Power Steering Question

My power steering cap says to use Automatic Transmission Fluid as well as my manual. But there is Power Steering fluid in the system, what should I do?
1998 Taco PreRunner TRD V6 Rack and Pinion Steering

 

I just bought the truck in Sep, the Cap states that it requires ATF fluid, the fluid that is in the system is NOT ATF fluid it is Power Steering fluid. Is this okay? Hopefully I made that clear, I know it's confusing.

 

Sounds like someone lost the cap for the PS fluid container and found a ATF containter cap that fit

 

False. As the manual for my truck states that you should use ATF fluid. BUT someone didn't use ATF fluid.

 

Really? Damn thats weird. It works fine huh?

 

Yeah, looks fine, nothing is leaking and it doesn't appear that someone mixed it with ATF fluid either. Totoally stumped on this one.

 

If the owner's manual or FSM calls for ATF, I'd drain it and refill with ATF (but that's my OCD).

I have no idea what mineral oil will do to the system long term when it is expecting a gear oil.

 

Whoever owned it didn't read the manual apparently. I would drain it and refil with proper fluid just to be on the safe side

 

Well I bought it from the original owner last month (I bought from his son, he had passed away) The truck has 46k Miles. Here's the thing, i've also read that it isn't smart to mix ATF and Power Steering Fluid...

 

I see you have an '01 PreRunner, could you check your cap?

 

Then you need to get it flushed.

 

Wouldn't be able to until tomorrow before work. Everyone is sleeping and the dog will start barking if I open the door lol

 

Understandable (I have one of those types of dogs ;P) If you could get back to me on that, I'd appreciate it

 

My PS cap, owner's manual and FSM all state to use Dexron II or III ATF.

 

Haha, yea he barks at any and everything and doesn't listen. And sure thing

 

My Cap and Owners manual state the same. Not sure what FSM means. So is there ATF in yours? My fluid is a yellowish color and ATF is red..?

 

FSM = factory service manual.

A red-ish looking substance is in mine which leads me to believe it is ATF and not power steering fluid.

 

Lordy.. What a cluster F...

 

Until today, I have NEVER heard of ATF fluid being used as power steering fluid. That just boggles my mind lol

 

i'll let you all in on a secret, power steering fluid IS transmission fluid they put in a different container with a different name and charge you more money for.

its the same fluid no matter what you call it