Synthetic ATF for 98 es300

[m2pc]

Hi, wanted to know what you guys recommend for (or against) using a synthetic ATF in a 98 lexus es300. Any experiences? The 1998 calls dor Dexron type II or III. I was thinking Mobil 1 or redline (D4 ATF), or maybe Amsoils ATF. I believe the differential fluid is the same fluid sharing the same cavity as well.

Thanks in advance for your inputs!

 

[JohnBrowning]

The Mobil 1 ATF and Redline ATF both work great. I normaly use Redline in my vechiles for ATF and gear lube. I use M1-ATF in My Mom's Toyota Tundra. The Tundra requires a drain and refill every 18,000 miles. THe Mobil 1 available locally, the price was good and it performs good! I can not coment on AMsoil in a Toyota Trans. I have used it in P/S systems and in transfer cases with good results.

 

[Mike_dup1]

If the car is in good mechanical condition, anyone of those should do fine. If on the other hand you are having problems and hoping a change in fluid will help, it won't in all probability and could make things worse by loosing up build up contaminates in the trans. You need to fix problems first.

Many think (except many here) there are liquid cure alls for mechanical problems and when it does not work, they come back and blame the lubricant.

 

[Spector]

Been using the Amsoil ATF in the Toyota transmission for years. Should be no problem. Do not take this as a hit but the 300 is esentially the Camry engine and transmission. Toyota does not require that you use their product for this, unlike their coolant etc.,

 

[m2pc]

Thanks for all the replies everyone, car is very mechanically sound, only 40K for a 98. Just want to make sure I take care of it as much as I can (without having to go to the dealership). All three sound like they would be more than up to the task, I may just give the redline a try, thanks again all.

 

[ringmaster]

Is there anything new to add to this ES300/Camry info?

I just bought a '97 ES300 with 66k miles and no history on any kind of transmission service. Should I stick with the normal-issue Toyota ATF or would Mobil or Redline be suitable for this transmission? I am not looking to cut costs, I want the best transmission protection!

What is the "rear diff" that I've heard mentioned on this car? Isn't it a 'transaxle' that shares fluid?

Thanks

 

[Tones]

Any Dexron III fluid would work fine. I have used the Mobil 1 ATF in my Toyota Tundra that calls for Dex III with no problems. I don't think the extra money and trouble to get the Redline fluid is worth it.

 

[unDummy]

For the best transmission protection, use a synthetic ATF, install and aftermarket cooler and filter. Here are some fluids that I've used and can recommend for Dexron/Mercon: Mobil 1, Redline, Amsoil, RoyalPurple, B&M

 

[ringmaster]

quote:

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Originally posted by unDummy:
For the best transmission protection, use a synthetic ATF, install and aftermarket cooler and filter. Here are some fluids that I've used and can recommend for Dexron/Mercon: Mobil 1, Redline, Amsoil, RoyalPurple, B&M

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Mobil 1 ATF is the easiest one for my to buy.

The reason I asked this question was to make sure the ES300/Camry transmission didn't have any special needs. Does anyone know about the "rear diff" on these cars?

 

[The Critic]

The unit in the 97 ES300 is bulletproof and takes Dex IIIH or Dex VI. I'm not entirely familiar with that particular unit, but some older Toyota/Lexus vehicles have a separate front final drive unit that also requires service. Check the manual.

 

[TooSlick]

Ringmaster,

There is no rear diff unless you drive in reverse all the time...

Some toyotas do have a final drive that's serviced seperately and takes a 75w-90 synthetic gear lube. The Mobil 1 gear oil is fine for that application.

TS

 

[ringmaster]

Quote:

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Ringmaster,

There is no rear diff unless you drive in reverse all the time...

Some toyotas do have a final drive that's serviced seperately and takes a 75w-90 synthetic gear lube. The Mobil 1 gear oil is fine for that application.

TS

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Old thread but I am still looking for the same info

My '97 ES300 (Camry) with a 4spd auto need a transmission flush. Some research has shown that people are scared of anything but the factory Toyota Type IV ATF in these cars but I would prefer to use Redline D4ATF. Any reason not to use the Redline?

Also, can anyone confirm that the auto transmission and transaxle share the same fluid in this car?

Thanks

 

[Tones]

I thought Type TIV was for the newer 5 speed transmissions? '97 seems a little old for the Type TIV. Even my '01 uses Dex III. Redline D4 is a Dex. III compatible fluid.

 

[unDummy]

If you require DexronIII, then any of the boutique synthetics will work fine. Amsoil, Mobil 1, Redline, Royalpurple are all excellent performing fluids. Its a coin toss. Shop on price or availability.

The AT's front diff, if you have the drain and refill plugs, uses the same fluid. I was under the impression that the AT's front diff sump, on newer models, was to be phased out and just merged with normal ATF flow for improved cooling and pressured lubrication. Not sure on which models are affected.

If your owner's manual specs dexron, don't let anyone convince you that you need T-IV.
This lubegard chart(not sure on accuracy) shows that there are many Toyotas using Dexron and do NOT need T-IV or WS.
http://www.lubegard.com/images/LUBEGARD_ATF_Chart.pdf

 

[ringmaster]

It turns out that the '97 ES300 still has the older style transmission that uses Dex III so I am going to use Redline D4ATF unless someone has a good reason to stay away from it.

So far I haven't found out if the diff is filled through a sepatate hole or not and with the weather we are having I can't get under the car to look