Basic Question about Mixing fluids

I bought a used 2021 Tacoma and would like to buy some power steering fluid, engine oil, and engine coolant to keep around in case anything is low. The issue is that I have no idea if the previous owner filled the tanks with the proper fluid per the manual or something else.

Furthermore, the manual is ambiguous about some things - for example, it states that Dextron II or III ATF can be used as power steering fluid. How would I tell if the tank is filled with II or III Dextron fluid already? I do not know if it is okay to just go buy Dextron III and add it in not knowing what was there from the start.

How do you generally deal with this issue? Or is some mixing of specific fluids okay?

 

That's a decent question, but I would bet dollars to donuts that what's in your truck came from the factory. (except the oil) .

 

It's just an DII-III equivalent without dye. Its usually clear when its new and brown/black once it gets old.

Toyota power steering fluid is not sensitive like other brands. I've used DIII, TIV, WS etc in it and it doesnt change anything.

The racks leak from wear, not fluid pressure, and pump failures are very uncommon.

TLDR, just suck out whats there and put in any Dextron/Mercon fluid.

 

I see - the current fluid in there is definitely brown/black now. How difficult is it to suck the fluid out? Does it need to be drained from the bottom somehow like oil? Is it then not recommended to add new Dextron III fluid to the old, dirty fluid int he tank?

Thank you in advance for everyone's help - I am new to owning vehicles in general and trying to learn!

 

You just find a suction gun that can get in and you suck out a bit, put in fresh red fluid while its running.


Cycle the fluid until you use a quart/liter, call it good.

It's just a hydraulic pump so it needs to be running during this process.

 

So then how do you deal with the oil? Is it generally acceptable to top it off with SAE OW-20 (what the cap says to use) and hope the previous owner used that? Or is it best to change the oil and start from scratch (even though the service record shows the previous owner changed oil at the dealership ~3000 miles ago)?

 

I see - so you're saying the Dextron stuff is dyed red when new?

Why does the engine have to be running when using a suction gun? I've never used one before.

 

Just change the oi. It's not expensive.

 

The factory is dextron but no dye.

Transmission fluid is a detergent and it needs to be cycled through during the process, or it would take ages to clean out.

So you suck to the "low/min" line, fill it up to full, and turn the wheel a few times. Repeat.

 

You are way over thinking this brother! Change the oil using a quality

$52 0W20 oil Toyota/ exxon mobil Case of 6 Quarts Full Synthetic TGMO SN 0W-20 Oil

0W20 oil if your anxiety requires it.

 

Buy a Motivx oil filter wrench(https://www.motivxtools.com/), a Fumoto drain valve (https://www.fumotousa.com/). Change the oil for the experience and to know the "age" of the oil you are running.

 

Thank you gentlemen - i appreciate it!

What about the engine coolant? Whatever is in it seems to be dyed red which I understand is correct for the factory fluid - what do people normally top it off with? Or would you drain the whole system and replace it?

 

This. Dealership or not, if it's a used car, I just assume the person who sold it to me is a lying POS. Because they probably are. Change the oils and fluids. All of it.

 

Oh I would agree with you normally but the oil changes show up in the service history under a carfax report - this guy seems to have changed it every 5k miles at the dealership for the cars entire lift (I bought it at 66k miles).

 

What got me thinking about this was a leak I noticed from (I think) the oil drain plug. I posted about it here:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/leaking-oily-liquid.864023/

But haven't heard from anyone yet.

 

Toyota "super long life coolant."

NAPA sells an equivalent made by Aisin, but if a dealership is in proximity, get the OEM.

AISIN Cooling System Antifreeze 1 gal (US) AIC ACT002 | Buy Online - NAPA Auto Parts

Aisin is 1/4 owned by Toyota, and about 3/4 of everything they make is sold to Toyota. They're like a vassal state.

 

My area retailer had 5 qt. bottles of Mobil ATF D/M on sale. I got two because the '94 uses it in the transmission and transfer case and I have lots left over for the power steering in all three Toyotas.

 

Extra notes: The Motivx tool holds the oil filter housing at its strongest point. Some (I do) keep a spare oil filter housing in case the plastic one breaks (eh ... it happens). You can torque the Fumoto using "turn to hand tight, then 1/4 turn more with a wrench".

Ensure the oil filter housing O-rings are in the proper places, put a coat of new oil on the side ring especially to allow it to slip into the block because if you do not pre-coat it may be pushed out when installing the housing.

 

Good grief.
Check the coolant overflow reservoir tank.
If there's fluid in there and it's between the low and high marks you don't need to do anything.
If it's low or empty go to a dealership and get some coolant fluid.
If you get pre-mixed just put into reservoir between high and low.
If you get full strength mix 1/2 fluid and 1/2 distilled water and fill.
Relax it's not rocket surgery.

 

You’re right at the time to start changing fluids. Based on the truck having 66k, you should be doing the following:

• Change engine oil even if it was “just done”
• Do a transmission drain and fill… find the videos on the process. You essentially drain and replace around 3 quarts. Use Toyota WS fluid only.
  
• Flush brake fluid using type 3 or 4
• Replace (not flush) your coolant. Drain in the radiator and two on the block. It’s pretty easy. drain and fill your rear differential, and if you have a 4x4, do the front differential and transfer case too.
  
• Replace engine and cabin air filters.
  
• Replace the spark plugs using oem from Toyota. Not Amazon or eBay.
  
• Change the power steering fluid as well.

there are a lot of how to articles on here, most under the maintence sticky at the top of this forum. It’s all pretty easy to do if you know how to turn a wrench.

edit - here is the maintence link. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-maintenance-maps-get-300k-miles.789809/