Is it OK to mix transmission fluid?
02-26-18, 12:09 PM
#1
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
Is it OK to mix transmission fluid?
It's time for a 30k drain and fill on my 02 ES300. I'm wondering if it's OK to use a different Type 4 fluid other then factory? Should I just stick with Toyota fluid since mixing the two different brands would be bad. I'm just looking for anything to help with the annoying occasional downshifting jerk. I've changed all the mounts out already and that didn't really help much. The car has a lot of miles (160k) but I thought maybe a different fluid would help some.
02-26-18, 01:01 PM
#2
Lexus Champion
Need to know what fluid you plan on putting in. Having said that, if the replacement fluid is spec'd for T-IV then you can mix it with the existing ATF.
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99custom (02-26-18)
02-26-18, 01:52 PM
#3
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
Yeah, it would type 4 like I said or T-IV. I just didn't know if it matter mixing Valvoline synthetic with factory T-IV. Thanks....
02-26-18, 09:59 PM
#4
To my knowledge, Valvoline does not make a true T-IV compatible fluid. They market their DexVI/Toyota WS Maxlife low-viscosity fluid as T-IV compatible. It will not out and out damage the transmission, but it's thinner and causes harsher shifting in a transmission already heavily criticized for that.
I would stick with a truly T-IV compatible fluid that is at least the same thickness/viscosity as TIV (7.2cSt @ 100C). Castrol IMV, genuine TIV (usually fairly priced if you shop/ask around), etc. One I am using now with great results is Castrol Transmax High Mileage. I had maxlife in it before and it was not ideal.
I would stick with a truly T-IV compatible fluid that is at least the same thickness/viscosity as TIV (7.2cSt @ 100C). Castrol IMV, genuine TIV (usually fairly priced if you shop/ask around), etc. One I am using now with great results is Castrol Transmax High Mileage. I had maxlife in it before and it was not ideal.
02-26-18, 10:20 PM
#5
Lexus Champion
I've used Maxlife not a fan of the stuff won't buy it again.
02-27-18, 06:59 AM
#6
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
Thanks for the heads up guys... I guess i'll just stick with the factory stuff.
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02-27-18, 04:34 PM
#9
Keep in mind, there are two sets of transmission protocols out there in these cars c.2002~4(?). The factory modified an unknown (I am betting small) percentage of them based on owner complaints before incorporating changes into the production line c. 2004/5 (?). Yours may be modified and may not shift like others - and vice versa, mine won't be guaranteed to act like yours in response to driver inputs, conditions, and different fluids.
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