Replace Toyota T-IV with Maxlife? Testimonials?

[edwardh1]

Originally Posted By: mehullica
Whatever you decide to use as a fluid in the trans, make sure you "reset" the learned memory in the ecu. It learns shift speed & rpm, once the fluid gets changed it will apply the clutch packs in the same learned pattern. New fluid will cause the clutch packs to slip & it will cause friction plate wear. Once the memory is reset, it will learn to shift quicker & reduce the wear that without a memory reset can take over 1000 miles


and how s this done

 

[ET16]

Originally Posted By: zach1900
Pennzoil platinum makes am atf that's 3309 approved, t iv is nothing special, how many ways does it need to be said, maxlife is fine too.


I like the Pennzoil a little better as it is closer in viscosity to 3309 than Maxlife.

 

[MaximaGuy]

T-IV is a quality non-expensive ATF and 30K drain/fill will keep your investment safe.

Why try something else unless you want to be jingoistic to prove a point?

Remember T-IV is not expensive.

 

[MaximaGuy]

Mobil #3309 and T-IV are the approved fluids for most older model Toyota's.

If you can find either of these ATFs just stay safe and use it w/ confidence, the lesser the variables the easier to identify potential other problems in older vehicles like suspension, mounts, shocks etc.

Less variability results in lesser overall ownership cost.

 

[skaughtz]

If you are looking for a straightforward answer, here it is: stick with the Type IV if your manual calls for it.

The reason being is that there are simply too many variables when it comes to transmission longevity. Miles on the car, how it has been driven, how frequently the fluid was changed, existing degradation of the clutch material, etc. All of that could play into a transmission blowing up on you unexpectedly or if you mess around with it, and if you are that worried about MaxLife doing it to your car then just stick with what it says in the manual.

I switched over to MaxLife from Toyota WS in my 2007 Camry at 60k miles and have noticed no changes in performance whatsoever now at 70k. Toyota transmissions are supposedly quite forgiving and I don't trust the [censored] claim of Toyota that WS is a "lifetime" fluid. Everything currently runs fine with the MaxLife. In my 2012 Civic, however, I only use the Honda ATF DW-1 for the piece of mind (and Honda transmissions are known to be picky about their fluid). Spending the few extra bucks makes me feel better. Would MaxLife be any better/worse? Who knows? I'm not going to bother with it.

 

[05camryv6]

Maximaguy, that is kind of what im leaning towards doing. If T-IV has kept my transmission going fine for 125K miles (mostly city) and still looks good (on the dipstick still looks nice and red and doesn't smell burnt) then maybe I should just stick with it.

Its not a cost savings thing for me, I just want to do whats best for the transmission.

The reason I was looking at maxlife is I had read about shift improvements by switching to a synthetic transmission fluid and WS is supposedly incompatible with T-IV. The U151E transmission I believe is kind of known for being 'dumb' around 1st&2nd where it can't decide which gear it needs then it kind of clunks into a gear. I really hate that. I don't think its harming the transmission but it feels like it can't be good.


I guess maybe I should have also asked if anyone has switched from T-IV to Toyota WS? If so, what were the results?

I talked to a tech at a dealership but he seemed to be less than fully informed on the matter and was willing to flush my trans and put WS in it.

 

[MaximaGuy]

Toyota WS won't cut it in your vehicle and drains/fills with T-IV is good enough and when I do 30K drains/fills on my Highlander the ATF comes out red, no need for flushes.

BTW, when I do a WOT on my 2006 Highlander I do get that dumb feeling, there is nothing you can do about it. One of the things I do it be firm on the accelerate and help the transmission make the decision quickly, it you are not feeding more gas the transmission is hunting.

Cleaning the MAF and putting a new air filter tremendously helps the engine and transmission make up their minds quickly.

 

[JapanWatch]

252-2002 BeckArnley T-IV. It's an OE fluid

 

[BHopkins]

Originally Posted By: JapanWatch
252-2002 BeckArnley T-IV. It's an OE fluid


Who makes it for Beck Arnley? It's my understanding the Beck Arnley doesn't make anything. They have other companies make and label everything they sell.

 

[edwardh1]

good question, someone at Beck A knows-- maybe they can say who makes it

 

[Bgallagher]

I use maxlife in my Aisin transmission and it works excellent. I had used Mobil 3309 and to be honest I felt like the fluid didn't do well in my transmission. Clunky shifts, lazy sometimes. The Maxlife smoothed it out and makes them crisp.

 

[05camryv6]

I would like the know on the Beck & Arnley thing as well, I didn't know they didn't actually make anything.

I emailed Toyota for an official response and this is what they say

"We only recommend the use of Toyota Genuine ATF Type-IV for the automatic transmission of the 2005 Camry. Using a different transmission fluid may cause deterioration in shift quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration and ultimately damage the transmission of your vehicle."

 

[ryanschillinger]

I have been running maxlife in our 2013 Corolla since about 5k miles when I did the cooler line flush to get rid of the factory fill WS fluid. Never had any issues with it. I flushed at 5k and again at about 30k. It's now at 65k, so it will get another flush at the next oil change, 70k.

 

[Brons2]

Running MaxLife in the 2010 Rav4 in my signature. Factory was WS. Did 2 drain and refills at 70K because I didn't trust the WS to be "lifetime" like Toyota says it is. And it came out somewhat dark the first drain. That being said it didn't smell burnt or anything.

The car shifts real nice with Maxlife. Better than before the change.

For me, switching to non-OEM fluid is a convenience issue, I work 2 jobs and I don't want to have to go to a dealership to get fluids during my day job work hours. You can get Maxlife at Walmart which depending on location is open until midnight or 24 hours a day. Much more convenient. I suppose some smartypants will mention Amazon Prime, but I like going to Walmart to check out what oils they have in stock.

I will run OEM through the warranty period. But then I'm going to something else when the warranty is up.

 

[Sequoiasoon]

Is there a certain problem your trying to address or fix or just want to try to see if better? You'll get many opinions and answers but you know what they say about those.

I had a flush done at the dealer. They used whatever was in the service area and ATC+ additive from BG which was supposed to improve the life etc. of transmission and fluid. Sequoia shifted like [censored] afterward. Felt like slipping between gears. Got all sorts of [censored] from dealer of "it's normal" so I argued with manager that truck must have been abnormal from factory for 40k as it wasn't that way. I contacted BG and explained my experience and tech said that was exactly what additive does. Brought email to Toyota manager, no more arguing needed, they did 3 flushes over 5k to get basically all of it out. Shifted back to normal.

I now use T-IV every 30k+ which is actually cheaper than 3309. Sequoia shifts great with 120k on it.

Side note- I love BG products, Sychro shift II cured my Corolla manual transmission and better than stock Hyundai fliud in the Sonata. BG 44K rocks at cleaning injectors imo as compared to techron. The BG ATC+ might have a purpose somewhere if you want your vehicle to be like CVT transmission but towing a trailer, going skiing with 7 people in vehicle is NOT the place.

Stick to the T-IV, be confident that's what worked well from factory, be proud that your probably part of the 1% that actually think about maintaining a vehicle and you're way ahead of the other 99%.

 

[05camryv6]

I think I am going to stick with T-IV. I can order it from Amazon for about $6 a quart. If anyone knows someplace cheaper I am all ears.

 

[Kestas]

Have you tried your local Toyota dealer?... same price, and you would save on shipping.

 

[05camryv6]

Originally Posted By: Kestas
Have you tried your local Toyota dealer?... same price, and you would save on shipping.


I am going to check some. Last dealer wanted $8 or $9 and change a quart. That was $6 including shipping though.

 

[wing0]

Originally Posted By: 05camryv6
Originally Posted By: Kestas
Have you tried your local Toyota dealer?... same price, and you would save on shipping.


I am going to check some. Last dealer wanted $8 or $9 and change a quart. That was $6 including shipping though.


It's $9.99 + tax up here.
I just checked 2 weeks ago.

It's very hard to find 5L bottle Mobil 3309 nowadays. I wish I can still come across them.

 

[Cressida]

I just bought a couple of gallons of Maxlife for my older Toyota (165k miles) that specs type IV, but didn't realize the MaxLife was a very low viscosity product (LV) or 5.9 csT. The Type IV is usually a bit above 7 csT.

After reading this thread I don't think I know anything more than before. (It is going to be about as confusing as the coolants)

I also noted the VI of the Maxlife was 156 vs. Castrol Import being a much higher 196. That is a big difference in VI. What would account for that and does it make any difference?