Drain and refill fluid substitute for Toyota WS?

Elkins45

Elkins45

Joined
May 7, 2018
Messages
1,744
Location
Northern KY
I’m new to the world of servicing automatic transmissions. I just bought a 2009 Scion with the U241E four-speed auto. It has 120k miles and I think it’s time for new fluid. The manual specs Toyota WS fluid, which is $$$. For the final fill I will likely use Valvoline Maxlife but I want to do several short interval drains before the final fill. Rural King sells a Dexron 3 equivalent fluid at $27 for a two gallon jug so I could potentially circle a whole bunch of fluid through cheaply. Walmart sells their Supertech Dexron 6 for $20 a gallon. Is either any better or worse for a short interval fill?

Or should I just spend the extra bucks and use Maxlife for the whole thing? Does it matter? Am I overthinking this?
 
Instead of using lower cost ATF fluid and change in multiple short intervals, just use the recommended fluid and change every 40k-50k. It meets your cost saving objective, save time especially if there is no dipstick, guarantee quality, and you don’t waste ATF.

There are some school of thoughts that any tranny not serviced within 100k mile should be left alone unless the current owner know it wasn’t neglected or abused. The car is 15 years old and may be in original ATF. Take a few drops sample after a drive to see if it is brown or with burnt smell.
 
I recommend you just pay the money and purchase Toyota WS, I have seen multiple times where using multi-vehicle ATF has caused issues in Toyota WS transmissions.
 

Transmission Filter Change - waste of time?

My FIL drives a 2008 Toyota Camry V6 with the U660 transaxle. Transmission Fluid Exchange was performed at 60K and at 90K(ish) using 9-10 qts of Toyota ATF-WS. A few weeks ago, at 152K, I removed the transmission oil pan (for the first time) to replace the filter. This transmission uses a...
bobistheoilguy.com

Most recent service interval was 60K with WS. Fluid was still cherry red (not says that’s definitive in any way).
 
I have used the Aisin type WS. I suspect they're the maker of the Toyota branded WS. That was a few years ago, but Rock Auto had a decent price at that time. Beck/Arnley also sells a WS for less $.
 
Is WS really that expensive?

I changed over to HPL in my Tundra, which specs WS. The AMSOIL worked well, the HPL works well, and I do a complete change, which in the truck takes 14 quarts.

Those were expensive (and worth it) but I think you could get the WS at the dealer for much less. I see Aisin WS on Rockauto for about $7.50/quart.
 
Furious said:
I recommend you just pay the money and purchase Toyota WS, I have seen multiple times where using multi-vehicle ATF has caused issues in Toyota WS transmissions.
Click to expand...
I have noticed some will exhibit torque converter shudder....but not right away. And the RWD ones are more prone to it.
 
Astro14 said:
Is WS really that expensive?

I changed over to HPL in my Tundra, which specs WS. The AMSOIL worked well, the HPL works well, and I do a complete change, which in the truck takes 14 quarts.

Those were expensive (and worth it) but I think you could get the WS at the dealer for much less. I see Aisin WS on Rockauto for about $7.50/quart.
Click to expand...
It’s $16 a quart plus tax at the two closest dealers. Cheaper than a rebuild for sure, but it’s just difficult for me to imagine the OEM branded fluid is anything special, even for Toyota.

I found a four quart bundle on Amazon for $40 so I ordered one. We’ll see.
 
I have used Valvoline Maxlife ATF for the transmission in a formerly owned 2007 Highlander 4 cyl without any issue.
You can use the transmission return line from the radiator to drain flush the system EASILY.
Check Youtube for direction, there are a lot of video on how to do it.
You probably need about 10-12 quarts of ATF.

I personally use the Maxlife ATF from first fill but if you can find a cheaper ATF, you can use it for the initial fill of 4 quarts to be pump out.
Then use whatever ATF you want to use.
 
The Critic said:
I have noticed some will exhibit torque converter shudder....but not right away. And the RWD ones are more prone to it.
Click to expand...
Luckily in the cases I have seen switching back to Toyota WS has solved it, but why take the risk to begin with especially on a transmission that likely has never been serviced the best bet is to stick to OEM/Licensed fluid to lower the risks as much as possible.

People try to save a few dollars only to potentially cost themselves thousands. All you can do is give people a heads up about it and then the choice is on them.
 
I exchanged 12 quarts from OEM fill to Maxlife at 100k on a 4Runner. No issues at all after 28k on Maxlife. I'm a member of a popular forum, toyota-4runner and searched it prior to changing the fluid. Many of the members use Maxlife and none reported any issues with it. One member in particular has over 260k miles on Maxlife in their 4Runner. A popular Toyota Scion forum may offer useful vehicle owner experience with Maxlife.
 
If it was me, stick to Toyota WS or the Idemitsu version. That said, I did two spill and fills with MaxLife on two Toyota 6-speed RWDs without issue.
 
A few previous threads which may be of interest. For what it's worth I have been using Maxlife in my son-in-laws's Toyota which lists WS and it has been fine. No shudder or any other weird actions.

Toyota WS replacement

Has anyone here used Aisin WS to replace Toyota WS? I'm assuming it's the exact same fluid since Toyota owns most of Aisin AFAIK. I have a used 2011 Sienna with a U660E automatic and have done a drain and fill @ 70,342 miles with about 2.5 quarts of original Toyota WS. It is likely the first...
bobistheoilguy.com

Alternative for Lexus Toyota WS

Looking to replace my ATF fluid on my 2016 Lexus ES 350 (V6) with 40K miles. Like Honda, Toyota calls for specific WS fluid but it is not full synthetic. I know their is good old MaxLife MultiVehicle ATF but I came cross a full synthetic Toyota WS specific option called Ravenol J1D2122-004 T-WS...
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MaxLife vs Toyota WS

Another happy report on Maxlife ATF. Vehicle is 2009 Scion XB with 76k miles. Asks for Toyota WS fluid. What drained out looked like liquid poo, as it was very brownish dark color and I couldn't shine a light through it. Factory fill I guess. But I replaced it with 3.5 quarts of Maxlife ATF...
bobistheoilguy.com

ATF: Amsoil Signature vs Toyota WS vs Idemitsu

I'm planning a maintenance schedule for my 08 Toyota Land Cruiser (5.7 V8 w/ Aisin AB60 trans). I'll be using Amsoil engine, transfer, and crank case oil, but figured I should stick with Toyota WS for the tranny, as deviating from OEM ATF is sacrilegious in most auto circles. Long story short...
bobistheoilguy.com

Toyota ATF WS

Just curious if there are any better options out there. 09 corolla 151,000+
bobistheoilguy.com

Toyota WS or Maxlife

Toyota folks, what are you using in WS spec’ed transmissions. I have a Sienna with the U660e 71k miles and I’m curious what percent of folks are following the WS mandate and who’s betting on what they think is a better fluid? More interested in polling folks who have taken real action on this...
bobistheoilguy.com

So... Toyota WS and Aisin WS are not the same.

Hey all! I recently did three drain/fills on my 09 Vibe (Matrix) with Aisin WS. I figured, Aisin made the transmission, it's spec'd for WS fluid, can't go wrong. It seems to be shifting and working well as far as I can tell. (better than with the cloudy gray/purple mystery fluid that was in...
bobistheoilguy.com

Toyota WS fluid

Is this synthetic or semi-syn? Can I keep it in for 100k interval like toyota recommends? Will oil get "clogged up" with wear particles for this long?
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Castrol Transmax ATF/CVT Universal most similar to 'Real' Aisin/Toyota WS fluid?

hey all! I will be changing the fluid in my u760 tranny from toyota soon. It calls for Toyota WS fluid but I did some research and came upon these points. As we all know Aisin makes the tranny for these and they have there own AISIN fluid called Aisin 0WS. Toyota also makes a fluid that we...
bobistheoilguy.com

ATF WS

Just read on Lexus Owner's Manual that one can use Toyota Genuine Oil or a good equivalent for the transfer case & differential, but such concession is NOT shown in the ATF WS where is says only use Toyota Genuine ATF WS. Why would Toyota make such a distinction? Of course in the immediate one...
bobistheoilguy.com

Toyota WS - alternative ATF for smoother shifting?

My Toyota 5.7 V8 + 6spd auto calls for Toyota WS fluid. Would changing to something like Redline D4 ATF or AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF smooth out the shifts a bit? The shifts are often a bit harsher than I think they should be but a visit to the dealer and fresh WS made...
bobistheoilguy.com

Poll: what'd you use in your WS-spec'd AT?

This poll had been posted in a less robust manner previously. Those answers are gone, so please vote again. Poll open for 90 days. If you do not meet criteria below, but are interested in results, you can see results without voting. Please answer the poll stating your preferred fluid for your...
bobistheoilguy.com

Toyota WS...my eyes hurt from reading

First official post here. Thanks to all for the valuable info. Disregarding the "official" manufacturers must use the WS fluid statement, what is actually special about Toyota WS fluid? I have read here it is synthetic. I have read here it is not synthetic. I have read it is inferior to...
bobistheoilguy.com

Toyota OEM WS ATF

Hi. Does anyone use Non Genuine WS approved or compatible fluid in a Toyota application? How many miles/Kilometers done with the replacement fluid? (Non Genuine fluid) Better performance than the OEM WS ATF? Any other concern? Cheers.
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Amsoil ATF vs Toyota WS ATF

Got around to changing the ATF fluid in my daughter's '07 RAV4. It has a wonderful drain plug (and dipstick), once you get the plastic bottom cover off. Got the Toyota WS ATF at the Stealership. Only $3.48 a quart - a real bargain for these guys. Doing the unscientific 'how fast does it pour...
bobistheoilguy.com

Miracle of Toyota WS!!

I just spent the afternoon draining out a synthetic ATF from a GX 470. I replaced it with the nonsense thetic Toyota WS. I know most of you won't believe what I'm about to say and you may not get the same results but I feel like I must report them. I decided to carry my 14 empty WS cans and all...
bobistheoilguy.com

Aisin ATF WS?

I am going to start doing drain and fills in my 2006 4runner which requires Toyota WS. I saw this and was wondering if anyone knew anything about it. Should I just go with the Toyota stuff for $10/qt? http://www.autohausaz.com/pn/ATF0WS
bobistheoilguy.com

Toyota WS Transmission Fluid

I will go with the answer first. Yes I can mix fluids as long as they meet spec. I just called the dealer for WS fluid. $15.75 a quart, $56.74 for the trans filter and gasket. He advised me that I could not "mix" fluids. I did not go any further with the subject because today has been one of...
bobistheoilguy.com

Valvoline maxlife atf in my Toyota WS spec transmi

I've got a bottle of Lubegard Red. Would you use it with Maxlife ATF in a speced WS transmission? This is going in my 2015 Toyota Tacoma.
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Castrol Import Multi Vehicle for Toyota WS

I want to drain and refill the the automatic transmission of a 2006 Toyota Avalon. Previously, I have used Amsoil Low Viscosity ATF. I have on hand Castrol Multi Vehicle ATF. Anyone have any experience with this fluid when used in Toyota WS ATF applications? Thanks
bobistheoilguy.com

AISIN ATW+ synthetic WS compatible ATF

Anyone analyzed the WS compatible synthetic transmission fluid from AISIN. Its called ATW+ compatible with WS ATF and many more. The Russian oil forums have some good info and discussions regarding this oil. It seems the kinematic viscosity seems to be a tad higher. I am replacing the fluid on...
bobistheoilguy.com
 
hank2 said:
I have used the Aisin type WS. I suspect they're the maker of the Toyota branded WS. That was a few years ago, but Rock Auto had a decent price at that time. Beck/Arnley also sells a WS for less $.
Click to expand...
what I bought at a Toyota dealer was a Mobil bottle with their decal
 
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