"WS" Transmission Fluid stands for...

[chaz]

dirtrailhead, one is for a sealed trans the other for non-sealed, so im not sure they should be mixed, but >http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maint...ission-fluid-servicing-sealed-non-sealed.html http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maintenance/20483-can-new-ws-tranny-fluid-used.html http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maintenance/7554-atf-2004-v6.html

 

[Rydoo]

I have a 2006 4runner sport v6 and reading all these threads, is there any updates on which transmission fluids are available besides redline and the amsoil? What about Mobil 1 dexron VI? sorry I'm new and not familiar with anything remotely servicing my car

Just a little confused wiht Dexron VI since everything I read is saying GM cars and nothing mentioned toyota. Just doing some research, because I want to take it to a non toyota dealer to service. Just want to make sure my info is legit before talking with the mechanic.

Thank you in advance!


:roadkill:

 

[OrdnanceMarine]

Bumping this thread with the same question regarding which transmission fluid to use. Across the web I see some folks saying that you can only use WS, others saying that Dex VI will work, and on and on. Valvoline has their MAXLIFE™ DEX/MERC ATF stating "Suitable for use in: Toyota/Lexus Type T, T-III, T-IV and WS (except hybrids) applications". I haven't checked elsewhere.

If WS is the only way to go, where's the best place to get it?

Thanks for any help!

 

[BlackWorksInc]

To get Toyota WS Fluid you go to your dealership.

The only caution I have against using non-Toyota WS Fluid, would be that it may not be the right fluid (I have doubts about these "All in one" fluids that cover so many fluid types), though I hear Amsoil's is a much better product. Second would be Warranty, while most of us are past our warranties, some have extended or low miles and so it is something to consider.

 

[OrdnanceMarine]

To get Toyota WS Fluid you go to your dealership.

The only caution I have against using non-Toyota WS Fluid, would be that it may not be the right fluid (I have doubts about these "All in one" fluids that cover so many fluid types), though I hear Amsoil's is a much better product. Second would be Warranty, while most of us are past our warranties, some have extended or low miles and so it is something to consider.

There's one Toyota dealership in our small town and then nothing for 100 miles in any direction and they have earned the title of "stealership". Parts guy there is so grumpy and not helpful I think he probably drinks 100,000-mile used WS instead of coffee to get that way each morning.

I'm looking for a friendly dealership with a competitive price for shipped WS or a good argument to use something else that's reasonably priced.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Is the vehicle out of Warranty or do you not care if you void the powertrain warranty? If so, I hear Amsoil makes a great WS alternative. Should be able to get it from their website.

 

[OrdnanceMarine]

5 years is up this October (only ~45k mi right now). I'd use WS if it's what performs best but I'm not concerned with the little bit of warranty that remains. Perhaps it makes sense to not change out the fluid until the warranty is up and go with the AMSOIL only if the evidence shows it to be better than WS.

By the way, I do spend some decent time in 4 Lo as well as some light towing with plans on pulling a ~3000 lb trailer up and down some serious grades a few times per year.

 

[Ducman]

There's one Toyota dealership in our small town and then nothing for 100 miles in any direction and they have earned the title of "stealership". Parts guy there is so grumpy and not helpful I think he probably drinks 100,000-mile used WS instead of coffee to get that way each morning.

I'm looking for a friendly dealership with a competitive price for shipped WS or a good argument to use something else that's reasonably priced.

There is an Ebay user named: Toyotagregg who sells WS fluid by the 12 quart case for about $100 shipped.

Thats where I bought mine back when I did my drain and fills.

 

[progress4m]

I got 12 quarts last week from the local Toyota dealer for $90.00 including tax, so I would call around and ask.
I would also recommend to stay with Toyota fluid.. just not worth the risk IMHO.
P.S. Have not change it yet.. Waiting when temperature will drop below 80 .. from 105 we have now…:redbrick:

 

[Gatafly]

Changed the tranny fluid yesterday with the Amsoil WS and it is so smooth you only know it shifts by the engine sound. It has 95k on it with the original fluid and it looked terrible. I think out should have been changed at around 60k by the looks of it and it has never pulled a trailer yet. It did not have a burned smell, but was pure brown.

 

[OrdnanceMarine]

Figured I'd give my local dealership another chance and got a differenty guy in parts who was willing to deal a bit. $8/qt by the single or $6.40 when I offered to buy 12. With tax that puts me at $82.37. Seems like that might be a reasonable option.

I haven't decided if I will do a drain and fill (which I always did with the only other AT I've owned in my '05 CR-V) or go for a complete exchange by using the cooler line method that's detailed in another thread.

 

[JB.]

Changed the tranny fluid yesterday with the Amsoil WS and it is so smooth you only know it shifts by the engine sound. It has 95k on it with the original fluid and it looked terrible. I think out should have been changed at around 60k by the looks of it and it has never pulled a trailer yet. It did not have a burned smell, but was pure brown.

Thanks for posting the info. Which engine do you have?

 

[Gatafly]

thanks for posting the info. Which engine do you have?

4.7 v8

 

[OrdnanceMarine]

Called the local dealer as I thought about picking up an extra case of WS in prep for a drain and flush this weekend. Price went up from $6.40 to $7.00/qt when you buy a case and the rep on the phone gave me a line, "That's the advertised price and Toyota won't allow us to go below that".

I'm considering doing a bulk flush with another "potentially compatible" cheaper fluid and then doing a finishing flush and fill with the 12 qts of WS I already have on hand.

Thoughts?

 

[Ducman]

Called the local dealer as I thought about picking up an extra case of WS in prep for a drain and flush this weekend. Price went up from $6.40 to $7.00/qt when you buy a case and the rep on the phone gave me a line, "That's the advertised price and Toyota won't allow us to go below that".

I'm considering doing a bulk flush with another "potentially compatible" cheaper fluid and then doing a finishing flush and fill with the 12 qts of WS I already have on hand.

Thoughts?

Walmart sells ws fluid if you wanted cheap stuff to flush with and then fill up with toyota stuff. I'm more of a drain and fill guy myself but you should be fine.

 

[OrdnanceMarine]

Walmart sells ws fluid if you wanted cheap stuff to flush with and then fill up with toyota stuff. I'm more of a drain and fill guy myself but you should be fine.

Which fluid do they sell that's WS compatible?

Edit: Quick online check shows this:

Super Tech DEXRON VI Automatic Transmission Fluid is specially formulated with premium base stocks and advanced additive technology.
Super Tech DEXRON VI Automatic Transmission Fluid, 1 qt:

Specially formulated with premium base stocks and advanced additive technology
Officially licensed and GM-approved
Meets the requirements of General Motors automatic transmissions calling for DEXRON VI fluid
Suitable for use where DEXRON II, DEXRON III, JASO M315 (1A), Toyota WS and Toyota T-IV fluids are recommended
Protection against wear and transmission shudder
Resistant to thickening due to high temperatures
Provides friction stability to maintain smooth and consistent shift performance


Seems pretty broad. Not sure if I'd rather have this as a residual in my tranny or 47,000 mile factory fill WS.

Update: Turns out my local dealership is selling quarts for $7 each, no matter if you buy a case or a single bottle so I picked up three to have 15 on hand. Since this is the first change I'm dropping the pan, changing the filter and then flushing it. I just dropped the fluid and grabbed a sample to send in to Blackstone.

 

[empty403]

Changed the tranny fluid yesterday with the Amsoil WS

Getafly,
At 112K, I just recently did a tranny flush also with about 13 quarts of Amsoil. Once the tranny oil temp is at 95-115 degrees, did you check the Overflow plug (oil level) with the engine running or off? I had done it running, but I wasn't sure if the sealed transmission may be different and the engine had to be off. To me, it just makes sense the engine needs to be running, as fluid from the Torque Converter may flow back into the pan when the engine is off.

 

[DarenS]

Some posts in this thread are amusing. Looking at all of the money spent on top of the line upgrades (as noted in the sigs), then reading how an extra .60/per quart ($6.60 or $7.20 total every 2-3 years) is a big enough deal to cause some owners to want to look at Walmart for savings.

I was raised with a cheap skate who would drive an extra 30-40 miles to save .05/gallon on gas, but spend twice the savings in gas to get there. Never made sense to me, but he felt good doing it.

As always, YMMV

Daren

 

[empty403]

Found my answer at this link:
How to check the Transmission Oil level on the 5-speed sealed transmission:
Welcome to Land Cruiser Owners On Line

 

[pjbrownva]

Changed the tranny fluid yesterday with the Amsoil WS and it is so smooth you only know it shifts by the engine sound. It has 95k on it with the original fluid and it looked terrible. I think out should have been changed at around 60k by the looks of it and it has never pulled a trailer yet. It did not have a burned smell, but was pure brown.

Despite ranting about NOT using alternatives in other threads, I recently discovered this from Toyota:



I found it illuminating, since on the one hand Toyota says that WS is not interchangeable with other fluids, yet, on the other hand, they state that if you do use other fluids, you may notice different shift points, especially when cold.

To me that means that something like Amsoil might just be OK to use, although I still pan to stick with Toyota WS. After all, we're only talking about $100 in fluid every 50K miles or so.

P.S. -- Since this thread started in 2009, and the last post before mine was in 2014, I figured posting to the thread in 2017 was fair game. :biggrin1: