Toyota T-IV or Amsoil Universal ? Help me decide.

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"Curious why would AW and Mobil have 3309 fluid in the market and why doesn't Mobil's own synthetic ATF claim it is T-IV compatabile"

I called Mobil a month ago and asked them this very question..., the tech said that 3309 is a very different formulation, the AW auto trans has paper based friction materials, instead of polycarbonite. A synthetic, or semi synthetic is not fully compatible with the trans materials.

And the reasoning is not marketing, think about it . you can not even buy mobil3309 in stores. So this exclusive theory dosen't wash.

I used a universal fluid in AW trans, and for a while it was smooth , but that faded in less than 1 year. Poor shifting and loud noises on acceleration. This was fixed by going back to 3309.,

Amsoil's warranty, or any other retail fluid warranty is not worth the paper its printed on.
Paying to have transmissions fixed when the fluid is not at fault, in "good faith", ya right...
 
I KNOW OEM warranties will pay off on a powertrain warranty. The powertrain warranty that paid for me was Toyota's... the one you hear so much complaint about.
The dealership thought they'd pay only for replacement parts, but I was very nice and insisted they call Toyota and let them know I would be satisfied with nothing less than a replacement front differential. Toyota replaced then entire differential at no charge to me. The service manager knew I had replaced the original fluid with Mobil 1, but he knew that it was the proper 75W-90 grade and that Mobil 1 meets the Toyota specified GL-5 requirements.
I've had similiar results with replacement A/C compressors from Chrysler & other non-powertrain related warranty work from GM & Ford. In fact, I've never been denied a warranty claim and I've owned over 20 new vehicles.
I know for a fact that OEM's honor their warranties, or at least they always have for me...BUT I've never asked them to warranty anything that wasn't covered or if the mileage was outside the warranty.
My question is this: Can anyone say that Amsoil has paid a warranty claim on a vehicle they own...or are these claims of warranty payments for 'someone else's' vehicle?
Now you know why I stick with OEM specified ATF and other fluids, regardless of age or mileage on our 5 cars & trucks.
 
Okay, I am not a fan of OEM fluids, but I would highly recommend not using a universal fluid in a car that specs T-IV. I have Pennzoil Multi-Vehicle ATF and I am taking it out of my Toyota. It is shifting harsh and making a funny whining noise I have never heard before. If it doesn't spec JWS-3309 or is just Toyota T-IV, don't use it. I know someone else on here has experienced the same thing. I also know that the oil company will tell you that it may be speced for T-IV and not JWS-3309, well, this is an obvious problem. I am switching mine over to Mobil ATF 3309 ASAP. This has nothing to do with anything I have read on here, just my own experience, if someone is giving you advise on any Toyota fluids, I would find out if they have any first-hand experience with Aisin Warner transmissions, because they are a different beast. Take it from someone who has had noticable problems, use 3309 or T-IV. It will give you peace of mind if nothing else. I also have never used Amsoil ATF and don't plan too, so, I am saying nothing good or bad about it.
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I just know it is not specifically T-IV or 3309.
 
Coop0129

I picked up 3309 at a bargain store, National Wholesale Liquidators, for $1.69/ quart. I am running low and will be trying the Amalie stuff in about 2 months.
 
Ewetho, are you suggesting that Amsoil is okay in an Aisin-Warner automatic transmission requiring ATF 3309, based on the fact that you used it in a manual transmission requiring ATF+4?... Isn't that a bit of a stretch?
 
Finaly someone else who had a problem with a universal fluid.,

I dont care if it Pennzoil, Castrol, or Amsoil....
Universal fluid is just a marketing scheme......,

If the maker of 3309, does not have it in a universal atf variety, there is a reason for this........., !!!!!

To me this proves there is not enough R&D at these oil companies who makes claims for ALL models.... its - - - - - -....what kind of testing are they doing, comparing fluids, or actually testing products in real transmissions for 100's of thousands of hours. ?, I dont think so.
 
Quote:

If the maker of 3309, does not have it in a universal atf variety, there is a reason for this........., !!!!!

Click to expand...


Yes, they don't want to compete with their own product. Not to mention there are probably legality issues with licensing, etc...
 
Yes, they don't want to compete with their own product

that theory would make sense, IF they sold 3309 on store shelves......., but they dont.....
It is only available in drums, and 12 bottle cases through xom distributors..

Not to mention there are probably legality issues with licensing, XOM probably ownes the license......

think about it...XOM would make far more money if their synthetic ATF was indeed 3309 compliant. toyota, mercedes,volvo,saab...ect these new cust could buy their product in stores now............,

your theory's dont make sense...?
 
Quote:

The 3309 spec is T-IV which is the spec for Toyota.
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Click to expand...


That's a good tidbit to learn. Interestingly, my 99 prizm's 3sp AT is not speced for it. Does that mean it is a relatively new spec? Maybe that is why few producers support the spec.
 
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