My 2000 Toyota Tundra calls for Dexron-III to be used as power steering fluid. However, Autozone doesn't have Dexron III. they do have Dexron VI, regular power steering fluid, and Prestone power steering fluid specifically formulated for Japanese vehicles. Which should I use?
Dexron III as power steering fluid
- Thread starter oh_finks
- Start date
Check the label on the Dexron VI. Dexron VI is fully backwards compatible all the way through Dexron III.
Dex 3 is much higher viscosity than Dex VI. My Nissan transfer cases spec Nissan Matic D, which is pretty much a dex3 variant. When I put a "fits everything" Valvoline Maxlife wtih viscosity approaching Dex VI in them both transfer cases starting shifting poorly. I switched back to a Dex 3 viscosity fluid and it solved the problem immediately - 2 different cases. Many here argued not possible because they said Dex 3 shears much faster, but that seemed not be the case in my particular case.
Personally I would find a high quality Dex 3 replacement with specific Dex3 viscosity. There are several out there - Amsoil, Castrol, and others.
Personally I would find a high quality Dex 3 replacement with specific Dex3 viscosity. There are several out there - Amsoil, Castrol, and others.
Red Line D4 in my 2018 4Runner which also calls for Dexron III.
Have also used Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF.
Have also used Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF.
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The Dexron VI will be fine. The PS is not picky 
If you still want Dexron III, go to Walmart and get the D/M or Dex/Merc or whatever they call it. Another good option is Idemitsu PSF, which Napa has at a fair price.
If you still want Dexron III, go to Walmart and get the D/M or Dex/Merc or whatever they call it. Another good option is Idemitsu PSF, which Napa has at a fair price.
My Pontiac vibe and my kid’s RX350 calls for dex3 for power steering. Like Slacktide stated above, I get a gallon of dex/merc from Walmart. I turkey base the power steering reservoir every week until it runs clean red, works perfectly
I had issues with PS pressure in my MGM, it actually has Type A in it now (thicker than the recommended Dexron/Mercon): works fine except when below 10F, just have to let it warm up a little.
Dex/Merc rung a bell so I went back to check, and sure enough, they had that. Thank you.The Dexron VI will be fine. The PS is not picky
If you still want Dexron III, go to Walmart and get the D/M or Dex/Merc or whatever they call it. Another good option is Idemitsu PSF, which Napa has at a fair price.
I used Valvoline Dex III for the 4Runner about 10k ago. Seems fine.
Yes but as you note the viscosity retention for that license was much lower than for Dexron VI. As a result although it started off higher the end result is that the Dexron VI fluid retains it much better and ends up higher than the old Dexron III which in comparison was a pretty crappy license.
Dexron VI is a better license in every respect. This user should try the VI and see how it works for him.
I disagree. If the PS pump specs a certain Kv I would start there, not lower. I don't think the new fluids from good suppliers sheer like they did in days of old. Its also likely why back then many of those vehicles spec'd ATF change pretty frequently.
It sure did not work for me. Interestingly the Nissan Matic D did work fine - but became unobtanium during the pandemic - at least at a reasonable price.
Your 26 year old owners manual calls for Dexron III. Times they are a changing.
AutoZone doesn't have a house brand of it as I recall, but they do stock the Valvoline version here.
I get mine from O'Reillys, which their Premium ATF is Dexron III
I get mine from O'Reillys, which their Premium ATF is Dexron III
If you say so.
If you have an Advance Auto Parts store nearby, their FRAM Dexron III / Mercon ATF is being cleared out at a discounted price.
My local walmart sells dex/merc specific fluid.
Absolutely, although mine is regularly OOS. But at ~$20/gal it's cheaper than VNL for a basic Dex/Merc app -- especially if said app leaks profusely
OP, on an old p/s system that calls out Dex/Merc you could dump in any ATF: LV, +4, Merc V. Not sure I'd try ULV. Even Type F is likely fine but it's virtually obsolete and I've never poured Type F into anything as said apps are mostly rusted away. Also I would not hesitate to use anything labeled as p/s fluid -- it's just usually basic ATF is cheaper per ounce and more readily available
I just picked up a couple gallons worth of Fram Global FS ATF at Advance AP, it has Dex3 and others specd listed on bottle. Clearance was ~$2.50ish per qt.
Maxlife atf and Amsoil red cap atf are all good.