Which oil to use for transmission

Tiny
VELJKO.VEL
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 LEXUS RX 300
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
Looking for a recommendation. What's the best choice to make when replacing transmission oil?
Monday, January 20th, 2020 AT 10:54 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
I attached the specifics about the fluid and capacities.

Let me know if you have questions. Thanks
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Monday, January 20th, 2020 AT 11:20 AM
Tiny
VELJKO.VEL
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks very much! Would you maybe have any suggestions in regards to brands/particular products?
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Monday, January 20th, 2020 AT 3:00 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Your unit takes a specific fluid called Type T-IV. Many say that you can just use a Dextron alternative but the link below gives a pretty good price.

https://www.amazon.com/TOYOTA-Genuine-Automatic-Transmission-Type-4/dp/B00EV5A5NC

If it were me, I would stick with the OEM fluid just because it is not a common ATF. I am sure you can find alternatives but again, unless they say they are direct replacements I wouldn't use it and I have not found one that says it is.
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Monday, January 20th, 2020 AT 6:22 PM
Tiny
JIS001
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,408 POSTS
Just to jump in with my personal experience. When T4 first came out, working at an independent shop I thought using something close to it was okay. I was so wrong it caused transmission failure.

Every manufacturer is going with there own fluid there is no magical universal fluid to substitute what really goes in. When I go to my Bureau Of Automotive repair smog training we talk about the dirty little word called aftermarket. Some aftermarket parts maybe okay but when it comes to fluids, especially transmission fluid it is a safe bet to go with the OEM.
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Thursday, January 23rd, 2020 AT 12:16 AM

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