99custom

So my 02 ES300 has always received the factory Toyota T-IV fluid. I'm thinking of switching over to a full synthetic (different brand), car has over 160k on it. My car has had the delayed shifting issues since brand new, I doubt the fluid change will help much but I thought I'd at least try. Not sure if I'll do a few drain and fills, or just drop the pan and switch out the filter as well.

Arsenii

Hello,

I always used T-IV in my 2000 ES300 with a dreaded U140E and it still runs like a champ after more than 220,000 miles. Delayed shifting issue is not necessarily caused by a hardware problem, it can also be a result of software miscalculation, which was one of the common issues with those cars, here you can learn more about the issue itself and ways to go about it.

As for the new fluid, I've heard some good things about Amsoil OE ATF, though I am yet to try it in my transmission, only in the PS pump. For me, as long as OEM stuff works alright, I don't see a real benefit of switching around, especially if we are talking about U140 series transmissions, which is pretty much like riding a razor all the way through the lifespan, step right or step left and you are doomed.

Hope this helps and best of luck!

FromFL

I've been using MaxLife (red bottle [full syn]) for a few thousand miles in my '04 and it runs just fine. Don't quote me, but it seems to have mitigated the wonky shifting characteristics just a bit (maybe).