T-IV ATF vs other OEM ATFs

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oravla

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Hi there!

I think that this has been questioned a few times before, but I still don't find the answer. What's so special about T-IV compared to other OEM ATFs (Mercon V or Dex. VI for example)?
Most traditional automatic transmissions work in the same way and have similar material inside. Why do we need "special" fluids?
I ask these questions because I need to change the fluid in my Saab 9-5. It has an Aisin Warner transmission that specifies T-IV. I can buy Motorcraft Mercon V at a third of the price of the Toyota T-IV, so it is very tempting.
 
T-IV is the same fluid as the Mobil 3309 that's design for the Aisin Slip Control type of transmission. It has a controlled friction property that was used as the calibration for many transmissions made by Aisin.
 
So, there is mainly an additive package difference. I don't think that the technical information of those additives is readily available so I can make a comparison between the OEM ATFs. But do you think that the Mercon V could work fine in these transmissions? or do you know anyone who has already try it?

Thanks
 
I'd use a Dex before Mercon. 3309 is supposedly same friction properties as 3309. 3309 has much more robust add pack.

Disclaimer: I've never done it, and substituting ATF can be a risky move. YMMV.

Mike
 
Originally Posted By: meep
I'd use a Dex before Mercon. 3309 is supposedly same friction properties as 3309. 3309 has much more robust add pack.

Disclaimer: I've never done it, and substituting ATF can be a risky move. YMMV.

Mike


I was told that they are the same fluid in different bottle.
 
My dealer said to use Dex in my Aisin transmission (03 vue) so I did.

About 7 or 8 k miles after the second drain & refill with Dex it quit shifting right. It started revving higher before shifting, and once it wouldn't engage for a few seconds. The deterioration in shifting happened over just a few hundred miles. And this was in the winter, so it wasn't overheated.

I flushed it with T-IV, and it seems ok again.

I would not use anything that doesn't say T-IV or JWS3309.
 
Those smooth slip-controlled shifts and TC lock/unlock require a compatible fluid. Any univeral or multi-vehicle ATF with the spec listed on it can be used.

I wouldn't use Mercon-V in place of T-IV.

And, not everyone cares to shop at the dealer for a $2 fluid selling for $5.
 
Thank you for the answers!

I will stick with T-IV then.
One thing about the prices. Dealerships steal in diferent ways in diferent places. Where I live I can buy Motorcraft Mercon V for around $4 a qt. The T-IV cost $17 a qt. at the Toyota dealer and I can't find another place that sells this stuff cheaper (at least not yet).
 
Dan,

No one said that you can buy universal ATF for $2. The point that I believe was that OEM ATF is only worth $2. Several reasons why it is sold for $5 one of which is that the stealerships have such a profit margin on parts.
 
The MerconV and DexVI bottles of Supertech ATF at WM both say they are recommended for T-IV service. Also, Maxlife ATF says the same thing. These are all priced less than 4 dollars each at WM. So these fluids are another option if you are looking for something universal that won't break the bank.
 
Originally Posted By: benjamming
Dan,

No one said that you can buy universal ATF for $2. The point that I believe was that OEM ATF is only worth $2. Several reasons why it is sold for $5 one of which is that the stealerships have such a profit margin on parts.


But Kragen is selling the cheapest fluid for $3, where can you find a $2 fluid now?
 
Originally Posted By: oravla
Thank you for the answers!

I will stick with T-IV then.
One thing about the prices. Dealerships steal in diferent ways in diferent places. Where I live I can buy Motorcraft Mercon V for around $4 a qt. The T-IV cost $17 a qt. at the Toyota dealer and I can't find another place that sells this stuff cheaper (at least not yet).


prices may also be affected by your location and volume handled by your suppliers in your country.

in big economies, like the US, oil is dirt cheap.

in Australia it's middle of the range. I can get T-IV for about $8 /l australian, so $5 US per liter. I think that is a good price for peace of mind.

I wouldn't use anything but T-IV in a T-IV application, with the exception of Amsoil, and even then I'd just go with the T-IV as I like to do regular drain and fills on my tranny. Amsoil is about $20 / a quart down here for ATF... no brainer

and look - i don't believe a dealer would try rip you off. they know full well you can go somewhere else. why lose business by being a ripoff? I find toyota's parts (and service) priced very well at my local toyota dealer.
 
Last edited:
I'm using Royal Purple ATF in my T-IV transmission, and it works well for me.

Also, Amsoil +1. I used it in a T-IV Toyota Solara and absolutely loved the results.
 
I used the supertech stuff that says it meets T-IV, 5,000 miles no problems... $4 a quart at walmart
 
Originally Posted By: genynnc
I used the supertech stuff that says it meets T-IV, 5,000 miles no problems... $4 a quart at walmart

I'm sure tractor oil would be fine for 5,000 miles, maybe even 50,000 miles, depending on the severity of the operation conditions.

While Genuine Toyota T-IV IS the correct fluid, depend on your operating conditions, it's very likely that using an "inferior" multi-vehicle fluid will never cause any problems as long as you do not use the vehicle for any heavy duty use.
 
Quote:
it's very likely that using an "inferior" multi-vehicle fluid


Do you have an independent source that assures that any multi-vehicle fluid is "inferior"?

Suppose the OEM fluid spec was for a non-GM that spec'd Dex I ..and that Dex VI is toxic to?
 
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