Toyota T-IV - Is it still a quality ATF? 2002 Highlander Any other suggestions?

[Zack1978]

Hi everyone,
I need to do a transmission oil and filter change on my 2002 V6 Highlander. In the past I had one rough shift when the transmission was cold and then it was perfect for the remainder of the day, etc
Well as of recently I noticed that the quality of the shifts has gone downhill, hot or cold. I did look at the oil color on a white paper towel, and it looks darker than it should.
According to the owners manual, the Highlander calls for Toyota T-IV fluid. The T-IV fluid is easily obtained, but is it the best? The T-IV spec is well over twenty years old now and I assume that there have been some significant enhancements to ATF.
So based on personal experiences, what is the currently the BEST T-IV "equivalent" to to use?
Is there a need for an equivalent ATF or is the actual T-IV the best fluid ?
My goal is to restore my shift quality.

Any personal experiences with the ATF fluid discussion?


Thank you

 

[Kira]

How many miles are on this '02?

Having sorted through the expensive Volvo fluid -a 3309, and Toyota Type-IV and several universals myself, I feel confident telling you that the subtle differences among these substitute fluids will affect the operational characteristics of your 22-year-old vehicle in a manner that you'll be hard pressed to singularize.
The good news is you're likely to see an improvement, possibly even a large improvement.

I've used PetroCanada and Wolf's Head universals, Genuine Toyota T-IV, Mobil 3309 and many jugs of Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc LV.
Note that the MaxLife, a favorite around here, has to say "LV" after the Dex/Merc to be a T-IV substitute.

Once I sprung for genuine Volvo fluid for one of my scheduled drain and fills and the shifts felt better.

I never made the jump to, say, Amsoil or Redline multis, but I'm sure they're darn good too.

 

[benjamming]

AMSOIL ATF is what I typically use in older applications like this.

 

[researcher]

My Scion takes the T-IV fluid. When it has needed to be changed, the shifts get harsh like you're describing. Replaced it with Toyota T-IV, smooth shifting returns. Maybe I'm lazy but if it works well (which T-IV does) I don't see the need to change to something else.

 

[GSCJR]

Valvoline EP ATF

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Any modern synthetic ATF will be much better than T-IV.

Maxlife, or even the Castrol ATF/CVT combo will work well in your Highlander

 

[The Critic]

Any modern synthetic ATF will be much better than T-IV.

Debatable.

 

[drtyler]

Across multiple applications requiring T-IV, I have always had best outcome with Toyota T-IV or Mobil 3309 than generic Dex/Merc one-size-fits-all fluids.

 

[RF Overlord]

I've said it again and I'll say it before: "O.E.M."

T-IV or 3309 (they're the same thing).

 

[The Critic]

Across multiple applications requiring T-IV, I have always had best outcome with Toyota T-IV or Mobil 3309 than generic Dex/Merc one-size-fits-all fluids.

Agreed. The universal fluids just do not match the OE shift quality, IMO. But I am picky; most people will not notice the difference.

 

[Bubblewhale]

I recently done a fluid exchange & filter change on my 05 Camry via transmission/cooler return line, had no problems using Valvoline Maxlife ATF as it still shifts smoothy with no problems.. Transmission had fluid drain and fill 60K miles/4 years ago at a Toyota dealership presumbly using T-IV.

Given the price of Toyota OEM fluid and Valvoline Maxlife ATF, I'd take Maxlife for a car this old anyway.

My Camry does shift "rough" when cold, but it's fine after it's completely warmed up.

 

[OilStainedNapkin]

OEM all day. Not worth any risk imo

 

[Kira]

My Camry does shift "rough" when cold, but it's fine after it's completely warmed up.

Give the real thing a try. You might be pleasantly surprised.

 

[michaelluscher]

~10 years ago I tried Castrol IMV and Red Maxlife ATF in my Camry U151E (calls for 3309/T-IV) and I thought I blew it up

A few drain and fills with either Toyota brand T-IV or Mobil 3309 had me right again
That unit has 215k on it today, and while I can't say it shifts factory fresh, I'd dare you to find a better feeling non rebuilt unit at this point in history

Idemitsu also makes a 3309 equivalent
None are terribly expensive
$7.33 per qt delivered to your doorstep is not unreasonable IMO
https://a.co/d/gpANN8Q

 

[THORROMIG]

Multiple spill N fills with OEM fluid. Add a bottle of Lube Gard Red to the mix at the end of your spill N fills.

 

[Zack1978]

How many miles are on this '02?

Having sorted through the expensive Volvo fluid -a 3309, and Toyota Type-IV and several universals myself, I feel confident telling you that the subtle differences among these substitute fluids will affect the operational characteristics of your 22-year-old vehicle in a manner that you'll be hard pressed to singularize.
The good news is you're likely to see an improvement, possibly even a large improvement.

I've used PetroCanada and Wolf's Head universals, Genuine Toyota T-IV, Mobil 3309 and many jugs of Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc LV.
Note that the MaxLife, a favorite around here, has to say "LV" after the Dex/Merc to be a T-IV substitute.

Once I sprung for genuine Volvo fluid for one of my scheduled drain and fills and the shifts felt better.

I never made the jump to, say, Amsoil or Redline multis, but I'm sure they're darn good too.

161,000

 

[Bubblewhale]

Give the real thing a try. You might be pleasantly surprised.

It had the same behavior when it was under the Toyota OEM fluid, at this point I might be thinking that's just how my transmission is.

 

[Bill7]

Hi everyone,
I need to do a transmission oil and filter change on my 2002 V6 Highlander. In the past I had one rough shift when the transmission was cold and then it was perfect for the remainder of the day, etc
Well as of recently I noticed that the quality of the shifts has gone downhill, hot or cold. I did look at the oil color on a white paper towel, and it looks darker than it should.
According to the owners manual, the Highlander calls for Toyota T-IV fluid. The T-IV fluid is easily obtained, but is it the best? The T-IV spec is well over twenty years old now and I assume that there have been some significant enhancements to ATF.
So based on personal experiences, what is the currently the BEST T-IV "equivalent" to to use?
Is there a need for an equivalent ATF or is the actual T-IV the best fluid ?
My goal is to restore my shift quality.

Any personal experiences with the ATF fluid discussion?


Thank you

ATF is the one fluid that in my opinion, it's important to always use OEM fluid.
I also do a drain and fill of the ATF fluid every 33k miles (which is 3 ATF drain/fills every 100k miles).
The goal is for the transmission to shift smoothly and last the life of the car.

 

[Tempest1]

I did a drain and fill with Castrol Multi Import on my mom's 02 Highlander with no issues. Only has about 50K miles on it though...