Transmission fluid questions - 04 taco 4x4 3.4 auto

[KG6BWS]

I've always used the Toyota T-IV fluid that they spec for my transmission. At the moment, moneys incredibly tight and my tranny REALLY needs a fluid change. I have a case of regular old ATF in my garage, Quaker State (I think...).

Has anyone had any problems using regular ATF in their trucks??

What kind of service intervals are you doing on your trannies??

Have you had any problems with filters using the ATF??

Normally I do fluid changes every month, and fluid/filter every 3rd month.

Thanks for the help.

 

[xped]

I would not use anything but the oem fluid. I have read alot of horror stories of people using aftermarket trans fluid and it's just not worth risking it. A good friend of mine is a factory trained Honda mechanic and says never use anything but honda fluids for everything but the motor oil. The only trans fluid I would even consider other than oem would be a high quality synthetic and only if it meets the factory specs.

 

[KG6BWS]

Yeah thats how I am too. I'm kind of legendary amongst my friends and family for destroying transmissions. Thats why I try and stick with OEM fluid. Right now though I just flat out dont have the money. I did finally get a crappy little job, so maybe in a few weeks I can go by the Toyota stuff. The problem with using other fluids, I am finding, is that according to my local stealership there is NO other companies fluids that meet their specs.

 

[jim65wagon]

You can always go with Walmarts Supertech Dexron VI. It's made for the Toyota TIV and the Toyota WS fluid reguired transmissions. I've had it in the Tundra for 100,000 miles (with 30 - 40000 miles between changes) now. If it bothers you to run an inexpensive brand you can always change it back to Toyota fluid again after your cash flow gets back to normal. You shouldn't miss a fluid change on an automatic...better to change it too often than go too long without...