I'm pulling my hair out!! T-IV or Dexron ATF?

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arbetrader

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I've done TONS of searching on this, only to have completely different answers; I'm really getting frustrated :bang:

I bought some Mobil 1 synthetic ATF today, called them, they said I could use it with my truck. They said it complies both with Dexron and T-IV ?? Not sure how this can be, but anyway...

Called 2 different lexus dealerships, both said that their systems show to use T-IV for all 1998-2002 LX470 models for the tranny; and only Dexron ATF for the power steering system.

HOWEVER

In many different threads on this site, I've heard I need to run Dexron Type III ATF in my 1999 model. It's apparantly also listed to run that stuff on the dipstick. How can lexus tell me to run T-IV when the dipstick reads otherwise?

Question: What is correct? Can I use the Mobil 1 I bought in the tranny and PS system, or should I listen to the lexus dealer.

Note: I don't have an owners manual, and my truck is also in the shop getting the t-belt done among other things and I can't go there and check it right now to see what it says. I'm assuming it will say dexron.

Sorry to start a new thread on this, but I've literally spent hours on this, only to continue hitting a brick wall with information.

Does anyone have any practical advise? Can I use my Mobil 1?
 
If you look at the new Mobil1 multivehicle ATF, it meets either of the specs you need. "Pre 2006 GM cars" (= Dexron III) and in the fine print, Toyota Type IV. So do lots of other ATFs out there. The Type VI is basically Dexron with better low temp properties. So Mobil1 and MaxLife both meet Type IV, the Mobil1 is a better bet in my book and recommend you use that.
 
If it's the mobil 1 universal ATF fluid, I think it should be good. Toyota type IV is just a very refined and high quality dexron type product. If it lists both dexron and T-IV on the bottle, you can run it worry free and blame m1 if anything goes wrong. I'm running m1 universal ATF and it's been fine for the past couple thousand miles.

EDIT: Ah, beat me by 3 minutes, Cruiserdrew
 
cmfhsu said:
If it's the mobil 1 universal ATF fluid, I think it should be good. Toyota type IV is just a very refined and high quality dexron type product. If it lists both dexron and T-IV on the bottle, you can run it worry free and blame m1 if anything goes wrong. I'm running m1 universal ATF and it's been fine for the past couple thousand miles.

EDIT: Ah, beat me by 3 minutes, Cruiserdrew
Click to expand...

Hey guys thanks so much for all your advise, much appreciated!

The funny thing is it doesn't say on the bottle that it's dexron compatile but it does say it's for older gm models pre 2005. Also Shows T-IV fluid. I'm assumig the older gm thing means dexron right? I can also use this in ps resovoir right? Thanks again for all your input!
 
Cruiserdrew said:
The Type VI is basically Dexron with better low temp properties.
Click to expand...
cmfhsu said:
Toyota type IV is just a very refined and high quality dexron type product.
Click to expand...

Not quite. T-IV is basically a standard Dex-III product with more advanced friction modifiers. Since the time it was developed the whole industry has advanced and the new fluids surpass the standards of both. T-IV does not have superior basestocks or fluid qualities. T-IV was designed to be backward compatible with Dex III and will probably work fine in the 98-99 transmission especially since they are basically the same unit.

Mobil1 Multi-vehicle Synthetic ATF is a great fluid and will work well in transmissions designed for either one.

I think GM is getting tichy about licensing issues regarding the Dexron brand. That's why we are seeing the "pre 06 GM" language.

"Older GM" = Dexron II-III compatible.
 
The Type T-# fluids were used in the Lexus models before Toyota started using the Type T-IV. Lexus had T-I, T-II, & T-III, which were all replaced by Type T-IV.
 
Thanks for all your input, now I can breath easy and have a:beer:
 
Good info in this thread.

I had the dealer perform a tranny fluid swap with the special machine and they charged me for 12 qts of T-IV. Sounds like that is the right fluid afterall.
 
I've used up to Dextron VI, which is a blended 50/50 (conventional/synthetic). I tried this to see if it's lower viscosity, as compared to M1 full synthetic MF ATF, would increase MPG. It did but only ~.05% if that. I like the smoother shifting of the M1 so I switched back to it.
 
.05% really?:D
 
NMuzj100 said:
Not quite. T-IV is basically a standard Dex-III product with more advanced friction modifiers. Since the time it was developed the whole industry has advanced and the new fluids surpass the standards of both. T-IV does not have superior basestocks or fluid qualities. T-IV was designed to be backward compatible with Dex III and will probably work fine in the 98-99 transmission especially since they are basically the same unit.

Mobil1 Multi-vehicle Synthetic ATF is a great fluid and will work well in transmissions designed for either one.

I think GM is getting tichy about licensing issues regarding the Dexron brand. That's why we are seeing the "pre 06 GM" language.

"Older GM" = Dexron II-III compatible.
Click to expand...

I was reading about Type IV for a power steering in a different vehicle. I went to the Auto Zone and got some - not cheap. I think it said it was for Chrysler on the bottle? It smelled funny...
 
Max-Life (Valvoline) ATF has a specific T-IV approval. It's available almost anywhere.
 
It does not smell different from other atf
 
I own a 2000 LC W/ 170,000 miles and want to change the auto transmission fluid. The manuel says to use DEXRON III. IS this what you guys would recommend or is there something better out there to buy. Thank you!
 
I like Mobil 1 full synthetic MV ATF, for transmission & power steering. You can use any Dexron III or greater that suit you.
 
I got smoother shifts after putting in a good syntetic D-III compliant fluid on my 2000.
And for the PS, definitely go for synt, the mineral oil gets burnt too easily.
 
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