ATF Fluid

[Rambling Wreck]

I am winterizing the E21. Manual calls for Mercon/Dextron III ATF. I can't find any. Manager at 3rd parts store I went to told me to use multipurpose ATF or said I could go synthetic and use Mercon V or Dextron VI. Advice from the pros-

[sailtl]

I use Mobil 1 Trans fluid in my 99 Epic 21. It will work fine for you.

[wakejunky]

You can use dextron/mercon III or later. It does not need to be version III. Transmission fluids are evolving rapidly. Toyota started off with Dextron/mercon then moved on to TYPE T II, III, IV. Now they are using WS (world Standard). DO NOT use TYPE T or WS, you will smoke the trans. Dextron is probably the most common ATF on the planet you should be able to get it anywhere.

On my SX I only use synthetic on the engine. If you switch to synthetic on an older vehicle or boat it is a thinner oil and may cause leaks that you didn't have before. Even though some of our engines have low hours the seals have taken a "set" and synthetic may cause leaks. ATF is thinner then engine oil to begin with so I'm not taking the chance of developing leaks.

[Rambling Wreck]

"Now they are using WS (world Standard). DO NOT use TYPE T or WS, you will smoke the trans. "

Let me be sure I understand, even though Toyota is now using WS we SHOULD NOT use it in our Epics.

I went ahead and put the multipurpose in there since I had drained the old stuff and had to leave the lake. I figured I could suck it out bewfore starting up next szpring if I was wrong. I will leave it in-

As a learning exercise, I would still like to know how the multipurpose, Mercon V and Dextron VI differ-

[wakejunky]

Wreck-

Toyota vehicles as of 2007 should all be running type WS. There may be a few exceptions.

After reading this post I was talking about it with 3 other Master technicians. One of them brought up the "multipurpose" fluid. His father in law was in a jam and AUTO ZONE told him he could put that stuff in anything. WRONG!!!!. After doing so the transmission shifted VERY hard and eratic. He ended up having the entire trans flushed to get it all out. Then it was normal. For reference it was a 2001 Toyota Camry that needed Dexron Mercon III. When I was still on the Toyota side one of the first Rav4's with type T came in for service. Not knowing type T even existed a technician add dexron. 300 miles later the tranny was TOAST. It was so bad there was no friction material at all left on the clutch packs. Oils are different in many ways. Viscosity is a big one, for example type WS is the same formula as T type but a completely different viscosity, they are not interchangeable. Friction additives is another big one, for example Type F (old Ford fluid) has more friction modifiers in it. It is compatible with dexron but will shift harder. An old hot rodders trick is putting type F in the dexron (chevy) trans, it is like adding a shift kit. There are more differences but I would have to do some research.

SO moral of the story, 4 master Lexus technicians do not recommend anything but what is printed on the dip stick or in that vehicles owners manual PERIOD. Every automotive trans dipstick will have the correct fluid printed on it.

I would highly suggest you suck it out and find the correct fluid. Also be very careful what quick lubes or jiffy lube wants to put in your vehicle. They have cost alot of customers a transmission.

[Rambling Wreck]

Thanks for sticking with me on this one, Wakejunky.

It appears that the safe thing to do is to suck out the multipurpose stuff I used. Since the engine hasn't been run, hopefully there are no lingering effects from it sitting in there for a few weeks.

I am going to sound like a dunce but the owner's manual says Dextron III. Your earlier post inidcated that I would be ok with a dextron/mercon III or later. I am only finding Mercon V or Dextron VI, being marketed as if they are different (part of the reason for my first post). There is no dextron/mercon combo. The last post says to only use what is in the owners manual, PERIOD. Am I supposed to continue to search for Dextron III?

[wakejunky]

Wreck-

Now I am understanding your frustrations. I asked around a bit, my dealer group includes GMC and they are telling me that Dexron VI can go in a Dexron III car. However, Dexron VI is about $6 a quart compared to $2 for Dexron III. Dexron III is the most widely used fluid. You should not be having so much trouble finding it. You might try going to the Toyota dealer or a parts store like Carquest, some places like autozone may not be carrying it. ( maybe they just want to sell you the expensive crap) We actually carry it in bulk and use it quite a bit on the early model Lexus's.

Oh yeah dexron and mercon isn't a combo its just compatible fluids. GM calls it Dexron and Ford calls it Mercon. The drum here at work is Valvoline and states "Dexron III/Mercon".

Hope this helps.

[Rambling Wreck]

I will renew my quest tomorrow for the elusive Dextron III ATF fluid. The little town where I keep my boat is funny - they vote down a Home Depot to protect Ace Hardware but there are 3 auto parts places within several blocks of each other! I went to Walmart, Advance Auto, Autozone and O'Reilly's and none of them had Dextron III. In addition to the price, I was hesitant to use synthetic. I thought I read somewhere not to but sailtl mentiuons that he uses it with no problems. The Mercon V is about midway between the other two in price but is also a synthetic. At least I am learning things-

PS: If Dextron VI is WORTH $6/quart, let me know. Using only 2.6 qts, it isn't a big difference IF the newer synthetic stuff has something about it that makes it better for the transmission or operate smoother, etc.

[sailtl]

Check out the Mobil 1 web site. www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Other_Products/Mobil_1_Synthetic_ATF.aspx
Dexron III is listed.

[sailtl]

Also check out:
www.castrol.com/castrol/sectiongenericarticle.do?categoryId=9012227&contentId=7028225
www.pennzoil.com/products/trans_fluids/dex3.html
www.valvoline.com/pages/products/product_detail.asp?product=64
http://www.all-transmissionfluid.info/

Just tell the guys at your local parts store to order it in for you. They should be more than happy to do that for you.

[Rambling Wreck]

Found the Dextron III today - at NAPA of all places. I don't know why but itstrikes me odd that both the III and the VI were lower priced than the other places I checked. Thanks for everyone's input-