hilly/mountain roads, long periods of idling. . . It pretty much includes any driving that everyone else would consider "normal". Unlike engine oil, the color and sometimes smell of ATF can give you a clue as to when it needs to be changed.

 

[kball]

Is that the original dipstick?

 

[blue4r]

Is that the original dipstick?

Yes, its original AFAIK. The truck was imported from Japan one and a half years ago with 58,000 km. Am told around 60,000 kms Japanese vehicles have to be overhauled or exported, the emissions standards there are super tight. It was refurbished by the Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center (JEVIC) and is 100% stock.

 

[96743runner]

I don't believe in lifetime ATF. All ATFs I've researched have some point where they begin to break down and it's primarily because of heat. The ATF can also become contaminated over time. Normal driving conditions should be outlined in the manual, but from all the manuals I've read, some severe driving conditions are described as frequent trips of less than 5 miles, driving on salted/sandy/gravel roads, towing, stop and go traffic in 90+ F temps, hilly/mountain roads, long periods of idling. . . It pretty much includes any driving that everyone else would consider "normal". Unlike engine oil, the color and sometimes smell of ATF can give you a clue as to when it needs to be changed.

:iagree:

I had my ATF changed for the first time at 62k miles since it looked kinda dark and smelled burnt. Before I got the 4Runner my mom used to drive it to work everyday in stop and go traffic 5 miles each way and I think that took a toll on the old ATF.