Which ATF for '93 Tercel?

[Sedin26]

I have a '93 Tercel with 265,000km. It was abused when I got it at 190,000 so I rebuilt the engine and had a shop rebuild the transmission at the same time.

I've had no problems to date and have had the transmission serviced twice, which consisted of a pan drop and new fluid.

I don't know what fluid was used for those services.

Toyota specs Dex II in the manual for both the Transmission and differential. I'm of two minds - thinking I should use a good Dex VI but am also considering something like the Castrol Domestic Multi-Vehicle.

I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with these transmissions or has an educated suggestion as to what I should use.

I suppose I wouldn't be against using a synthetic like Mobile 1 if there was a benefit to it. Given that the Tercel has a drain bolt, though, it's not a big deal to do more frequent changes with a quality conventional.

 

[5sfe91]

I would use Dex III

 

[PandaBear]

For something like that I'd stick with a cheap DexIII/Mercon like fluid, no need to spend extra for Dex VI (thin) or Import MV.

Early to mid 90s Toyota can handle any fluid and still shift great.

 

[Sedin26]

I ended up using the Castrol Domestic Vehicle ATF and it's worked well. Have done a couple of drain and fills (the Tercel has a drain bolt). For anyone thinking about doing this on their own, it's super easy. Just drain tranny into a clean container, mark the level of the container, empty and clean container, then put the same amount of new fluid in container and then into transmission.
The differential is separate so drain it and fill it back up too. Make sure you use ATF in the differential - it does not use gear oil.

The drain bolt gaskets and fill plug gasket for the differential are readily available at the dealer for under a buck so I see no reason not to replace them.