Bentley1

My SC400 calls for Toyota type IV tranny fluid, but I'm not sure if it is ok to use it with my ES300? Does it specifically call for Toyota type IV in the ES300?

Thanks

meZoom!

YES, ONLY use TOYOTA TYPE IV!!!!!!! Don't use dexron. TOYOTA ATF goes in the ES!!!

EvenCylinder

What year is your ES? They didnt start using T-IV till 99 w/vvt-i. I wouldnt recommend changing from ATF to T-IV.

Bentley1

It is a 93, and now I'm quite confused???

meZoom!

repair manuals for earlier years will say something like "use type ___ or its SUPERCEDING type" so type IV is fine. it's not like you're gonna go to the toyota/lexus dealer and try to buy the older type of atf.

Sooner

if its a 93 use dextron only 99 and newer t-4

Bentley1

It sounds like the 93 Lexus actually calls for Dexron tranny fluid. I wonder if your transmission bit the dust because you've been using type IV?

This thread should probably be made a sticky, so that all ES owners won't make the same fateful mistake.

meZoom!

throughout the years i've had my ES, i have used just about every common type of tranny fluid out there for the car (except for domestic muscle car juice). Dexron was just as bad as Toyota type-anything.

flipside909

You sure about that? All the auto trannys in Toyota specific models including the 1MZ-FE's ECT-i 4spd auto specifically uses Dexron III or IV from the factory. It's a universal GM tranny fluid that many car companies use. But yes it's not to be used in trannys that specifically ask for a certain type. I know Chrysler is one of them.

Bluesman

This thread is conflicting and confusing. I have a 1994 ES and I am looking to change the ATF soon. Which type should I use ? I'm sorry. I could not figure out the final correct answer with 100% certainty.

flipside909

To be 100% certain, pull out the tranny fluid dip stick and read the imprinted label to see what kind of fluid it calls for exactly.

pkchin

The manual and dipstick on a '98 es300 says dextron 2 or 3. In guess I need to stay with Dextron. Any recommendations for/against using a synthetic ATF like Mobil1 or Amsoil if its Dextron 2/3?

SC4Hundred

My conclusion on this thread is Type IV is okay to use on ES300, because I used it on my SC400 and it wasn't even call for on that stick or the instruction manual. I don't think they had type IV back then.

pkchin

Ok,

I saw a tsb ( technical service bulletin) that basically said use dextron if you dipstick states dextron.

Use toyota type 4 if thats called for as well for the toyotat type 2 since the type 4 supercedes the type 2. It stated that the two types are not interchangeable.

A lexus tech said this as welll as I read the tsb, unfortunately I don't rember the exact number.

tech237

an early 90's ES takes regular old Dextron/Mercon ATF ...as stated T-IV was not introduced to the ES until 98/99