Transmission fluid choice
- Thread starter Ezlife45
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Bluesky 07
Senior Member
This has been debated here forever, just do a search. You can usually get WS for ~$8/qt. shipped from Toyota’s online parts store. Maxlife may be fine but IMO there’s something fishy about it claiming to meet so many manufacturers’ standards when those standards are often mutually exclusive. Highly recommend watching this video starting at the 34:46 mark before making your decision. Maxlife is specifically discussed & the guy seems to know transmission fluid.
FWIW, I use WS b/c I prefer the peace of mind that comes with knowing it works.
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BlackWorksInc
New member
I used to be more critical about using factory WS, but it's been around long enough now that I'm sure just about everyone probably makes a fluid that meets our exceeds it, much like how T-IV was back in the day. That being said, Maxlife and Amsoil have had good reviews and a good sample size to show that at the very least they aren't destroying your transmission if you use them.
We're currently having supply chain issues for a lot of things and are using Idemistu TLS-LV ATF for our WS ATF, seems to work fine so far.
We're currently having supply chain issues for a lot of things and are using Idemistu TLS-LV ATF for our WS ATF, seems to work fine so far.
Bluesky 07
Senior Member
Here’s WS from Toyota for $9.07/qt. shipped (use code FREESHIP at checkout). It’s obviously more expensive than aftermarket but as infrequently as a fluid exchange is necessary, the difference isn’t that significant for me.
AuSeeker
Elite Member
It says "Local Pickup Only"
Bluesky 07
Senior Member
Well damn. Missed that. But many dealers now have online stores with substantial discounts so maybe the OP has one in their area.
AuSeeker
Elite Member
I looked at numerous other online dealer website and they all either said "Not For Sale" or "Local Pickup Only"....a few had a link to dealerships more local to where they see you are and I found a dealer about 20 miles away(in Savannah Ga.) that sells it for $8.69 a quart but has a 24 to 72 hour wait on any orders so they have time to get it shipped in if they don't have any in stock, almost all others were up around $12 or so.
So I'm due for a flush so I'm probably going to place a order for 12/14 quarts here soon and hopefully they can fill it so I can come pick it up.
00289ATFWS - Toyota Genuine Toyota Automatic Transmission | Chatham Parkway Toyota, Savannah GA
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BlackWorksInc
New member
Not surprising, there's issues in the supply chain resulting in a lot of the fast moving parts and fluids being either backordered until "to be determined" or just weeks out at the moment.
AuSeeker
Elite Member
I'm hoping with Savannah being a port city with 1000s of shipping containers coming in daily the dealerships in this area may be first in line with incoming shipments.
McLoven1t562
New member
It's like spending a little extra on Toyota Red Coolant & Distilled Water......WORTH IT!!! lol
rdruss
Senior Member
Yep!
Check the FSM (Factory service manual) and see what the ATF type is that they recommend and make sure any after market brand you pick uses only the manufactures recommendation. I have a 2002 Toyota 4 runner and I’m currently using Mobile 1 full synthetic ATF on a rebuilt transmission.
McLoven1t562
New member
just called my local dealer in Huntington Beach, CA and it's only $10 bucks for the Dextron 3 it calls for. For something like a trans fluid exchange, $20-$30 is super reasonable lol
I mean you're talking probably less then what most of us spend on High Mileage Oil & Filter and you're definitely not swapping trans fluid every what? 5,000 miles?
I mean you're talking probably less then what most of us spend on High Mileage Oil & Filter and you're definitely not swapping trans fluid every what? 5,000 miles?
BlackWorksInc
New member
I mean, I guess? As long as you're not using generic green coolant, most Asian formula stuff should easily cover Toyota's LLC (Red) specification.
Please tell me you have a 3rd gen and you're not putting Dex III in a WS transmission.
SurferUK
Member
I mean, I guess? As long as you're not using generic green coolant, most Asian formula stuff should easily cover Toyota's LLC (Red) specification.
Please tell me you have a 3rd gen and you're not putting Dex III in a WS transmission.
The red isn't even super long life is it?
Come on people it's a Toyota not a Bugatti. Mine has Motul in the AT, Febi Bilstein pink G12+ and deionised water in the radiator, and Millers Oils Trident Professional C3 5W-30 Fully Synthetic Engine Oil in the sump...and it purrs. It MIGHT shave a day or two off of it's ultimate lifespan, who knows. It's still better than the 'normal' approach of leaving factory fluids in for 20 years, anyway.
I guarantee there are trucks out there mis-filled with wholly unsuitable fluids by your 'Nearest qualified service department', still in running order. Hell, my own garage put green coolant in my old Suzuki Grand Vitara when I CBA to do a coolant change myself one time. It's only because I checked it and had specified silicate free pink I noticed...most people wouldn't.
I've never had to scrap or fix any vehicle because of any issue that could be caused by fluids, and the only OEM fluid I have ever bought was dual pump fluid for a CR-V, which had been filled with normal diff oil by the previous owner! In the end, that went due to a knock sensor issue with the rear diff still working.
In these times where every dollar/pound take your pick matters, it's important people maximise value.
