T4 tranny fluid for 2003 model year only

[studawg]

I just came from a Toyota dealer parts dept and noticed a sheet on the wall listing the different coolants and tranny fluids for all the Toyotas and LCs from 95-current. I own a 2003 and noticed that for that year, T4 is the fluid to be used. Before that it was Dexron and after that it was WS, ("World Standard" according to parts guy). I bought my 2003 with 115k from a wholesaler with no record of its maintenance history. It now has about 125k on it and I was asking the parts guy about it, but I knew what he was going to say. Anyway, I plan on doing a drain and refill and then doing that again in about 10k miles, and then again in 30k from then on. I did a search on this forum and came up with nothing for "T4", at least in the title of the thread. Anybody have any experience or input on this?

 

[04UZJ100]

IIRC it's Dex Type IV. 2004+ use WS.

 

[Softride62]

I just came from a Toyota dealer parts dept and noticed a sheet on the wall listing the different coolants and tranny fluids for all the Toyotas and LCs from 95-current. I own a 2003 and noticed that for that year, T4 is the fluid to be used. Before that it was Dexron and after that it was WS, ("World Standard" according to parts guy). I bought my 2003 with 115k from a wholesaler with no record of its maintenance history. It now has about 125k on it and I was asking the parts guy about it, but I knew what he was going to say. Anyway, I plan on doing a drain and refill and then doing that again in about 10k miles, and then again in 30k from then on. I did a search on this forum and came up with nothing for "T4", at least in the title of the thread. Anybody have any experience or input on this?

I would use the standard dextron not WS ...WS was only required for after 04 models. Keep in mind you can go fwd with an 03 and add WS if you really want to, but you can't put the old stuff in an 04 and newer... So not backwards compatible...on that note the WS stuff is awesome and the LC was the first from Toyota to use it.

 

[04UZJ100]

I would use the standard dextron not WS ...WS was only required for after 04 models. Keep in mind you can go fwd with an 03 and add WS if you really want to, but you can't put the old stuff in an 04 and newer... So not backwards compatible...on that note the WS stuff is awesome and the LC was the first from Toyota to use it.

How true is this? Did anything physically change inside?

 

[studawg]

I would use the standard dextron not WS ...WS was only required for after 04 models. Keep in mind you can go fwd with an 03 and add WS if you really want to, but you can't put the old stuff in an 04 and newer... So not backwards compatible...on that note the WS stuff is awesome and the LC was the first from Toyota to use it.

The parts guy made it sound like you could put only T4 in an 03, and not the WS. I dont know myself, just saying.

 

[uHu]

T4 and WS are quite different. If you have an -03 with 5 speed and it doesn't say WS on the filler plug, go with the T4 or a compatible.

If this is an UZJ100 with a VIN within one of the following series, then T4 is the atf for you:

0138729 to 0145747
2030149 to 2050957
3523350 to 3535624
5500002 to 5504107

 

[agaisin]

From TSB at original release of WS-ATF (TC009-03), here are some warnings about why not to use non WS ATF:

The following symptoms will occur if non–WS ATF is put into a WS compatible
automatic transmission:
Non–WS ATF has a higher viscosity. Because of this, response to changes in
fluid pressure decreases, lengthening shift time, causing shift flare.
When the fluid temperature is low, (approximately –40°F (–40°C), air can enter the
oil pump causing cavitation resulting in low fluid pressure.
Fuel consumption increases.

The following symptoms will occur if ATF WS is put into a non–WS compatible
automatic transmission: ATF WS has a lower viscosity than other ATFs. Because of this, response to
changes in fluid pressure increases, shortening shift time, causing shift shock.
If WS is filled into a non–WS automatic transmission, the fluid could leak out under
high temperatures (approximately 284°F (140°C).

Vehicles that use ATF WS can be identified by:
A. ATF dipstick is no longer installed.
B. “WS” stamped on the refill plug.


See Toyota's TSB TC008-07 for more info about WS ATF.
Here's excerpted info:
World Standard (WS) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) was introduced to reduce
maintenance costs and increase the mileage between scheduled maintenance checks.
Here are some important tips when working with ATF-WS in Lexus vehicles requiring
its use.
2004 – 2008 model year Lexus vehicles equipped with automatic transaxle
requiring ATF-WS.
100,000 Maintenance Interval — Inspection only; ATF-WS does NOT require any
flushing or changing during the life of the vehicle.
The use of Genuine Toyota ATF-WS is recommended.
The use of additives or aftermarket fluids that are considered compatible
or substitutes may result in shift concerns and damage to the internal
transmission components.
ATF-WS is NOT compatible with T-IV or Dexron ATF.
Containers storing Toyota ATF-WS should always be sealed — If exposed to the
atmosphere, ATF-WS may absorb moisture and potentially cause shift concerns if
used in operation.
One time use only.
When performing repairs on ATF-WS equipped transaxles, it is important to use
only new, clean ATF–WS when refilling the ATM.
ATF-WS equipped ATMs may use the overflow type procedure — Any fluid
drained from the overflow plug should be discarded following proper local
regulations and never reused. Failure to do so could result in shift concerns and
damage to the internal transmission components.

 

[uHu]

There are fluids that can be used. Only difference is reduced performance at low temps (-30-40). If you never see such temps, it should be OK.
But why? t0yota ATF is very good.
There is a thread on it in here somewhere.