Transmission shifting hard, what fluid to use?

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car is an 03 sienna with 35k miles. THe transmission shift hard(like a jolt) and i was wondering if this can be relieved by switching to a thinner or thicker oil...
 
I've never used anything other than Motorcraft ATF so far but I suspect any of the boutique ATFs would work great for you and smooth things out. Think Redline, Amsoil, Scheaffer, etc.

Then again, check your manual, you might just be due for a change and factory ATF will fix it.
 
Flushing ATF is fairly pointless I think, and I'm also fairly sure that AutoRX is not meant for transmission use. Just do a complete fluid exchange with whatever fluid is recommended (probably Toyota fluid) and throw a bottle of Lubegard red in there.
 
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Originally Posted By: calvinnnnnnnnn
car is an 03 sienna with 35k miles. THe transmission shift hard(like a jolt) and i was wondering if this can be relieved by switching to a thinner or thicker oil...
go to lubegard.com read carefully
 
Originally Posted By: rudolphna
Flushing ATF is fairly pointless I think, and I'm also fairly sure that AutoRX is not meant for transmission use. Just do a complete fluid exchange with whatever fluid is recommended (probably Toyota fluid) and throw a bottle of Lubegard red in there.

Uhhh, yeah you can use ARX in a trans and I have done it.
 
An '03 with only 35Kmi? Did the trans just start acting up or has it been this was since new? Regardless, given the age, I'd do 2 drain/fill cycles with Valvoline Maxlife ATF. If no drain plug, then a fluid exchange using a cooler line.

Joel
 
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auto trans react differently to changing visc more than engines. that's a toyota right? what does the manual spec
prob T-IV but i think the older ones spec dex
 
Originally Posted By: rudolphna
Flushing ATF is fairly pointless I think, and I'm also fairly sure that AutoRX is not meant for transmission use. Just do a complete fluid exchange with whatever fluid is recommended (probably Toyota fluid) and throw a bottle of Lubegard red in there.


I disagree on both points. Never fixed anything on a trans with RX because I did not have any real problem. It has fixed problems in an engine I ran it on. To each their own......
 
If it is the original fluid, all you need to do is exchange the ATF now. The fresh fluid should improve the quality of the shift. But, that transmission is known to be a little harsh at times.

Use a full synthetic like Amsoil, Redline, RoyalPurple, Maxlife, Mobil1.... for your flush.
 
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Yup should have looked. Seemed strange that Auto RX could be used in a transmission.... Ergh another mistake for me for carelessness.
 
Not that I agree with it but the Auto-RX site does mention using it in transmissions.

For the OP, I would do a drain/refill and if you use Lubegard, I would use Lubegard platinum in a Toyota transmission, not Lubegard red.
 
I have a 2003 Toyota Sienna.
The correct ATF is a fluid that meets the Dexron III specification.
I plan to use Redline D4.
I recommend a quality synthetic fluid.

I would not use any additive with the Redline D4.....see how it does on its own.
If you want to use AutoRX.....add it to the current fluid.....then change the fluid when you have driven the mileage indicated on the AutoRX website (last I looked, it was 1000 miles)

As a side note.....I plan to use Redline D4 in my power steering which calls for the same fluid.

I have used AutoRX in the transmission on my 1996 Ford Windstar.....as per the instructions on their website.....
I added a magnefine inline filter on that vehicle as well.
I have been very happy with the Redline D4 in this vehicle.
 
Originally Posted By: unDummy
If it is the original fluid, all you need to do is exchange the ATF now. The fresh fluid should improve the quality of the shift. But, that transmission is known to be a little harsh at times.

Use a full synthetic like Amsoil, Redline, RoyalPurple, Maxlife, Mobil1.... for your flush.


Undummy is right, do a complete flush with one of the fluids he mentioned and it should improve dramatically. I prefer the Amsoil fluid myself, I have have great results using it in both of our Toyotas. No need for any additives like lubegard.
 
I am positive on the Dexron III, my owner's manual states this, and the TOYOTA factory service manual, specific to the 2003 model year states DEXRON III.
I am not sure, it might be possible to buy a fluid that meets BOTH Dexron III AND T-IV specifications.
You can get Redline D4 delivered to your door for just a whisker over $9 a quart through OG Racing.
 
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