Anyone used non genuine transmission oil in their 5 speed?

[westaussielx470]

There are a lot of different thoughts about genuine vs non genuine trans oil and even the shop that specialises in ZF transmissions (40 year veteran) and rebuilt my BMW ZF mostly uses a high quality aftermarket fluid in his rebuilds with a full two year parts and labour warranty. I want to fit a new pan/filter and fluid change in my 2004 LX which takes the WS fluid (512k km) and was last changed about 70k km ago. Has anyone had any negative experience using aftermarket fluid? I tend to use an Aussie brand Penrite for all my cars over the years but haven't used in a Toyota trans before. Thoughts appreciated

 

[excessive]

I'd recommend using the the correct WS Fluid, the 3 cents you'll save wont be worth it in my opinion

 

[plainjanefjc]

I used the Mobil 1 equivalent, works fine.

 

[Import Driver]

There are a lot of different thoughts about genuine vs non genuine trans oil and even the shop that specialises in ZF transmissions (40 year veteran) and rebuilt my BMW ZF mostly uses a high quality aftermarket fluid in his rebuilds with a full two year parts and labour warranty. I want to fit a new pan/filter and fluid change in my 2004 LX which takes the WS fluid (512k km) and was last changed about 70k km ago. Has anyone had any negative experience using aftermarket fluid? I tend to use an Aussie brand Penrite for all my cars over the years but haven't used in a Toyota trans before. Thoughts appreciated

My thoughts: If you have access to Genuine Toyota transmission fluid, just use that. I tend to overthink things when I could just grab some Toyota fluid instead of researching for hours.

But since I've spent hours researching...

Verified alternatives to Toyota WS ATF - Automaitc Transmission Fluid

I took the time to search for alternatives to Toyota's WS ATF fluid. And according to my research here are some other options and alternatives to...

www.tacomaworld.com

I spent some time on TacomaWorld when I had an '08 Tacoma v6 4x4 with the A750F which it turns out is the same transmission in my '06 LX. There are a bazillion Tacomas out there and the transmission failure rate is low. As they get older no doubt a number of them no longer have Toyota fluid in them.

 

[2001LC]

I use Mobil multi vehicle full synthetic. It's rated for Toy II, III, IV & WS. In 03-07.

I would use Mobil 1 MV. If Mobil 1, if approved for Toyota WS in USA. Which I believe they have and sell outside USA. I do use it, in the 98-02. Which calls for Toy III or Dex III.

I used the Mobil 1 equivalent, works fine.

Interesting, I've always felt we could used. How many miles do you have on your AT with Mobil 1 MV in it?

 

[Bisho]

I've seen more than a few use Valvoline Max Life, which is what I plan on using shortly. It been great in other vehicles for me, and meets/exceeds the WS spec.

 

[plainjanefjc]

I use Mobil multi vehicle full synthetic. It's rated for Toy II, III, IV & WS. In 03-07.

I would use Mobil 1 MV. If Mobil 1, if approved for Toyota WS in USA. Which I believe they have and sell outside USA. I do use it, in the 98-02. Which calls for Toy III or Dex III.



Interesting, I've always felt we could used. How many miles do you have on your AT with Mobil 1 MV in it?

Sorry I meant what you said - the Mobil synthetic

 

[Stevenpw]

There are a lot of different thoughts about genuine vs non genuine trans oil and even the shop that specialises in ZF transmissions (40 year veteran) and rebuilt my BMW ZF mostly uses a high quality aftermarket fluid in his rebuilds with a full two year parts and labour warranty. I want to fit a new pan/filter and fluid change in my 2004 LX which takes the WS fluid (512k km) and was last changed about 70k km ago. Has anyone had any negative experience using aftermarket fluid? I tend to use an Aussie brand Penrite for all my cars over the years but haven't used in a Toyota trans before. Thoughts appreciated

Hey mate, I've been using the Penrite in mine. No issues.

 

[kevgentile]

"Compatibility" is questionable. In some, or most vehicles different fluids may work fine without any real noticeable changes. Certain vehicles may be a bit more sensitive though. Like many, I have done lots of "research" and used a variety of fluids throughout the drivetrains of my vehicles. In most cases I have never had a problem.

I like to do a regular drain and fill of my '99 A343F trans. I tend to get about 4 qts each time and at 300k the trans is still strong. Recently I changed my fluid choice and now have a blend of "compatible" ATF fluids. Around the same time I started getting what I thought was a misfire when shifting into a drive gear and under light acceleration, idle to 1500 rpm. I have been logging live data looking for why I have had this misfire and was coming up with nothing. Techstream was showing no faults and the misfire counter was reading a big fat zero across the board. All sensor activity was normal, though the maf did seem to be a bit off, but not during a "misfire."

Well, it dawned on me that this all started around the same time as the trans drain/fill and mixing of fluids. After more digging I have learned that while fluid manufactures will claim compatibility there are in fact differences in some fluids that may have a negative impact. It's my understanding that the WS fluid, while it's had its own revisions over the years has vastly different viscosity properties from some, not all, other fluids.

In my case I had used Redline D4, since it was claimed to be D-II/D-III "compatible" and we stocked it at our shop. I have used it with great success in many other applications, but evidently it does not play well with other fluids. What feels like a legitimate misfire is apparently trans slip/shudder. My only resolution for now is a full flush and fill to confirm.

 

[2001LC]

"Compatibility" is questionable. In some, or most vehicles different fluids may work fine without any real noticeable changes. Certain vehicles may be a bit more sensitive though. Like many, I have done lots of "research" and used a variety of fluids throughout the drivetrains of my vehicles. In most cases I have never had a problem.

I like to do a regular drain and fill of my '99 A343F trans. I tend to get about 4 qts each time and at 300k the trans is still strong. Recently I changed my fluid choice and now have a blend of "compatible"ATF fluids. Around the same time I started getting what I thought was a misfire when shifting into a drive gear and under light acceleration, idle to 1500 rpm. I have been logging live data looking for why I have had this misfire and was coming up with nothing. Techstream was showing no faults and the misfire counter was reading a big fat zero across the board. All sensor activity was normal, though the maf did seem to be a bit off, but not during a "misfire."

Well, it dawned on me that this all started around the same time as the trans drain/fill and mixing of fluids. After more digging I have learned that while fluid manufactures will claim compatibility there are in fact differences in some fluids that may have a negative impact. It's my understanding that the WS fluid, while it's had its own revisions over the years has vastly different viscosity properties from some, not all, other fluids.

In my case I had used Redline D4, since it was claimed to be "compatible" and we stocked it at our shop. I have used it with great success in many other applications, but evidently it does not play well with the A343F trans and or the Toyota WS ATF.

If I were to use anything other than Toy WS I would consider using Valvoline MaxLife ATF. Seems to have been very successfully used in most Toyota products.

I corrected more issues, flushing all fluids (all) then I can remember.

One of the main reasons, I do full 12 qt ATF flushes. Is so I know, I'm not mixing fluids. With years, many owners and shops. Many hands, touch our 100 series. We've no idea, what's been mixed in. Even some Dealership, use bulk non WS ATF. Almost no INDY carry WS, they used cheapest ATF they can buy. There interest is cost, time & profits. Which is not always in our rigs best interest.

I use Mobil 1, Mobil or Toyota in my garage. Exxon Mobil & Toyota created a joint venture refinners years ago. Most fluids did carry Exxon Mobil on the back. It's my understanding Exxonmobil was the first to release a synthetic oil. At my local Toyota Dealership. If they use Mobil 1 when upgrade requested. They use Mobil 1 MV ATF, when a dex II or III called for when working to correct AT running hot.

Whatever anyone uses. Just don't mix. Flush all. Top with same.

 

[kevgentile]

One of the main reasons, I do full 12 qt ATF flushes. Is so I know, I'm not mixing fluids. With years, and many owners/shops. Many hands, touching our 100 series. We've no idea, what's been mixed in. Even some Dealership, use bulk non WS. They're interest is cost, time & profits. Which is not always in our rigs best interest.

I corrected more issues, flushing all fluids (all) then I can remember.

You are very correct! After 25 years in the shop, in most cases I have never experienced any adversed effects from this approach. This time it has bit me in the arse. At least it is on my own vehicle and not a customers. My next task for the week is a full flush, and hopefully it nets positive results with this "shudder"

I've had great success and read a lot of rave reviews with the RL D4, guess it just doesn't like other fluids, or at least not mixed in the A343F.

 

[2001LC]

Keep in mind, 03-07. Were factory under filled. TSB change the temp we check AT #1 fluid lowering to 97-115F.

98-03 158-176F.
98-02 Dex III. 03 Toyota IV ATF. 04-up Toy WS.