We goofed - need quick help on a Tacoma auto....

[Ramblin Fever]

This truck came and highly calls for Type T-IV transmission fluid; of course no one outside of a dealer carries this fluid.

We did find Valvoline Maxlife Dex/Merc ATF fluid that says it's clearly compatible and recommended for Toyota transmissions calling for Type T; T-III and T-IV.

Would like to hear what others have to say. Truck is completely undriveable at this point - we got in a hurry, and accidently dumped the auto fluid rather then engine oil

 

[Camu Mahubah]

I do know the Maxlife ATF is good stuff...I know of a shop that buys it just because it meets so many specs...there are more and more mult-vehicle ATF's out there everyday...I wouldn't hesitate to use it in the situation you speak of...I know Valvoline has tested it in the applications it recommends them in or else they wouldn't be saying it is okay...

 

[INDYMAC]

Are you saying that you can't drive the truck now as a result of filling it with Maxlife ATF? Or are you afraid to try it?

 

[askani79705]

The Maxlife will work fine.Mercon V and ATF+4 will too.

 

[Ramblin Fever]

I'm saying we accidently dumped the ATF, and the ONLY ATF we can find on a Sunday (dealerships are closed) that meets the Type T-IV spec is the Valvoline Dex/Merc fluid. Yes, the truck is dead in the water unless we can use this fluid, cause it is now 5qts low.

Word of wise for Toyota owners, the book says that only 2.1qts is needed for a drain/refill - it's HIGHLY written in error, at least 4.7 qts came out last night.

I did check the Valvoline website, I'm pretty sure we're comfortable to go ahead and use it.

I'll keep posted. Thanks!

 

[Pablo]

It'll work. No problem. Maybe not for long drains, but it'll work fine until you can make a good choice.

 

[kazual]

I used it on a drain and fill in a 2002 Rav 4 and had no problems. I second the not to use it for long drains. FRESH fluid is always good.

 

[mikeg5]

its fine to use maxlife atf dex-merc. if the bottle says its good for all T type atfs then its fine. i have a tacoma and i use the maxlife atf (though mine calls for dexIII) it will be fine and maybe even a step up in quality compared to the T-IV. just do what i do and do a drain and fill every 15k miles. you will be fine

 

[JTK]

Ramblin, say it aint so! That was the old 98+ isuzu goof if you remember. The AT pan drain and engine oil drain plugs were somewhat close. If Maxlife spec's it, why not use it? What's the worry? Maxlife is the only Merc-V compatible ATF my local Carquest and Napa carry. You won't find a Merc-V only bottle there. They swear by Maxlife ATF. For all you know it could be better, or the same as the Toyota ATF.

Joel

 

[Ramblin Fever]

What I can say, at this point - is the truck is shifting MUCH smoother then it did originally.

AND, come to find, truck was 1/2qt low of fluid to begin with - stupid dealerships!!!!!

We're staying with this fluid indefinitely on the Toy, feels great!

 

[mikeg5]

yeah maxlife is good stuff whether its aft fluid or motor oil.. i like it plus its cheaper that dealership atf fluid and probably better for it on the long run.. just do drain and fills every 10-20k miles based on if you tow alot, city driving, stump jumpin' or whatever.. i drive 80% highway 20% city and i drain and fill every 15k miles. 20k if i am too busy but i dont let it go over 20k without a drain and fill.. the more the marrier though, keep that in mind

 

[ctrcbob]

Although I don't have a Toyota, one of my cars (my MKZ) uses Motorcraft Primium Automatic Transmission Fluid, which is the same as the Toyota T-IV and the Mobil ATF-3309. My other car (my Continental) uses the Mercon-V. Sure, there are synthetic fluids that I can use in both cars, like AmsOil ATF, but I found one that not only is less expensive than AmsOil or Mobil 1 ATF's, but is also less expensive than many non synthetic fluids. I had put the following in a different thread a week or so ago.

I purchased Wolf's Head Super Universal SYNTHETIC ATF. Front lable says it can be used with Traditional Automatic Transmissions and with Continuously Variable Transmission.
Back lable says "This product is engineered to meet the performance requirements of every automatic transmission fluid including, but not limited to GM Dexron III-H (does not mention Dexron VI), Ford Mercon V, edes Benz MB 236.9, ATF+3, ATF+4, Mitsubishi SP II/III, Toyota T-IV and many others. This dynamic new fluid is designed for use in the new continuously variable transmission (CVT) as well as the more traditional automatic transmissions, automotive power steering units, and automotive hydraulic systems. (It also says that it is engineered to meet the performance requirements of every American, European, Korean, Japanese and other automotive transmissions manufactured around the world.)

I like the idea of this full synthetic fluid because I can use it in both my cars. Earlier this week, I did a pump out and refill on my Continental. Pumped out eight quarts, and replaced it with this Wolf's Head. Went out and purchased an additional eight quarts (at $3.59 a quart) for the next time I do a change with either car.

I just like the idea of having a fluid that I can use in either car, plus the price is right. ($3.95 a quart at my local Auto Parts Store [not a national store, but a local store]) I also read about it in www.wolfshead.com

 

[kazual]

The Wolfs Head is identical to Amalie. Amalie Universal ATF lists the specs for the fluid. I paid $4.71 a quart. Works for me.

 

[ctrcbob]

Just for the heck of it, next time I'm near that Auto Parts Store, I will check on his price for Amalie Universal ATF (I think I saw some cases there) as his Wolfs Head is $3.59 a quart.