Transmission Fluid Question

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A

afa

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Sep 18, 2016
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Location
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Hi Guys,

Been reading on the forum about which transmission fluid to use and just needed some clarification before I perform a quick drain and refill on my 2001 LC.

According to this TSB - http://toyota-club.net/files/2010/tsb_tc001-02.pdf

This is the type of Transmission Fluid I should be using correct?
Toyota Lexus Genuine OEM Dexron III ATF FLUID 5 QTS | eBay


Not this one?
7 Quart GENUINE TOYOTA ATF WS Automatic Transmission oil Fluid ATFWS Lexus Scion | eBay

Or this one?
4 Quarts Toyota / Scion Automatic Transmission Fluid Type-4 ATF - OEM NEW! | eBay

I'm not sure if the previous owner ever changed out the transmission fluid. Is there any risk in mixing another brand?

Thanks guys!
 
My manual says Dexron III, that's what I would use. Not sure but other type is most likely a synthetic. It is not a good idea to mix synthetic with regular ATF unless you get it all out and not just a simple drain and fill.
 
Mobil 1 ATF. Iirc, she might need more than 2 quarts, less than a gallon. I use a milk jug as the catch drain.
 
For my 01LC I've use Mobil 1 MV full synthetic ATF for both transmission (12qt full flush) and power steering (1qt). Stuff works great.
 
I think I'm getting ready to do the full flush/exchange on my 2001. After reading through the threads, I'm thinking to do a flush and exchange with a cheap Dexron III and then follow that with Mobil 1 ATF. Doing it that way because sadly, the current fluid has been in there a long time and it seems right to let some fresh fluid move through and clean things up a bit before adding what I really would like in there. My thought is to do the exchange and run the cheap for a few days/weeks and then replace with the Mobil 1.

I'm still tempted to do the drain and fill so as to introduce new fluid a little at a time but at about 10,000 miles/year the timeframe it would take to turn the fluid over would be awhile.

For those who've done this - any thoughts? @2001LC ?
 
Whereas I have advised doing a drain and fill repeatedly, for those concerned about very old bad ATF. I've always just done full 12 qt flush with M1 ATF (98-02) or Toyota recommend for year. I've never had and issue.

The belief is; Old clutch plates falling apart due be been held together by gunk. If that is the case, the transmission will fail regardless of DF or flush, sooner or later. May as well find out while near home.
 
Last edited:
Thanks @2001LC - I just looked at my current fluid again, it actually doesn't look too bad but it's been in there awhile so I think I'll be good to do the full flush. Will use your recommended procedure here: Dexron III or Toyota WS ATF transmission fluid. What ATF are you using?
  1. Drain transmission pan. Should get ~3 qts IIRC. If you raise front of vehicle you'll get a little more out, but level before proceeding. This is point fluid is first picked up (pick-up screen), so draining gets old out to start flush with fresh.
  2. Replace drain plug with new washer (gasket) torque to 15ft-lbf.
  3. Fill transmission through dipstick, with about ~3 qts. It's ok at this point to overfill a little.
  4. Disconnect return line near PS of radiator about 12" below hood. It's the top line and is last stop before returning to transmission that's accessible from above (under hood).
  5. Optional: I run a hose from the rubber return line hose that I've just disconnected, into and old qt can of ATF. This is just so dirt doesn't enter return line and fluid doesn't drip out making a mess.
  6. Attach a 10mm ID clear drain hose to 10mm OD metal nipple of return line. Run clear hose to drain bucket that you've marked with twelve 1qt hash marks (makes nice visual aid for the 12 qt's your after). I just use 1 gal plastic jug filling half way each 2 qt drain cycle, makes pouring into my oil waste container easy.
  7. Run engine for about 10 sec to get about 2 qts. (never run pan/pump dry)
  8. Repeat steps 3 and 7, six times. Holding back 1 qt on last fill through dip stick.
  9. Check ATF level it should be about 1 qt low.
  10. Reattach return hose to nipple.
  11. Add some ATF fluid so that shows about 1/2 qt low on dipstick.
  12. Run engine shifting between gears for a few minutes. Check level while engine at idle, shiftier in park. Do not top yet, just raise level to about 1/2 qt low (The cold level)
  13. Drive around until fluid at normal operating temp and recheck, and then top.
  14. Repeat every 30K miles
 
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