Which ATF for 2002 Toyota Sienna?

[ben805]

Bought a used 2002 Toyota Sienna with 97K miles, the transmission call for Dexron III fluid and the old fluid in there is light gray, no burnt smell or anything but it sure look dirty. I intend to flush the transmission at the cooler return line, Can I use synthetic in these transmission calling for Dex III? I'm thinking about Mobil ATF but not sure how it react to synthetic...

 

[Captain_Klink]

I use the Valvoline MaxLife product that comes in a red bottle. It has a synthetic base, and is only 16$ for 5qt jug at Walmart.
The Valvoline will replace almost any fluid, and works great in my subaru.

 

[wiswind]

Synthetic will be fine.

I plan to use Redline D4 in my 2003 Sienna.
I have been using it in my '96 Ford Windstar......very happy with this fluid.
I get my Redline online from OG racing.

Mobil 1 ATF is another fluid that is well regarded....easier to locate localy.

You might also replace your Power Steering fluid.....using the same fluid you choose for your transmission.

Different topic.....you might verify that you don't have a sludge situation with your motor as 2002 was on the boderline for the "gelling" program.
Do NOT use what you see at the oil fill location as an indication.....it is normal for there to be some stuff there.
IMPORTANT to verify that the PCV system is functioning.....PCV valve is in the REAR valve cover.....passenger side.......the baffel inside the rear valve cover was improved for 2003 to prevent it from clogging up with junk.....preventing flow through the PCV system.
Shorter, 5K mile oil change interval is also recommended.
Less than 1% of all motors in the "gelling" program had the issue, so just because you have the 1MZFE motor does not mean you have the problem, but it is something to check into.....and also to stay on top of your oil changes to prevent.

 

[ben805]

Yea I heard about these 1MZ-FE sludge machine, this was a 1 owner and the seller had the oil change done every 3K miles, it runs good so far. First thing I did was getting the PCV valve replaced immediately after I brought the van home, the old PCV valve didn't clogged up too bad but it was dirty. The oil fill baffle doesn't look too bad and I did not see any sludge on the dipstick or oil drain plug either, tempted to pull the front valve cover off but my local dealer don't have the gasket in stock at the moment, I'll do it next time, probably drop the oil pan as well. I'm going get some autorx and run a cycle or two just incase, once the rinse phase is done then I'll switch to synthetic, either PP, M1 or the new PU....not sure yet, but they should be good for 5~7K interval I assume. The biggest PITA is getting the original spark plugs change, not sure how to tackle those 3 in the back, they are hiding under the intake manifold, local mechanic wants $190 to do it...LOL

 

[Robenstein]

Valvoline Maxlife Dex/Merc is a full synthetic that is working good in my Toyota that calls for Type IV.

 

[artificialist]

I used M1 synthetic DEX-III in my dad's 1997 Lexus ES300, and the results were excellent.

 

[wiswind]

Toyotapartszone seems to have some good diagrams on their website.
It is not as clear as to what to select as far as choosing which selection for the part you are looking for.....HOWEVER they give you a nice diagram......with more detail that I have found elsewhere......Identifies the part number for the part....and lists them below the diagram with the list price.....their internet price.......and you just click "add to cart".
Often these dealership internet prices are quite competitive with aftermarket.
Key thing is to have your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) which will greatly assist them in getting you the correct part.