A couple of years ago I decided to change(drain & refill...4qts.) the ATF in my 01 RX-300. I used Mobil 1 synth. DexIII/Merc. along with the recomended amount of Lube Gard HFM(black bottle). The recomended dosage of Lube Gard HMF is 1 oz per each qt added of ATF. Shortly after, about a week or so, the transmission started acting strange. Just prior to each shift, the transmission seemed as though it wanted to back off slightly before entering the next gear. Hard to describe! So after I wasted all that money on syn ATF and a bottle of HFM, I ended up purchacing T-IV anyway! Had to drain and refill the T-IV twice in order to achieve the same smooth shifting that the car had when new. Live and learn! I will use Nissan Matic-D in my 04 Altima when it's time for an ATF change. Pay the dealer price, it's cheaper!
My Lexus does not like Lube Gard
- Thread starter CharBaby
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I've never believed LubeGuard could adequately "convert" Dexron to any of the HFM fluids like ATF+3/+4 or a JWS 3309 fluid like Toyota T-IV.
For future reference, you may like to know that Mobil makes a Toyota T-IV approved fluid now. It's called Mobil ATF 3309 and it's made specifically for the Aisin-Warner transmissions used by Toyota, Volvo, VW, and some GM brands.
For future reference, you may like to know that Mobil makes a Toyota T-IV approved fluid now. It's called Mobil ATF 3309 and it's made specifically for the Aisin-Warner transmissions used by Toyota, Volvo, VW, and some GM brands.
Lubegard "red" contains NO friction modifiers - it's strictly a synthetic liquid wax ester ATF extender-stabilizer.
"Lubegard "red" contains NO friction modifiers - it's strictly a synthetic liquid wax ester ATF extender-stabilizer."
Which is what I wanted, as I didn't want to make such a change if I didn't need to. Maybe a better choice of ATF next time will minimize the need for such addiitves, as I used a Pennzoil Mercon ATF. I'm considering Castrol synthetic, as while it's kind of expensive (+4$ a qt locally) it's a lot cheaper than Mobil 1 ATF (something like $8 a qt).
Which is what I wanted, as I didn't want to make such a change if I didn't need to. Maybe a better choice of ATF next time will minimize the need for such addiitves, as I used a Pennzoil Mercon ATF. I'm considering Castrol synthetic, as while it's kind of expensive (+4$ a qt locally) it's a lot cheaper than Mobil 1 ATF (something like $8 a qt).
Thanks G-Man, I will have to try some 3309 on my next drain and refill. Do you know who sells this product?
Mobil 3309 is not a Mobil 1 product. 3309 is petroleum ATF with the correct friction modifiers and other stuff for the listed transmissions. Mobil 1 PAO ATF with Dexron-III/Mercon ATF magic potion. Toyota T-IV ATF probably IS Mobil 3309...somebody has to make the stuff and put it into those Toyota bottles.
Ken
Ken
Amsoil has fully tested their synthetic ATF for the Toyota Type T and T-IV applications (no doubt in conjunction with either Lubrizol or Ethyl Corp, their two main additive suppliers).
They've been officially recommending the 100% synthetic ATF for the Toyota type T and T-IV applications for over a year now and I haven't heard of any shifting issues....I wouldn't hesitate to use it in any new Toyota I purchased.
TS
They've been officially recommending the 100% synthetic ATF for the Toyota type T and T-IV applications for over a year now and I haven't heard of any shifting issues....I wouldn't hesitate to use it in any new Toyota I purchased.
TS
the Toyota US stuff is Mobil, Toyota Japan is probably Idemitsu.
I have 15K odd miles with Lubegard Black and my transmission has never shifted better.
FYI, I have never had a great opinion about Mobil1 syn ATF in the first place (with Mobil1 syn ATF my transmission was getting real hot and shifts were pathetic), so I cannot comment on the combination.
But with non syn ATF plus Lubegard Black, I am convinced that it is a better soln than the OEM fluid.
FYI, I have never had a great opinion about Mobil1 syn ATF in the first place (with Mobil1 syn ATF my transmission was getting real hot and shifts were pathetic), so I cannot comment on the combination.
But with non syn ATF plus Lubegard Black, I am convinced that it is a better soln than the OEM fluid.
I didn't mean putting a industrial thermometer on the transmission -- sorry, miscommunication.
The fluid was hot and when I put my hand on the pan I almost had a blister.
To the original poster-Use the right transmission fluid from the start and you won't have any problems or any need for a additive. Sometimes these additives and the improper fluid cause problems-you found this out first hand.
Is LubeGuard Black bottle for foreign cars, Red bottle for Dexron spec'd vehicles, and Blue Bottle for Mercon V?
99, you are correct. Since I have been using Toyota T-IV, everything is normal again although it took a couple of drain & refills to return to normal.
Islandvic, the black bottle is the High Friction Modifier(HFM). It is designed to be used with Dexron type ATF's, for any auto trans that requires ATF's with a HFM,(Toyota T-IV, Honda Genuine, Mitsubishi Diamond, Chrysler ATF 3&4, Nissan Matic-J)etc....
The Red Bottle is an addative to be used with most ATF's IIRC. Contact LubeGard (not GUARD)for more info. They have many other ATF addatives as well as many other wonderfull products.
Islandvic, the black bottle is the High Friction Modifier(HFM). It is designed to be used with Dexron type ATF's, for any auto trans that requires ATF's with a HFM,(Toyota T-IV, Honda Genuine, Mitsubishi Diamond, Chrysler ATF 3&4, Nissan Matic-J)etc....
The Red Bottle is an addative to be used with most ATF's IIRC. Contact LubeGard (not GUARD)for more info. They have many other ATF addatives as well as many other wonderfull products.
DO NOT USE ANYTHING EXCEPT TOYOTA TYPE-WS ATF WHERE CALLED FOR. There is no substitute for WS, and it is not like T-IV.
Ken
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