I know it meets the spec, but the vis is kind of low.
Would you use it in place of T-IV? Currently using Schaeffers ATF.
Thanks.
Would you use it in place of T-IV? Currently using Schaeffers ATF.
Thanks.
Would you use Maxlife ATF in T-IV app?
- Thread starter panthermike
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It has been my experience that running the Toyota brand ATF is beneficial. It is generally not too expensive ($4.25/quart here) and is available at Toyota, Lexus, Scion dealers, with the same fluid available under different names at Saab and Audi dealers.
After switching my wifey's 04 camry 2AZFE to Petro-Canada full-syn DuraDrive MV ATF (originally spec'ed for T-IV/3309 equiv.), I've not looked back to any other options since.
Car is running like new, no studdering at all...very nice shifting.
Q.
Car is running like new, no studdering at all...very nice shifting.
Q.
Is there a reason you're switching from the Schaeffers?
The new MaxLife is thinner but I'm sure it's still fine. Alternatively, if you want to stick with Valvoline, you could try their MerconV. It's in the same viscosity range as T-IV. I've heard of many people (including myself) who have run MerconV in place of T-IV. For the most part, the characteristics of all these fluids are pretty similar which is why so many companies can have a universal in their line. It's not hard to bridge multiple specs when they're all similar. MerconV is pretty universalish.
Here's an older post that I found where Valvoline supports using MerconV in many applications.
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/52539
Of course, you can always stick with Schaeffers, OEM T-IV, Amsoil, etc. It's really up to you. Some people find piece of mind in genuine T-IV. Some like the convenience of using one fluid on several cars and/or a fluid that can be found easily.
Personally, I think T-IV is getting pretty long in the tooth and the newer fluids and/or synthetic fluids are likely to be better.
The new MaxLife is thinner but I'm sure it's still fine. Alternatively, if you want to stick with Valvoline, you could try their MerconV. It's in the same viscosity range as T-IV. I've heard of many people (including myself) who have run MerconV in place of T-IV. For the most part, the characteristics of all these fluids are pretty similar which is why so many companies can have a universal in their line. It's not hard to bridge multiple specs when they're all similar. MerconV is pretty universalish.
Here's an older post that I found where Valvoline supports using MerconV in many applications.
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/52539
Of course, you can always stick with Schaeffers, OEM T-IV, Amsoil, etc. It's really up to you. Some people find piece of mind in genuine T-IV. Some like the convenience of using one fluid on several cars and/or a fluid that can be found easily.
Personally, I think T-IV is getting pretty long in the tooth and the newer fluids and/or synthetic fluids are likely to be better.
I'm contemplating switching from Schaeffers for two reasons:
1. Cost; Maxlife is about 4.00, Schaeffers is 7.50/qt. This is only a small reason.
2. With the Schaeffers, the shifts don't seem as smooth. There's no issues, such as shuddering or anything, just sort of "firm" shifts. Fluid seems great physically though, nice red color and smells like it does from the bottle.
Maxlife seems well regarded here, that's why I'm considering it, plus its synthetic. T-IV seems like an ok fluid.
OR.... I could do another drain/fill with Schaeffers and add 8oz. of Lubegard red to see if it gives me the smooth shifts I crave
How does that sound?
1. Cost; Maxlife is about 4.00, Schaeffers is 7.50/qt. This is only a small reason.
2. With the Schaeffers, the shifts don't seem as smooth. There's no issues, such as shuddering or anything, just sort of "firm" shifts. Fluid seems great physically though, nice red color and smells like it does from the bottle.
Maxlife seems well regarded here, that's why I'm considering it, plus its synthetic. T-IV seems like an ok fluid.
OR.... I could do another drain/fill with Schaeffers and add 8oz. of Lubegard red to see if it gives me the smooth shifts I crave
I have maxife in my parents 07 rav4 and my 02 corolla, have not noticed any difference.
Originally Posted By: lipadj46
I have maxife in my parents 07 rav4 and my 02 corolla, have not noticed any difference.
Do you by chance know if it's the new stuff w/ the Toyota WS/Mercon LV/etc specs?
I have maxife in my parents 07 rav4 and my 02 corolla, have not noticed any difference.
Do you by chance know if it's the new stuff w/ the Toyota WS/Mercon LV/etc specs?
Originally Posted By: panthermike
Originally Posted By: lipadj46
I have maxife in my parents 07 rav4 and my 02 corolla, have not noticed any difference.
Do you by chance know if it's the new stuff w/ the Toyota WS/Mercon LV/etc specs?
Yes this was this past summer bottle specifically said WS.
Originally Posted By: lipadj46
I have maxife in my parents 07 rav4 and my 02 corolla, have not noticed any difference.
Do you by chance know if it's the new stuff w/ the Toyota WS/Mercon LV/etc specs?
Yes this was this past summer bottle specifically said WS.
Ok, thanks alot. Sounds like the Maxlife is worth giving a try.
T-IV suxx, in my humble opinion.
I had it as OEM fluid in my 2005 Highlander V6. At 22k miles, the analysis of the ATF showed that while it had sheared and would be "okay" for another 25k or so, there was no way it was a 60k or 120k fluid.
C'mon! What is the cost of a quality ATF (not T-IV or Honda Z-1,for that matter) versus the cost of a transmission rebuild?
I'm using Amsoil ATF in the Highlander with great results and performance. And I guarantee I would use Amsoil, Redline, RLI, Schaeffer's, and Maxlife before I would consider using T-IV.
I had it as OEM fluid in my 2005 Highlander V6. At 22k miles, the analysis of the ATF showed that while it had sheared and would be "okay" for another 25k or so, there was no way it was a 60k or 120k fluid.
C'mon! What is the cost of a quality ATF (not T-IV or Honda Z-1,for that matter) versus the cost of a transmission rebuild?
I'm using Amsoil ATF in the Highlander with great results and performance. And I guarantee I would use Amsoil, Redline, RLI, Schaeffer's, and Maxlife before I would consider using T-IV.
I was just thinking, does anyone know if the new Corollas have the same transmissions? If so, are they using WS now?
If this is the case, the low vis seems irrelevant.
If this is the case, the low vis seems irrelevant.
Just because the AT is suitable does not mean it is the best option. I stick with T-IV or Mobil 3309 as recomended.
Originally Posted By: Eddie
Just because the AT is suitable does not mean it is the best option. I stick with T-IV or Mobil 3309 as recomended.
From the Valvoline Specs
Recommended for use where the following fluids are specified:Ford MERCON®, MERCON® V, MERCON® SP and LV
GM DEXRON, DEXRON II, III and VI
Toyota and Lexus Type T, T-III, T-IV and WS
Allison TES 295 and 389
Nissan Matic-D, Matic-J and Matic-K
Honda and Acura ATF Z-1 (except CVT)
Mercedes NAG-1
Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II and SP-III
Kia SP-II and SP-III
Definition of "suitable" •Having sufficient or the required properties for a certain purpose or task; appropriate to a certain occasion
I used Maxlife in place of T-IV fluid in my Ford 500, shifts very nicely, I like having a synthetic.
Just because the AT is suitable does not mean it is the best option. I stick with T-IV or Mobil 3309 as recomended.
From the Valvoline Specs
Recommended for use where the following fluids are specified:Ford MERCON®, MERCON® V, MERCON® SP and LV
GM DEXRON, DEXRON II, III and VI
Toyota and Lexus Type T, T-III, T-IV and WS
Allison TES 295 and 389
Nissan Matic-D, Matic-J and Matic-K
Honda and Acura ATF Z-1 (except CVT)
Mercedes NAG-1
Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II and SP-III
Kia SP-II and SP-III
Definition of "suitable" •Having sufficient or the required properties for a certain purpose or task; appropriate to a certain occasion
I used Maxlife in place of T-IV fluid in my Ford 500, shifts very nicely, I like having a synthetic.
I changed the fluid with a full flush in a 2005 Sienna recently with the newest Maxlife ATF and shifts were fine afterward (smooth). Owner was happy with the results. This first fluid change was severly overdue at 145K miles, but so far, so good. Flushed the PSF at the same time with the same ATF fluid. Went through about 16 or 18 qts total, IIRC. At $4/qt, that wasn't so bad. I noticed that only certain WM's carry ML ATF now. I usually clean em out when I find it in stock.
I switched our Tacoma over to Maxlife at around 45k miles; currently has 120k with a few drain/refills since....truck shifts better then it did with the OEM fluid that was in it.
I have Maxlife in our Lexus ES330. Shifts better than ever.
Well, I've done 2 drain/fills with Maxlife and added 6oz. of Lubegard Red. I'll admit that the shifting has definately improved, but I still don't really like the overdrive shift. It seems a little "firm" to me. I have the exact same combo in my fiancees moms Corolla('05), and it shifts well into all gears. I believe they're the same trans as well. I must say that the shifting isn't harsh, but the '05 is definately smoother and it's just the overdrive shift that bothers me.
Perhaps it's the tuning of the trans, just a characteristic? Perhaps I'm being too picky
. As I've mentioned, it doesn't slip or shudder. The fluids used so far stay in good physical shape. No metals that I can see when I do drain/fills.
I will do another drain/fill w/ Maxlife, but it will be 10-15K miles. I'm just not sure how much of a difference 3 more quarts of Maxlife will make to shifting.
Perhaps it's the tuning of the trans, just a characteristic? Perhaps I'm being too picky
I will do another drain/fill w/ Maxlife, but it will be 10-15K miles. I'm just not sure how much of a difference 3 more quarts of Maxlife will make to shifting.
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