Substitutes for Toyota Type IV ATF
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Let me preface my comments by stating that I used Lubegard "black" in a '96 Accord during a complete flush and refill with DEXRON-III, and it tamed that model's known harsh shift characteristics beautifully. Lubegard also lists at least one manufacturer's TSB recommendation (SAAB) for service use of Lubegard. But I only kept that Accord another year and a half so I have NO idea what the long term effects would've been in my case. I'm not challenging you, but keep in mind one of the unspoken reasons that tranny shops are so enthusiastic about ATF supplements is that they typically stock their ATF (DEXRON-III and Type F) in bulk containers.* (Lubegard, itself, uses this reasoning as a selling point to professionals on its website.) Shops stocking Lubegard to bring their installs and DEXRON-III into initial performance compliance carries obvious logistical advantages. And, if there are any longterm performance/reliability issues, the tranny would probably be well past shop warranty considerations, anyway. I'm not condemning the product - it does seem to work as advertised. Just be aware of the potential pitfalls and make your decision accordingly. The marketplace is full of good, well engineered chemistry. The marketplace also provided the unwary with teflon motor oil additives. The marketplace is a garden in a minefield. (or is it vice-versa?
*It's been a couple of years since I shared this anecdote on this site, so for your entertainment pleasure... A former neighbor of mine was a tech at a local AAMCO shop. He overhead his manager explaining the function of ATF to a customer in the most basic, patronizing terms one day - "Automatic transmission fluid is special slippery stuff to help your transmission shift extra smooth and last a long time, and yadayadayada...". My neighbor, somewhat a cynic, took it upon himself to show up an hour early for work the following day with a stencil and a can of day-glow orange spray paint in tow. When his manager arrived, he was greeted by four full ATF drums placed within easy view of customers and neatly stenciled and painted with the following legend:
SLIPPERY STUFF TYPE BS
(apparently the manager was none too pleased)
Hi Bryan. I am now convinced to use only Type T-IV for the Auto Trans.quote:
Originally posted by Bryan_1NZ-FE_Mobil 1:
Hey there! From Singapore too... just stick to type IV fluid. It's stated in the manual to ONLY use that.. so.. just stick to it...
Just new thoughts came up, as in my other post. If T-IV is more friction modified, does this mean that we can put that into our Dex III power steering unit as well? Saw that Amsoil ATF meets DEX III and T-IV.....
The friction modifiers in ATF affect how "grabby" the friction facings (think "brake lining" for an analogy) engage during shifts. The FMs'll have no effect on lubricity and hydraulic qualities when used as PS fluid. For that matter, except for Hondas and perhaps a very few other PS systems, virtually any ATF will work fine for most PS systems, anyway. Certain PS systems will squeal somewhat in very cold climates (not too likely in Singapore, eh?) until the fluid warms. Hyundai's comes to mind - but my owner's manual states it's harmless. I've read that using a synthetic ATF such as Mobil 1 ATF reduces or elliminates that charactieristic. I don't see any advantage to "wasting" a pricey, proprietary ATF in PS systems unless your owner's manual states otherwise.
Ray,
Thank you for the explanation. The reason why I am asking if the Type T-IV can be used is becos I have abt 0.5litre of the stuff left after filling up the Auto Trans. Also, the Dex III is almost the same price as the Toyota T-IV. So, thinking out loud "why not just use the T-IV in the P/S, then letting it go to waste...."
Any thoughts.....??
If it does not list Dex III better not to use it. T-IV is $14-$20 a gallon in the USA. To be honest I do not think their is tht much difference. My Mothers 2003 Tundra lists Dex III as the prefered ATF in the manual and on the dipstick. Another member on this forum has a Tundra of the same year and his lists T-IV. Toyota is not one for reinventing the wheel so it is preety safe to say that the transmissions are proably the same.
toyota and Lubrizol did a lot of work to improve on Dex III to develop T-IV. From my understanding it is still very simalar to Dex III but is overbased with Calcium.
THe Cf must be simalar to DexIII even if it is different. This would explain older models of the same transmission easily make the switch from Dex III to T-IV. It would also explain why Amsoil ATF and Mobil-1 ATF have worked so well in some peoples vechiles that spec. T-IV. If in doubt it is always better to go with the right fluid.
toyota and Lubrizol did a lot of work to improve on Dex III to develop T-IV. From my understanding it is still very simalar to Dex III but is overbased with Calcium.
THe Cf must be simalar to DexIII even if it is different. This would explain older models of the same transmission easily make the switch from Dex III to T-IV. It would also explain why Amsoil ATF and Mobil-1 ATF have worked so well in some peoples vechiles that spec. T-IV. If in doubt it is always better to go with the right fluid.
I do not know about the cars but Toyota Trucks now reqire you to drain them and refill every 18,000 miles. You get about 3-4 quarts out when you drain. If you have a drain plug and follow a simalr plan I see no reason why T-IV would not work great!! It is the recomended fluid and the price is reasonable for you. Toyota automatics tend to be free from most problems. Toyota does not have a history of poor transmission life span. I would feel comfortable useing T-IV especialy if I could get it localy.
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