Tranny fluid

Does anybody know if you can use ATF fluid for foriegn cars sold at your local parts store ie. Autozone, orielly, Advance... verses ATF WS from Toyota Dealer ? Dealer recomands not changing out fluid, just check, what do y'all think?

 

Dangerous to do to say the least. If it doesn't specifically say it is a replacement for WS fluid, I would stay away from it.

There have been many threads that give Amsoil tranny fluid the OK as a replacement but the cost of Toyota and Amsoil can be pretty close to the same.

 

I would use only the toyota WS fluid! Some one posted a toyota TSB on here once and it said to only use the WS fluid. So thats what I use!

 

Check out the Valvoline Dex/Merc Max life, it says it is a replacement for WS except for hybrids. So can't use it on your Prius. It is cheaper than the Toyota WS, and I've had this in mine for 30k miles so far, and all runs well, if not better. Others have used Mobil 1 with success, and I think it's Amsoil as well. Mobil 1 doesn't claim compatibility, but the Amsoil does. The typical drain n fill is a little less than 4 qts. Not sure if dropping the pan and cleaning the screen would let out more, but I'll find out in about 20k miles when I do it.

 

Hey thanks for the info man. I read online that if you want to flush it correctly you also need to disconnect the line coming from your fluid cooler by the radiator, then hook up a 3/8 hose there and flush that fluid out, pour more in your tranny fill plug and keep flushing. By the time you finish that cylce a few times you've used up about 11-12 quarts. There is a real good diy on that just do a google search if you're interested.

 

Thanks, there is a good DIY for flushing on this site as well, shows you how to check trans temp for proper fluid level.

 

i replaced mine 2 yrs ago with valvoline dex/ merc max life and all is well here also.

 

Valvoline-cool, thanks guys. One more question though, I don't off road or pull anything heavy with my truck do I still need to replace the ATF fluid after 100k ? what do you'll think?

 

It's piece of mind at the least. Personally don't care for Toyota's suggestion that it is good for the life of the truck, I'd do it every 50k.