Need help with power steering fluid

So I’ve searched a bunch of threads regarding what fluid to use to top off the power steering fluid, and from what I’ve read here Toyota uses ATF Dexron III that is CLEAR in color.

The fluid in my reservoir right now is clear. Usually power steering is clear and ATF Dexron is red.

Called Toyota dealership and the dumb ass half asleep over the phone says he can sell me regular power steering or ATF, but if the fluid in my reservoir is clear then I already have power steering in there and shouldn’t use ATF.

My local mechanic told me the same thing. Said I have power steering in there already, and that there’s no way it’s ATF because it’s not red....


So what the hell should I do? Just top it off the regular power steering from the Toyota dealership or flush the system and switch to Dexron?

 

You have a 2012? About time to do a flush. It’s fairly simple & cheap. Valvoline MaxLife is about $18 a gal at Walmart. Brand X trans fluid is even cheaper.

 

So I should be using ATF and not power steering?

 

Toyota uses Transmission fluid.

ANY trans fluid rated Dextron(GM)/Mercon(Ferd). Toyota actually calls it D/M.

You can buy a liter of synthetic, regular it doesn't really matter.

 

Power steering fluid is as much atf as clutch fluid is brake fluid.

 

Would the gallon of maxlife be enough to do the flush?

 

Yes, more than enough. Use 2-3 qts for the flush. Doesn’t take that much to fill.

 

I use this (it's clear). Never done a full flush, but use a turkey baster to remove what's in the reservoir. Do this a few times over the course of a couple of weeks and most gets replaced with new.

 

That’s the exact stuff my local mechanic told me I should use. How long have you been doing that? No leaks or issues with this?

 

Did it first at 60K miles and will do again at 120K. No leaks or any other issues.

 

That's honda/acura. Toyota literally uses ATF without dye for power steering fluid.

I'm a Toyota tech and I wouldn't use that even if it was free.

 

My Toyota tech recommended it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Idemitsu-P...Lexus-Scion-Pack-of-2-Ships-Fast/161822044740

 

I'm a vertern Toyota tech. You show me any Toyota site that suggests it and I'll eat crow, but its wrong.

 

Kudos to you. I'll trust my Tech, who's worked on my truck since day one.

50K miles using it with no issues.

 

It's probably fine, but it's misinformation for someone asking what to use. You could use motor oil and it would probably last 100k who knows.

 

I'll be sure to tell my tech to stop spreading misinformation.

 

It seems that the only thing being asked, is for your tech to show any Toyota documentation supporting the use of the IDEMITSU Power Steering Fluid, which appears not to be ATF.

 

Well my whole dilemma is that the fluid in my reservoir is clear like power steering. Doesn’t smell like ATF either. I’m guessing I shouldn’t be topping that off with red Dexron III right?

 

Same here. The fluid in my power steering reservoir was clear as new, and I didn’t want to mix with red ATF fluid. Anyway I decided not to change it. My owners manual did not mention requiring the change or change in certain intervals so I’m good.

 

ATF only.... literally says RIGHT ON THE PS Rez cap.