2003 ATF Consensus

Has a verdict ever been reached on the proper ATF for an 03 Tacoma? Searching this site and the internet has only left me scratching my head and feeling terrified that I will make the wrong choice and destroy my tranny...

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

What does your owners manual say to use?

http://www.toyota.com/owners/web/pages/resources/owners-manuals

http://web.archive.org/web/20080915160814/http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/2003/index.html

 

Amsoil synthetic ATF FTW! Not cheap but it smoothed out the shifts in my transmission a little after I did a couple drain and fills at about 50k miles.

 

03 is going to be type 4.

 

Probably a good place to start, huh?

The truck has a TRD supercharger, and I feel like I remember reading that made a difference on the ATF (for some reason). If that's the case it'd likely be different than what is in the manual or on the dipstick.

 

isn't that info posted on the dipstick?

 

http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om/OM35800U/xhtml/OM35800U_OM0018.html?locale=en

You may also find equivalent Valvoline and AMSOil ATF that lists compatibility with the Toyota fluid.

 

I actually didn't see it on the dipstick. I called the import mechanic that flushed the fluid a while back (before I decided to start doing all of this myself ) and was told to use Dexron III.

So now I am even more confused. I'd like to do a drain and fill as the fluid looks rough, but don't want to mix in Type IV if that's not what is in there. Suggestions???

 

this homie

 

Even if it is currently running Dexron III?

 

Take it to a Toyota dealer and let them do a flush to get all the Dexron III out. Not sure how Type-IV will react with Dexron III.

 

Are you sure it's not on the dipstick? Should be etched in like the "hot" and "cold" and not on the cap. I have an 04 and use type t-iv.

 

Its marked up close to the top i believe, your gonna need a lot of Toyota type 4. Like 15 or 16 quarts. Id see what a dealership would charge you to flush it. But you can do it yourself. Heres a link. http://youtu.be/MsdPAadc9fY

 

My 2002 takes D3, I don't see why your 2003 would be different. I use Amsoil Universal ATF or Redline D4.

 

Because Toyota switched in 03 to type 4. D3 is not compatible with it. Some 02's actually call for type 4 also but that is probaly only due to the dipsticks being marked different.

 

And the saga continues...

The manual clearly states that only Type IV should be used. Couldn't be any more clear, in fact.

I called the import shop that flushed the transmission and checked the service receipt and it looks like Dexron III was used.

I'll be taking it to the local Toyota dealer for a flush, but I have to say, I am really irritated that a reputable shop that specializes in Japanese imports would do that. Fortunately, the transmission shifts smoothly and seems fine..I just hope that is actually the case.

This completely validates my choice to start handling routine maintenance and fluid changes on my own. You take something to someone and trust that they are qualified, knowledgeable, and will do things correctly, ya know? Not saying that those guys don't know a hell of a lot more than me, but to not take the time to make sure proper fluids are being used? Really frustrating.

 

From what i have read, all be it on the internet, it seems that for the longest time that nobody could claim compatability with type IV fluid. Even Amsoil and companys alike would tell you that they weren't. All of a sudden now everyone claims it's ok. IDK but im staying with the Toyota type IV. I cannot confirm for sure buf it seems as though it's a semi synthetic anyhow.