Multi-Vehicle Fluid Choices for T-IV

[The Critic]

I need to get a transmission flush done on Friday. No, I'm not doing it myself. The fluid choices are as follows:

Pennzoil Multi-Vehicle ATF
Valvoline Maxlife ATF
Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle ATF

The vehicle is a 2006 Corolla that requires T-IV.

Of the three fluids that I have listed, which one works best for this particular application?

Thanks!

 

[bdcardinal]

which are licensed for T-IV? is warranty an issue?

 

[ArcticCat]

I'd definetely go with Castrol Import ATF for a vehicle speced for T-IV.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

I did one drain and fill with Castrol Import MV in my mom's Camry and the transmission is still working. Might do another one sometime when I get bored.

 

[brian12]

I've heard people say they've had good results with the Castrol and the Valvoline.

 

[hate2work]

I would use either the Toyota fluid from the dealer, or the Amsoil Universal ATF. Not really sure the syn would be worth it, as it's pretty expensive.

Last oil change I did a drain and refill on the wifey's 06 Corolla using the Toyota ATF, it was a piece of cake. Drained out about 2.5 quarts, replaced the same amount through the dipstick.

I can't comment on any of the three choices you provided. But I bet I know which one Johnny would recommend

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: ArcticCat
I'd definetely go with Castrol Import ATF for a vehicle speced for T-IV.

Why's that?

Originally Posted By: asiancivicmaniac
I did one drain and fill with Castrol Import MV in my mom's Camry and the transmission is still working. Might do another one sometime when I get bored.

Still working? I have higher expectations than that!

How does it shift compared to T-IV?

 

[hal]

i'd like to know the answer to that, also. if this is T-IV compatible i should be able to use it in my JWS3309 spec'd trans. amsoil works good but this is more readily available. still not sure how it compares to oem (toyota or volvo 3309/T-IV), though.

 

[hate2work]

In this thread, sunfire tells us that he is going to use the Pennzoil Multi Vehicle ATF. Maybe he could shed some light on this..

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/toyota-t-iv-dexron-iii.92586/

 

[ArcticCat]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: ArcticCat
I'd definetely go with Castrol Import ATF for a vehicle speced for T-IV.

Why's that?


I'd go with the Castrol Import ATF over the other two multi-vehicles you listed, because the Castrol, though a multi-vehicle ATF, does seem more tailored to applications calling for more heavily friction modified ATF's (ie Toyota T-IV, Honda ATF Z-1, Nissan Matic J, Mitsubishi Diamond SP-III, etc.).

On the front of the gallon jug sold here, it reads "For use in Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and other imported vehicles."

My reasoning is that Castrol's product line-up is broader than most other companies, so they can make each product more application specific, allowing each formula to be optimized for each application(eg. Castrol sells the Domestic Multi-Vehicle for cars requiring Dexron III or Mercon, the ATF +4 for Chryslers, the Mercon V for Fords, the Dexron VI for newer GM vehicles or as an upgrade for older GM vehicles, and finally the Import Multi-Vehicle which seems targeted at Toyota/Honda/Nissan vehicles).

 

[hal]

i have been researching this and the only conclusion i can draw is this: you CAN use these universal or multi-vehicle ATF's, the worst that will likely happen is you may experience firmer/faster shifts (not necessarily a bad thing from a drivability standpoint), but for $4-5 a quart, why not use the toyota ATF?

 

[genynnc]

I put in the Super Tech stuff in an 03 corolla which also specs T-IV. 10,000 miles later, all is well. I think it was 3.27 in Charlotte.

 

[unDummy]

Castrol, Pennzoil, Valvoline in that order.

Castrol 1st to mention JASO as required by those auto manufacturers.

Pennzoil 2nd only because Valvoline is a high mileage ATF and you didn't mention mileage. Can't be too high for a 2006.

http://www.castrol.com/liveassets/bp_int...ds_ImportMV.pdf
http://www.pzlqs.com/Tech/Pdsheet/Domest...issionFluid.pdf
http://www.valvoline.com/products/Maxlife ATF.pdf
http://www.castrol.com/liveassets/bp_int.../pds_HM_ATF.pdf
http://www.mobil.com/USA-ENGLISH/Lubes/PDS/NAUSENPVLMOMobil_Multi-vehicle_ATF.asp

Maxlife and Pennzoil look much different when compared to data sheets from a couple years ago. Makes it more of a coin toss these days. Buy the one on sale.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: unDummy
Can't be too high for a 2006.


Around 56k.

 

[Gary Allan]

Hmm.. Critic ...isn't this a change in attitude for you? Haven't you sworn some oath to the OEM fluid deity and stated that using any "universal" fluid is taboo??

 

[unDummy]

Gary, I noticed that too. But, with his opinions, I would think that maybe he was doing a secret study on a non-approved ATF in the Toyota, to prove it bad or wrong or something. Pat him on the back for the effort.

 

[Gary Allan]

Oh ..I just ride The Critic in a totally friendly way

(I guess it may not look that way

) He's already a very knowledgeable young person in these matters. As he's finding out, the more you learn ..the less you know ..so it's best to not over extend yourself in absolute truths.

Everything is "the truth" from a certain point of view. Obiwan said so.

I just keep him honest

 

[ravenchris]

Yea, he swore the oath...our 05 corola will get ST dexron VI at 60K miles.

 

[brian12]

Mobil 1 synthetic atf is suitable for T-IV.