Which ATF to use?

[iontrap]

I'd like some opinions on changing the ATF in my camry.
Since you can't drain 100% of the fluid from the transmission and diff. would it be effective to drain as much fluid as possible, refill, drive for a day or two and repeat this process a couple of times to get the fluid changed out?
Also, which Dextron III should I use?

 

[oilpan49]

I can say this, don't use a synthetic ATF fluid, why, synthetic ATF is a burgandy type color, while reg ATF is red. Well, the reg ATF would be better because it's easier to identify the condition of your transmission. Here is a little something i learned from college about ATF fluid and it's color.

Red & Clear = Transmission is ok

Red but kinda foamy = Air leak or low fluid

Milky(pink) = Moisture/coolant leak

Brown and smells like $h!t = overheated

Black particles in fluid = burnt clutch or hardened seals

Hope this helps

AR

 

[Spector]

Originally posted by Airborne Ranger:
[QB] I can say this, don't use a synthetic ATF fluid, why, synthetic ATF is a burgandy type color, while reg ATF is red. Well, the reg ATF would be better because it's easier to identify the condition of your transmission.


What has that got to do with using a Synthetic Fluid????

I have used Amsoil ATF in my Camry since 25,000 miles. Never have done a flush, only drain and fills every 30,000 or so miles. replaced the screen twice and it was not needed in either case. the only thing that was needed after the pan was dropped was to clean some debris off of the magnets.

Synthetic is the way to go I also like drain and fills, flushes are overkill and no one will drop the pan and clean the filter/screen after a flush which is the way it should be done. Current Camry transmission is at 151,000 on synthetic.

 

[TheLoneRanger]

Iontrap, do you mean what brand to use? Mercon/Dexron III is a standard type specification, so you can choose your favorite brand, as long as its M/D III. In my opinion, they're all about the same. The important thing is to change it often. I also use the change and refill technique, rather than flushes.

 

[iontrap]

Thanks for the replies.
Are there any brands I should stay away from? I was thinking of using Supertech(inexpensive) and doing a couple of drain and refills then a couple more drain and refills with something else.

 

[MavRick]

Depending on the mileage, I would do what you are saying, drain and refill several times with a good quality ATF. I would drain and fill with synthetic because it may help clean your transmission while it works and will withstand higher temps. If it is really dirty then doing a complete flush and filter replacement might be in order.

I did the drain and fill myself on my Camry transmission with 100,000 miles on it. I will be dropping the pan and replacing the filter at some point though and then refill with synthetic fluid.

 

[Pete2k_Z28]

For the cost of several drain & fill sessions, plus a filter change, pan gasket, and the time it takes to do such work I would advise you to bring the car to a reputable shop (not a quickie lube) or the dealership and get a transmission flush and filter change service. They run about $100 at most shops and they will hook the trans cooler lines to a machine, and as the fluid circulates it gets exchanged with new fluid. Most shops will run about 20 or so quarts through the system to ensure it is throughly flushed. Also the benefit is clean fluid is being flushed through the transmission under pressure, washing away with it debris and not re-depositing them back into the pan. A drain and fill will not give the same results as it will constantly be picking up whatever dirty fluid is in the pan.

Well worth the $$$, especially if you are that concerned with exchanging all of the fluid that you would consider doing the labor of several pan drops.

Pete

 

[widman]

I would go with either a Group II or Synthetic. At least at the wholesale level Chevron ATF is no more expensive than most Group I ATF's. As for changing, you can easily flush with one helper by pulling the line from the radiator and adding while pumping out. Completely flushes as well as the expensive flushes.

 

[S2000driver]

quote:

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Originally posted by iontrap:
I'd like some opinions on changing the ATF in my camry.
Since you can't drain 100% of the fluid from the transmission and diff. would it be effective to drain as much fluid as possible, refill, drive for a day or two and repeat this process a couple of times to get the fluid changed out?
Also, which Dextron III should I use?

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Did you check the owner's manual? Their schedule for transmission ATF changes considers the fact that you only get about half of the old ATF out. The only reason to change it more than once at a given routine maintenance interval is if you feel the previous owner didn't keep up with maintenance, or you have a hunch that the wrong fluid was used in the transmission.

 

[Malibu]

Iontrap, I think your plan is a good one. Any conventional brand Dexron III fluid will be fine (assuming your Camry's owners manuals calls for Dexron II or III )

On a 2002 Camry I rented, the owners manual said to use only genuine Toyota Type T-IV fluid which is available only from Toyota dealers.

Dexron III should also be used in your power steering fluid reservoir. It is a good idea to suck the old fluid out every 5 years / 50,000 miles with a turkey baster or long hose, then add the same amount of new fluid.

There is no compelling need to use synthetic ATF because Toyota automatics run quite cool - only around 150 degrees (hotter in warm weather). Also, conventional Dexron III keeps the insides of a transmission very, very clean. I drained the fluid out of a 28 year old Toyota truck the other day and the insides of the transmission looked like new.

However, if you live in the northern states, synthetic ATF could reduce wear during the winter. Also if you live in Arizona or the like, synthetic would be good insurance.