Dexron spec'd car seem to do fine on any ATF.

[zach1900]

I have a 2001 Camry 4cyl and it was originally spec'd for Dexron 2 or equivalent , I have used anything from Dexron Vi to thicker Mercon V and it runs exactly the same (excellent), I've used $1.00 a quart peak and $12 Amsoil, Mobil 1, Valvoline VI, Walmart Dex 3..my theory is that transmissions spec'd for Dexron do well on most any Multi-ATF fluids, versus cars that seem to need a narrow range ATF.

 

[4wheeldog]

Or, alternatively.....Maybe someone who puts fluids of many types not specced for the transmission, is not very fussy about how it works.

 

[artbuc]

Are you doing a complete ATF replacement every time you change brands?

 

[Oro_O]

The spec'd fluid for the A245E transmission in 2001 was DexIII, not Dex II. That was the factory fill.

More likely you are discovering that Toyota is a bit indifferent to what is the best fluid for their transmissions, and they are flexible and sturdy units that Aisin builds (my mom's Chevy uses an Aisin transmission). The A245E has been spec'd for Dex II, DexIII, and T-IV depending upon year of production with no changes to the unit itself. Several of the fluids you used are back-spec'd and recommended for Dex II, Dex III, and T-IV. So there's really no surprise here.

And as artbuc was asking, if it's drain and fill vs. full exchange of fluid, you're leaving a majority of the prior fluid in the unit.

 

[Greasymechtech]

That trans/engine combo is excellent. I don't think there is enough HP to break the trans.

The weak link is the differential... dex will turn to mud or disappear over time. Get a Full Synthetic ATF in that separately sumped diff.

I find that this trans family to be slow/sluggish when really cold out. Blends and synthetic ATF help out. Otherwise, an A140e will work fine with any dex or newer spec compatible fluid.