I am considering replacing the Toyota T-IV fluid that's currently in my girlfirends 2005 Camry with Amsoil ATF. Any experiences with doing this? Thanks!
Amsoil ATF in 2005 Camry?
- Thread starter AzFireGuy79
- Start date
- Status
I would think the Amsoil ATF would be a good ATF for your vehicle. Its the ATF listed on the Amsoil website. You do not list the mileage, but if its high you should consider dropping the pan and replacing the filter.
I'd replace the fluid using a cooling line flush, its the most cost effective way to do it. Remember to go through the gears during the flush so fresh ATF is pushed through every path.
A Magnefine filter would also be a good idea and is cost effective. Without some type of add on filter you will need to replace the ATF to get rid of wear metals when the ATF is still in good shape.
I run Amsoil ATF in my 94 Camry and it shifts great, although I never have had shifting problems before the Amsoil.
I'd replace the fluid using a cooling line flush, its the most cost effective way to do it. Remember to go through the gears during the flush so fresh ATF is pushed through every path.
A Magnefine filter would also be a good idea and is cost effective. Without some type of add on filter you will need to replace the ATF to get rid of wear metals when the ATF is still in good shape.
I run Amsoil ATF in my 94 Camry and it shifts great, although I never have had shifting problems before the Amsoil.
Donald,
Thanks for the response! The car has 22,000 miles on it right now. Funny you mentioned the Magnefine as I am planning on installing one as soon as I get a chance to run to NAPA! Good to hear the Amsoil works well in your camry. Again thanks for the info. Much appreciated!
Thanks for the response! The car has 22,000 miles on it right now. Funny you mentioned the Magnefine as I am planning on installing one as soon as I get a chance to run to NAPA! Good to hear the Amsoil works well in your camry. Again thanks for the info. Much appreciated!
For your convenience, part numbers for Magnefine filters at NAPA are the following:
5/16" filter - 1-8515
3/8" filter - 1-8514
You can verify those on NAPA's website.
5/16" filter - 1-8515
3/8" filter - 1-8514
You can verify those on NAPA's website.
THanks!
Some Camry's (like mine that is 2000 4 banger) recommends Dexron so Amsoil ATF would be a drop in replacement. Your's says Toyota 4 which is the 3309 spec. I know Amsoil says it is recommended for T4 but last I checked there is nothing saying it meets the 3309 spec which is a fluid designed specifically for that transmission.
I have never heard of anyone having problems due to T4 fluid (or Mobil 3309) where it was called for, why would you want to change? Main reason why I'm bringing this up is that you might want to consider your warantee since it has only 22k miles on it. Good luck in whatever you do.
I have never heard of anyone having problems due to T4 fluid (or Mobil 3309) where it was called for, why would you want to change? Main reason why I'm bringing this up is that you might want to consider your warantee since it has only 22k miles on it. Good luck in whatever you do.
good point steel! stick with T4 for now until the warranty goes out, then switch to whatever you like.. and as for now do drain and fills only. at 50k miles clean the screen and the magnets and do a full flush.
Amsoil tested the ATF to Toyota T-IV for several years before giving the OK. It's now been 3-4 years of many T-IV applications, with zero problems.
Originally Posted By: Steelwheels
Some Camry's (like mine that is 2000 4 banger) recommends Dexron so Amsoil ATF would be a drop in replacement. Your's says Toyota 4 which is the 3309 spec. I know Amsoil says it is recommended for T4 but last I checked there is nothing saying it meets the 3309 spec which is a fluid designed specifically for that transmission.
I have never heard of anyone having problems due to T4 fluid (or Mobil 3309) where it was called for, why would you want to change? Main reason why I'm bringing this up is that you might want to consider your warantee since it has only 22k miles on it. Good luck in whatever you do.
I think you are being slightly picky when you say that Amsoil ATF only says it is recommended for Toyota T4 rather than meets the specs for Toyota T4. They say the same for their oil when they say their ASL 5W30 is recommended for API SM rather than it meets the SM spec. I assume this is lawyer talk because they did not purchase a license to be able to say they meet the spec.
I think if Amsoil ATF is recommended for your vehicle, then it will be one of the best ATFs you can put in your tranny.
Some Camry's (like mine that is 2000 4 banger) recommends Dexron so Amsoil ATF would be a drop in replacement. Your's says Toyota 4 which is the 3309 spec. I know Amsoil says it is recommended for T4 but last I checked there is nothing saying it meets the 3309 spec which is a fluid designed specifically for that transmission.
I have never heard of anyone having problems due to T4 fluid (or Mobil 3309) where it was called for, why would you want to change? Main reason why I'm bringing this up is that you might want to consider your warantee since it has only 22k miles on it. Good luck in whatever you do.
I think you are being slightly picky when you say that Amsoil ATF only says it is recommended for Toyota T4 rather than meets the specs for Toyota T4. They say the same for their oil when they say their ASL 5W30 is recommended for API SM rather than it meets the SM spec. I assume this is lawyer talk because they did not purchase a license to be able to say they meet the spec.
I think if Amsoil ATF is recommended for your vehicle, then it will be one of the best ATFs you can put in your tranny.
I think that is sound advice (using T-IV fluid until experation of the warranty). I would love to put a great synthetic ATF in it but not at the cost of voiding the warranty! Thanks for all of your opinions.
Donald, I could not agree with you more. After seeing 15+ year old Toyotas with 200k+ miles using T-IV (and T-II) still shifting smoothly, I just can't bring myself to fix something not broke (yet).
There are many multi-ATF's (Castrol, Valvoline etc.) that are recommended for T-4 applications. If you check their Technical Properties Sheet, they differ with each other and with the JWS 3309/Mobil 3309/T4/Volvo technical properties.
It would be nice to know from Aisin Transmissions (who I think set JWS 3309 spec) which oil is best. I would certainly use the best no matter if it says "recommended" or meets a spec.
The multi-ATF's I've seen (including Amsoil) say they do not void waranties and will cover the cost if manufacturer refuses to cover based on fluid differences, so it is a very good point you brought up. Thanks.
There are many multi-ATF's (Castrol, Valvoline etc.) that are recommended for T-4 applications. If you check their Technical Properties Sheet, they differ with each other and with the JWS 3309/Mobil 3309/T4/Volvo technical properties.
It would be nice to know from Aisin Transmissions (who I think set JWS 3309 spec) which oil is best. I would certainly use the best no matter if it says "recommended" or meets a spec.
The multi-ATF's I've seen (including Amsoil) say they do not void waranties and will cover the cost if manufacturer refuses to cover based on fluid differences, so it is a very good point you brought up. Thanks.
This is a very good oil that is JWS3309. It is what Toyota T IV is based off of.
Yeah, we see this bottle but then it cannot be found in retail stores and much worse even with distributors where I live.
So, one is stuck with the dealership quoted prices ($4.59/Q).
So, one is stuck with the dealership quoted prices ($4.59/Q).
Running the Amsoil ATF in my Volvo (a Mobil 3309 compatible application), still under warranty. I hear this all the time and I can't believe it. There is no issue with using aftermarket fluids just as there is no issue with using aftermarket filters, gaskets, etc. In every case, the car manufacturer has to prove that it was the aftermarket part that caused the failure to deny a claim. If it was, then Amsoil has a great warranty to back up their product.
The Volvo loves the Amsoil ATF. Smooth precise shifting, excellent shift points. Feels better than it did after a drain-and-fill with the Mobil 3309 fluid.
The Volvo loves the Amsoil ATF. Smooth precise shifting, excellent shift points. Feels better than it did after a drain-and-fill with the Mobil 3309 fluid.
LOL, If I had a vehicle that said only use T4 (or JWS3309 spec) I would not buy a multi-grade that meets both the Dexron and JWS3309 spec since you are not suppose to run either one of those in the other type transmission. A Dexron transmission should not be running T4/Mobil3309 and Dexron fluid is not suppose to ran in a T4. So unless someone shows me where the manufacturer's recommendation has changed to add these multi-vehicle fluids, I'll stick with the T4/Mobil3309. Like I've said before, it is about half the price or same price as the alternatives and have never had any shifting issues for 100's of thousands of miles on various vehicles. Google JWS 3309 and see how it requires very specific modifiers (which in the past were not compatible with Dexron and vice versa) to allow for proper long life operation. I'm sure this all may have changed, but not betting my transmission on it at the moment.
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: Steelwheels
..Google JWS 3309 and see how it requires very specific modifiers (which in the past were not compatible with Dexron and vice versa) to allow for proper long life operation. I'm sure this all may have changed, but not betting my transmission on it at the moment.
Volvo has a TSB for older transmissions that recommends their new 3309-type fluid to solve some rough shifting problems. I don't know where you are getting that FM's are not compatible with Dex III. The transmissions may not require them, but that does not mean that the Dex III are not compatible with them. As I understand it, and granted I am not an expert, the 3309 fluid is pretty much backwardly compatible but the Dex III is not forwardly compatible (obviously). So it does make sense to formulate a fluid that would fulfill both roles.
..Google JWS 3309 and see how it requires very specific modifiers (which in the past were not compatible with Dexron and vice versa) to allow for proper long life operation. I'm sure this all may have changed, but not betting my transmission on it at the moment.
Volvo has a TSB for older transmissions that recommends their new 3309-type fluid to solve some rough shifting problems. I don't know where you are getting that FM's are not compatible with Dex III. The transmissions may not require them, but that does not mean that the Dex III are not compatible with them. As I understand it, and granted I am not an expert, the 3309 fluid is pretty much backwardly compatible but the Dex III is not forwardly compatible (obviously). So it does make sense to formulate a fluid that would fulfill both roles.
Last edited:
Steal away 02!
The price on that 3309 isn't all that bad really, by the way.
The price on that 3309 isn't all that bad really, by the way.
Originally Posted By: Tones
Originally Posted By: Steelwheels
..Google JWS 3309 and see how it requires very specific modifiers (which in the past were not compatible with Dexron and vice versa) to allow for proper long life operation. I'm sure this all may have changed, but not betting my transmission on it at the moment.
Volvo has a TSB for older transmissions that recommends their new 3309-type fluid to solve some rough shifting problems. I don't know where you are getting that FM's are not compatible with Dex III. The transmissions may not require them, but that does not mean that the Dex III are not compatible with them. As I understand it, and granted I am not an expert, the 3309 fluid is pretty much backwardly compatible but the Dex III is not forwardly compatible (obviously). So it does make sense to formulate a fluid that would fulfill both roles.
I have seen the Volvo TSB before and remember it recommended the FM's. I must not have taken that TSB as stating that all DexronIII transmsissions are totally compatible with 3309 fluid. I've heard of different types of transmissions benefiting from adding FM's and just assumed that reading that TSB, this was the case. I had no idea they were saying it is good to run 3309 in all Dexron transmissions. I will have to go back and read where it said that.
I stand corrected. Good to know that it is fine to run 3309 in a Dexron transmission. Before I would use it that way, it would be nice to see a car or atx manufacturer that calls for Dexron say that it is fine to run JWS3309.
One would think the Mobil 3309 specs should state they meet the Dexron spec also. I don't think it does, but I might have missed that also.
A Mazda TSB Oct 13, 2004 warned strongly that 3309 was incompatible and should never be mixed with or topped off with Dexron. This is their words directly from the TSB "This new fluid is NOT compatible with any current fluids offered by Mazda such as (DexronII,III Mercon or Mercon 5. Any mixing of JWS3309 fluid with DexronII/III, Mercon or Mercon 5 will cause internal ATX damage and/or shifting concerns, even if just topping off the ATF during PDI." They were talking about putting Dexron in a 3309 ATX and we all know that is not good. But the severity of that warning has always made me not to want to mix them either way. I always assumed that since none of the original JWS3309 spec oils said it could be used as Dexron that it was not compatible that way either. Guess that is what I get for thinking, lol.
I'm no expert either and the emergence of all these multi-vehicle ATF's that meet the 3309 and Dexron specs look like there is alot of truth in the fact that 3309 will run fine in Dexron apps. Heck, they might have been the original multi-ATFS and just did not label it as such.
Originally Posted By: Steelwheels
..Google JWS 3309 and see how it requires very specific modifiers (which in the past were not compatible with Dexron and vice versa) to allow for proper long life operation. I'm sure this all may have changed, but not betting my transmission on it at the moment.
Volvo has a TSB for older transmissions that recommends their new 3309-type fluid to solve some rough shifting problems. I don't know where you are getting that FM's are not compatible with Dex III. The transmissions may not require them, but that does not mean that the Dex III are not compatible with them. As I understand it, and granted I am not an expert, the 3309 fluid is pretty much backwardly compatible but the Dex III is not forwardly compatible (obviously). So it does make sense to formulate a fluid that would fulfill both roles.
I have seen the Volvo TSB before and remember it recommended the FM's. I must not have taken that TSB as stating that all DexronIII transmsissions are totally compatible with 3309 fluid. I've heard of different types of transmissions benefiting from adding FM's and just assumed that reading that TSB, this was the case. I had no idea they were saying it is good to run 3309 in all Dexron transmissions. I will have to go back and read where it said that.
I stand corrected. Good to know that it is fine to run 3309 in a Dexron transmission. Before I would use it that way, it would be nice to see a car or atx manufacturer that calls for Dexron say that it is fine to run JWS3309.
One would think the Mobil 3309 specs should state they meet the Dexron spec also. I don't think it does, but I might have missed that also.
A Mazda TSB Oct 13, 2004 warned strongly that 3309 was incompatible and should never be mixed with or topped off with Dexron. This is their words directly from the TSB "This new fluid is NOT compatible with any current fluids offered by Mazda such as (DexronII,III Mercon or Mercon 5. Any mixing of JWS3309 fluid with DexronII/III, Mercon or Mercon 5 will cause internal ATX damage and/or shifting concerns, even if just topping off the ATF during PDI." They were talking about putting Dexron in a 3309 ATX and we all know that is not good. But the severity of that warning has always made me not to want to mix them either way. I always assumed that since none of the original JWS3309 spec oils said it could be used as Dexron that it was not compatible that way either. Guess that is what I get for thinking, lol.
I'm no expert either and the emergence of all these multi-vehicle ATF's that meet the 3309 and Dexron specs look like there is alot of truth in the fact that 3309 will run fine in Dexron apps. Heck, they might have been the original multi-ATFS and just did not label it as such.
Last edited:
- Status
