Trans Fluid Change...

[jstutz101]

I know this has been beat to death, but is it ok to use transmission fluid other then OEM Toyota. I hate to give them any more money then I have to. I found this at our local Farm and Fleet store,

Pennzoil Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (1 Qt) at Blain's Farm & Fleet

Dexron VI is what I am looking for, right?

Thanks!!

Jeff

 

[toto]

Which model year and engine do you have?

I think Toyota switched from Dexron III to proprietary fluids on 4Runner in 2003. If your vehicle calls for one of those proprietary fluids (either Toyota T-IV or ATF-WS), then a general rule of thumb is to use Toyota fluids while the powertrain warranty is in effect. If the trans dies and they do a fluid analysis, the last thing you want is a hard time about the trans fluid. After the warranty expires, you can consider changing to something third-party that's listed as "equivalent" to the fluid you need.

If your truck calls for Dex III, there's absolutely nothing magical about Toyota Dexron, so I'd definitely shop elsewhere for that.

 

[jstutz101]

Its a 2003 V6 with 93,000 miles, im guessing original fluid.

Thanks!!

 

[toto]

The 2003 uses ATF Type T-IV. There are aftermarket equivalents for it; if you stray from Toyota brand then read the labels carefully.

 

[rgcary]

Trans fluid change

The 2003 uses ATF Type T-IV. There are aftermarket equivalents for it; if you stray from Toyota brand then read the labels carefully.

What about 2005 V6 4wd 4Runner's? I was told this is a sealed unit and it does not require changing. I think that is odd... Any feedback from others on this? I would like to use synthetic fluid as I have done in the diffs and xfer case, but do not want to void warranty at all. I did change the xfer case again today with Mobil 1 75w-90 and it does shift better/much faster into 4wd. Prior to this, there was Toyota fluid in there because I had service done to the xfer case under warranty.

Let me know if someone has a chance on the transmission fluid changing on the v6 please. I have 64,500 miles on my 4Runner and the transfer case fluid has been changed by Toyota under warranty 1-2x already for an issue I was having. Do not get the wrong idea about these problems. It's been a great SUV, but some of the Toyota mechanics could not figure out where the leak was coming from (transmission, xfer case or heads). After about 6-8 trips to the dealer and over 30,000-40,000 miles they found out that the vehicle was manufactured with the xfer case breather port installed upside down, letting xfer case fluid leak out on top then running down on the transmission/xfer case. After changing the transmission fluid, resealing all kinds of joints on the drive train, dropping the xfer case 2-3 times, replacing parts that were not needed they FINALLY figured it was the breather port on the xfer case. I am surprised they did not find this the first time around. Good thing it was under warranty and not a dime out of my pocket!

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Let me know if someone has a chance on the transmission fluid changing on the v6 please.

I did. I don't believe in "lifetime fluid" unless your definition of "lifetime fluid" means you shortened the intended life of the component.

All the details can be found in this thread that includes a link that's a little less 'how-to' and little more about the fluid.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maint...ission-fluid-servicing-sealed-non-sealed.html

The guys that wheel their FJC's hard have also discovered changing the fluid periodically seems like a good idea.

 

[SkylineGTRracer]

I did. I don't believe in "lifetime fluid" unless your definition of "lifetime fluid" means you shortened the intended life of the component.

All the details can be found in this thread that includes a link that's a little less 'how-to' and little more about the fluid.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maint...ission-fluid-servicing-sealed-non-sealed.html

The guys that wheel their FJC's hard have also discovered changing the fluid periodically seems like a good idea.

:iagree: But be careful on what brand you get. If you stray away from toyota max ATF then your warranty can/will be voided.

 

[Uneek]

What about 2005 V6 4wd 4Runner's?

The sealed transmission uses Toyota WS (World Standard) fluid. It is a lifetime fluid as long as the vehicle was operated under normal conditions (no towing, etc). I plan on changing mine, but I'm undecided on the interval as I don't do any towing now. Redline has an equivalent fluid to Toyota WS fluid.

 

[jeober]

I did. I don't believe in "lifetime fluid" unless your definition of "lifetime fluid" means you shortened the intended life of the component.

:iagree:


Dexron VI should do ya. It's been working fine for me through cold weather.
Walmart carries this in their store brand. WS equivalency shows on the label.

 

[jstutz101]

I have finally ordered transmission fluid. I found this on ebay,

Genuine Toyota T-IV Transmission Fluid 12pack 30k miles : eBay Motors (item 400061909706 end time Mar-12-10 05:42:43 PST)

I called my local dealership and they want $60.48 before tax. I figure $61.89 is worth having ot delivered to my door! Another option is WalMart. They have trans fluid there that specifies "Toyota WS and T-IV" at 3.77 a quart. Probably just as good as the Toyota brand but who knows....

Just my $.02..