Toyota Automatic Transmission Fluid - ATF History Part 5

[@hedydd2]

I've watched five minutes and now my wife is shouting because we are going out for a valentines day evening meal with friends. I'm gutted. Will be back o finish the presentation afterwards. :-)

[@WeberAuto]

LOL! Awesome! Take care of your wife first ;)

[@ShainAndrews]

I don't think your wife understands the significance of ATF, and its evolution. Does she not care about the whales? Think about the whales!!!

[@dominicfong6341]

Ignoring one's spouse on Valentine's day is like not putting ATF in the automatic transmission...bad idea.

[@godfreypoon5148]

Excessive noise can be a result of using incorrect fluid. Perhaps you should try the Type F with her?

[@kodaprince3613]

I guess Im pretty off topic but do anybody know of a good place to stream newly released series online ?

[@averagejoeprojects2885]

These videos are some of the best on the internet. Very boring to most I’m sure. The information presented answers questions that would take a lifetime for one person to sort out. Thank you for your hard work, dedication and for openly sharing all (most) of your knowledge.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you very much! It has been a fun project

[@Affalterbach1967]

SavageGeese sent me here, for when 30-minute minivan reviews were not enough. This is great bookmarkable info on how cars work.

[@telquad1953]

So much shade out there. Thanks for the light, professor.

[@WeberAuto]

Glad to help, best wishes

[@icdroid]

Who would have thought the history of ATF could be this interesting? I've watched all 5 parts and wouldn't mind part 6 of 7!

[@WeberAuto]

Thanks for your feedback. I have one more ATF video to shoot and then I need to get back to my electric vehicle projects.

[@GavinM161]

@@WeberAuto Still got ATF in EV transaxles so not going too far... :-)

[@electricg40]

I thank you for putting this information about transmission fluid history out for everyone to learn about. I just finished watching the Toyota fluid history but also watched the GM, Ford and Chrysler fluid history also. I never thought there was so much checking of fluid types for transmission manufacturers. I recently bought a 2021 Jeep that requires the Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmission fluid or equivalent. From this point on I will pay attention not only to the front label but mainly the rear label for license information. Thanks again. I'm not a professional mechanic but a car owner that does my own maintenance on my older vehicles. I find your videos very informative and helpful. The length of these are perfect for the types of information you are providing.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you very much!

[@OneLegged-honda-mechanic]

I've been waiting on this Toyota Atf video, thank you!

[@WeberAuto]

You are welcome, thanks for watching

[@gordonfreeman5434]

The video I was waiting for. Thank you professor.

[@WeberAuto]

I am happy to hear that, thank you!

[@sackeniniaburaia7816]

Thank you Sir for all the knowledge you shar.priceless is the least i can say. wish all the best and greeting from an old vocational teacher from Sweden.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

As with all the other transmission videos you did, this was fantastic information. One thing You’ve taught me is to look for not just for fluid type and vehicle spec an aftermarket fluid will (supposedly) support, but also if they are licensed for that fluid type!

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you for your feedback. It is incredible to see the claims on the front of those aftermarket fluids bottles verses the rear panel realities. They must think the general population is ignorant to the facts. I hope these videos help educate and help people make wise decisions regarding the ATF available. Best wishes.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

WeberAuto, we have been ignorant until now! Thanks for getting the truth out!

[@WeberAuto]

@@unclemarksdiyauto Happy to help educate those who are interested in this topic.

[@jakeaustin9894]

Yay! Another great video professor Kelly! I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, and as a Toyota guy, learning about Toyota Automatic Transmission Fluids made me smile. It is good to know that Toyota still offers their Dexron II / III replacement fluid that I need for my 1987 Truck with the Aisin-Warner A43D Automatic Transmission.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you very much!

[@SeanBZA]

When you first started this series i had no idea there were so many different spec ATF blends around, and just how specific some vehicles were about them as well. Thank you for the nice detailed explanation and examples. Generally I rarely deal with automatic transmissions, as most of the cars I drive are manual transmission, and in general those give very few troubles, though even there they are very fussy about the right oil fill. Industrial gearboxes thankfully are almost all going to use one of 3 different fluids in them though, and those are very easy to match. Some of them the original stuff that comes out is horrid, not even sure what it was before it turned into stinking sludge, but putting in new 320 viscosity oil works well in almost all cases, except for those that call for a thicker ( 630 viscosity IIRC) or some that used a NGLI 0 grease. I use Dexron as a nice general purpose lubricant though, especially for sliding parts.

[@WeberAuto]

Thanks for your feedback

[@sneakywes69]

this guy is a freaking GEM

[@glenngoodale1709]

I hope you keep making these videos ..... you must have a big wharehouse full of all this stuff from the past

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you, I have one video left to complete, then I hope to be done. I am out of space for all this cool stuff!

[@glenngoodale1709]

@@WeberAuto lol

[@danielbruneau2222]

I originally followed the advice of using Toyota WS in my 2011 Rav4. Did a drain and refill at 30000 miles; At 60000 miles the technician advice me to do another drain and refill at 75000 miles due to wear material in the fluid. I live east of Alaska and I later found out that our beloved Toyota WS turns to a solid at -40. I have to respond to emergencies in the winter and would have to shorten the warm up time considerable which I believed contributed a lot to this wear. I have switched to Amsoil for both this vehicle and a new 2019 Rav4. Seems to work better but truly will not know for 20 years. In the 1990s our Ford dealer insisted (threatened) that their customers do a complete flush with Amsoil as the 4 speed transmissions would fail just after the warranty period ended. I did this service to my 1999 Ford Expedition at 36000 miles in 2001. This last summer I did a filter change and a 6 liter refill. I was super surprised at 160000 miles on how little wear material was in the pan. This vehicle saw much more severe service than the Toyota; the transmision is still very strong and feels the same as when it was new. From this and other experiences you cannot always follow the manufacturers recommendation. Extreme hot and cold requires synthetic fluids. Ford has Mercon V, UV and ULV. It seems that Toyota just like the other manufactures wants their transmissions to fail prematurely. If I would follow the 50000 or 100000 mile maintenance interval on the Rav4 or read the "Do not change fluid" on the dipstick I would be changing the transmission or junking the vehicle by now. I still want it to run for another 8 years lol.

[@25enyce]

He is speaking facts people! Thank you sir!

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you

[@mastaplanna9771]

Since you have a bottle of 2002 WS and can get a new bottle, have you done a test? That would be interesting to do a chemical and physical analysis

[@cmte.brazinazzo2061]

Yep, and do a comparison with a new one. We could see some formulation change over the add pack.

[@cobra454tim]

Great video thank you, father worked for the forklift division of Toyota for many years had several mechanics down at the then NUMI I was told that much of the Prius hybrid technology came from the electric forklifts.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you, interesting about the NUMI plant fork lifts. I wonder of Tesla is using them now ;)

[@skhochay]

love you details about the product, I am the dude that very familiar with WS ATF - you are right on the money about it.

[@jackonthefarm5540]

Wow. Excellent technical coverage. Just two weeks ago my 2004 Toyota 4Runner was acting funny. The engine would bog down and almost stall at stop signs. I noted that if I put the car in neutral, all was good. So I checked my transmission fluid. I found it was low, so I put ATF in it that claimed to be right for my make and model (O'Reilley's auto parts). The problem went away a day later. Coincidentally I was cleaning my office files and found a receipt from a service shop that did a flush and fill on my transmission a long time ago and they used Dex/Mercon which now I think was wrong.

[@johnrickard8512]

If you used Valvoline Maxlife then you're good. O'Reiley brand ATF claims to be compatible but isn't really with WS.

[@a.n.d362]

Great vid professor Kelly, Very informative. That tin of trans fluid looks exactly like the air suspension fluid we use at my Toyota dealer. Keep up the great work!

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you, very interesting

[@brycecarlson]

Thank you Professor Kelly for this great content! Hearing about the Toyota museum in Nagoya was very interesting. For sure a bucket list item!

[@WeberAuto]

Thanks you! Yes, a very cool place to visit!

[@mikeee63]

Thanks for explaining the WS fluid

[@WeberAuto]

Glad to help

[@swllz]

Valvoline maxlife ATF improved my 2015 Camry at 153k miles. I purchased 2015 Camry at 134k miles. The transmission was shaking at red light either at P or D and a whinning noise in the morning low speed or noiser at highway speed which I can hear comparing to my other two 2010 Camrys purchased new and now have 150k miles, in which I never changed transmission fluid on both yet. On 2015 Camry at 153k, I did a simple drain and refill with valvoline max ATF. Now, the shaking at red light is gone and whinning noise is gone. Valvoine seems to work better than WS fluid for U760e in 2015 Camry

[@DM-xw5rp]

You simply changed the old broken down fluid with new oil, new crap oil is still going to out perform good worn out oil

[@swllz]

@@DM-xw5rp , my two car uses does not prove that Valvoline works better than WS, it can show that it works equally well.

[@RoyFJ65]

Aisin AFW+ is full synthetic WS compatible fluid thats also compatible with T-IV fluid. I use it on my A750 transmission on the FJ Cruiser. It originally came with WS fluid.

[@naeemnawaz8574]

good morning sir , one of the best video i watched and sir you have a very nice smile , so many people appreciate your knowledge i,m 100% agreed with them but my comments are for your beautiful smile

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you very much

[@MrBigmike7118]

I would Love to hear your opinions on the Amsoil ATF version recommended as an ATF-WS replacement.

[@on-site4094]

I would love to c that too but for now I'll put in oem

[@NoName-tz5ji]

This guy is all about the license so he will never back amsoil.

[@xenomorphelv4265]

@@NoName-tz5jithere should be a chemical analysis of both toyota and amsoil oil made by an independant laboratory, and a prolongated friction test (one month 24/7 continious test on a mecanism that has similar stress to a lexus CVT) then compare the amount of wearness. youtube channel "piotr tester" made this kind of test (but much more simplified) for engine oils. another youtuber ("synthetic Oil Protection") compared the toyota ATF WS vs the Amsoil Signature fuel efficient, but he only compared the fluidity @-55°F

[@marshmower]

@@xenomorphelv4265 lots of hearsay and tests that don't really tell you anything about the ingredients. Some reviews are reflecting on the price and did it make it long enough to sell the car. Would a company even allow the secret ingredients to be known? Would it show that companies are sabotaging the formula in a very small way that would cause failure in 5-6 years? I'd want to know exactly what recipe was used at the factory fill. We'll never know

[@johnrickard8512]

If Amsoil's usual quality standards are applicable here it will probably be the best transmission fluid available and, like Valvoline Maxlife, be quite accommodating to pretty much any transmission it is used in, though it will likely be even smoother if that is even possible(Valvoline Maxlife is definitely a stiff competitor in this segment!).

[@evanwynne5293]

Working on a 97 2.5lt turbo 1jz-gte Toyota soarer A340 automatic gearbox at the moment, it uses the type T III... it's a Japanese import. Lexus had it branded as a SC300 over in America. Great video

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you

[@desparky]

Way more info than I could ever need, but very interesting. At least I feel that my obsession with only buying the correct manufacturer's fluids is justified. I've been tempted to buy off the shelf "equivalents" but so glad I didn't. Cheers.

[@moclepocle]

Great video, thanks for sharing your experience with us.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you

[@compu85]

Thanks for going into the label on the TransMax and MaxLife fluid. I’d actually used the Valvoline and Castrol products in our Touareg, which has an AW transmission. I didn’t realize that Toyota does not license their standards. Of course VW has their own fluid specification for this transmission, which I now wonder if it’s simply repackaged WS fluid as that 6 speed was introduced in 2003.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you for your feedback, It probably is, but without evidence I would stick with the VW fluid.

[@SeanBZA]

@@WeberAuto The VW fluid is not expensive, and almost every dealership will have it as well. Would recommend regular oil changes on the Touareg though, using the ardous service interval in the book, as they are quite well known here for having oil sludge issues and oil pump wear in the hot climate. The 10000 mile/15000km service interval is not really the best for long engine life, especially if you have the TDI engine.

[@WeberAuto]

@@SeanBZA Thanks for your feedback, some owner's manuals or maintenance guides have a different service schedule for "Severe Service" (which is mostly city driving) and recommends the fluid be changed much sooner. Check your manual. Best wishes.

[@monoralph1375]

Interesting information. Thank you for all the research and history. We have two Volvos with Aisin transmissions, 2004 and 2007. 5 and 6 speed automatics. Both use the same Volvo fluid specification which converts to T-IV fluid. The 2007 six speed transmission was used in multiple models, but in 2010 the WS fluid was specified. Maybe some internal transmission changes for 2010. From the message boards, the T-IV is Mobil 3309 fluid. 2007 Volvo owners manual calls for JWS 3309. After multiple drain/fills over the years, both transmissions perform well at 150,000 miles.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you and thanks for your feedback. JWS3309 is the fluid specification for the T-IV fluid. Keep in mind that the label on a bottle of ATF can assert that it is recommended for vehicles using the T-IV fluid without actually meeting the JWS3309 fluid specification. Proof of meeting the JWS3309 fluid specification is done through a licensing program. Unlicensed fluids are referred to as counterfeit fluids.

[@flatratemaster]

Loved the rant on "universal "fluids, in hate that bs

[@WeberAuto]

LOL, thanks. I am disgusted with the entire universal fluid idea.

[@flatratemaster]

@@WeberAuto me too, don't get me started on boutique motor oils that refuse to pass OEM testing, and only use in house testing to prove they are good, talk about bs

[@flatratemaster]

@@WeberAuto love the universal transmission fluids that meet standard viscosity AND low viscosity specs🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@WeberAuto]

@@flatratemaster LOL! They probably cure back aches as well ;)

[@flatratemaster]

@@WeberAuto 😉🤣🤣🤣

[@gerardtonno9458]

John, If you look further into Allison Transmission history (it may be difficult due to the secrecy of their military work), I believe you will find that Allison not only was playing with shift solenoids in their "Off-Highway " products in the 60's, but they in fact basically invented electronic transmission shifting methods, algorithms and controls. GM, who owned Allison at the time was smart in letting the Allison Transmission group do their thing, and everyone in the industry benefited from their many innovations. At last count in the mid 2000's they already surpassed 700 patents in automotive automatic transmission technology. Their history is absolutely fascinating, and I'd love to chat with you and share some resources if you are interested. (For Example: I haven't been able to confirm it, but I believe they are the ones who perfected the Torque Converter. A German scientist was experimenting with the Stator, but I believe it was Allison who perfected it.) Things like this were then obviously shared with GM's Hydramatic division and rolled out on all GM products.

[@P61guy61]

I love the Toyota Museum. I especially enjoy letting my friends go down into the giant press and then hitting the big red button without them knowing what happens next!!

[@WeberAuto]

It is an awesome place to visit! Thanks for your feedback

[@GavinM161]

Good Lord! I wish my wife would allow me to have a vacation in Japan and visit automobile museums! I would never hear the end of it...!

[@shawngrimes9302]

Great video Professor Kelly, it can be very difficult if not impossible to find reliable information like this. The manual for our 2016 Camry does not seem to specify any transmission fluid changes unless the vehicle is driven while towing, with a car-top carrier, or heavy vehicle loading. A lot of people online are claiming that the Toyota WS fluid does not last a lifetime because it breaks down too easily under heat. We live in Texas and ambient temperatures over 100 degrees are not at all uncommon in the summer and I do also on rare occasions tow. I asked the dealer to change the ATF around 40K miles instead of 60K and the bottle of old fluid had some almost black streaks it would leave when rolling it around in my hand. If we borrow a wine term we could call them legs. Can a person look at used ATF and tell if it’s started to break down? Also, any thoughts on why Toyota wouldn’t warn owners to change the ATF if the vehicle is used in hot ambient temperatures?

[@blackericdenice]

I taught myself to rebuild a 4L60e. I would love to work on a Toyota 4 speed from a 84 Cressida.

[@WeberAuto]

Thanks for your feedback.

[@timbrown9731]

I've been to the San Ramon distribution center before, my father worked for the forklift division of Toyota.

[@WeberAuto]

Cool! Thanks for watching

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

Nice series Professor! Lots of research involved for these videos.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you very much!

[@y2komar]

amazing video. very informative.

[@kushilgunawardana5580]

Great information. Thank you.

[@nhra7110]

Great as always!

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you

[@markhull1366]

Hi Dr. Kelly. Forgive the long post, but I have a special request for you at the end. I have watched all 4 of the videos with great interest. One thing has became abundantly clear (at least to me). The Mfg's are purposely developing all their own spec's to make it nearly impossible for even advanced DIY'ers to service their transmissions. This is especially true with the elimination of dipsticks and having to have special service equipment including temp guns to service the transmissions. As you noted in vid 3, "Lifetime Fluid" is contradictory to say the least. Defining "Lifetime" could mean Mfg's warranty (most likely), 50K, 100K miles??? Who knows? This dizzying array of fluids has been addressed in publications like Lubes & Greases and others. What's REALLY troubling is this. I called around to about 10 transmission service/overhaul shops including 2 large chain one and asked if they stock or use the vehicle specific transmission fluid for their overhauls. Only 1- ONE! independent shop told me they buy the OEM specified fluid for the transmissions they overhaul. All the others gave me the long winded speel on how the lubricant companies (like Valvoline) have their "Universal" fluids that are "GUARANTEED" to be absolutely equal. "Right"-(Sarcasm Noted). Even more troubling are the thousands of quik-lube stores selling transmission services sticking their universal bulk fluids in everything. I'm still worried that the other Mfg's are going to follow GM's lead with their Dexos specifications on engine oils. Hope we haven't started down the transmission fluid "slippery slope" on engine lubricants too. Here's my request. I would really like to see a "wrap up" video after you conclude the fluid series specifically addressing what you think about these issues. Are there REALLY that many different kinds of materials inside an automatic transmission that requires that many fluid spec's? Couldn't some industry leader like the API, possibly the Bureau of Consumer Protection which is part of the FTC demand some standardization? I'm loath to have more government interferance, however, this is ridiculous!

[@WeberAuto]

Thanks for your feedback. I understand your frustration, I also was frustrated with the entire ATF industry and the mystery of which fluid to use, why are dipsticks going away, etc. That is one reason for this series of videos and several Wikipedia pages I have created or modified on the different fluids in this series (Dexron, Mercon, Mopar, and Toyota ATF) . I am going to shoot one more wrap up video on the lifetime fluids and service intervals. I will try to address some of your concerns there. Best wishes.

[@markhull1366]

@@WeberAuto Thank You Sir. Looking forward to it.

[@markhull1366]

@bad dog Thanks for being an honest shop who cares for their customers. A good reputation has always been the best advertisement.

[@davegardiner3097]

Great video I too have the toyo glide SST collecting dust at the dealership yours is more complete bits of ours have long ago been turned into press tools.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you, Ah yes, the doom of many unknown special service tools; press adapters!

[@knowledgeseeker3188]

Thank you for the class

[@chanochwinnykamien6095]

Thanks for educating us, you saved me some trouble. The mechanics and dealers are not knowledgeable enough, which is a pity.

[@WeberAuto]

I am glad it was helpful

[@hukmai]

honesty really enjoyable video! would love a honda ATF lesson

[@jamespower5520]

Fantastic !

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you!

[@anthonyjoe9139]

You've convinced me. I'll put Mercon back in my Ford. I'll swap out the Maxlife for Valvoline for imports in my Acura.

[@WeberAuto]

I'm glad it was helpful for you. Thanks for watching

[@qatar8376]

سلام غليكم thanks best video

[@tomasnokechtesledger1786]

IF Toyota WS absorbs moisture, as the Service Buletin calls, probably is because it has a good amount of ester called Polyolester no its base. That may be the secret. There´s a patent showing that a 5cst POE is great automatic transmission fluid.

[@Fred-F4]

How do you know it absorbs moisture?

[@g2skinny]

Great video sir thank you

[@uansari1]

What about Aisin AFW+, which is compatible with myriad fluids, including Toyota WS and Type IV? It’s also a full synthetic.

[@willumwhitmore9419]

Thank you for this. I've just changed my Landcruiser ATF with WS but I was tempted to put some cheaper stuff in the trans. Thank goodness I didn't .

[@johnrickard8512]

Yeah he is half right when he says that aftermarket oils can't replace WS as there is only one which I can confirm is able to do this(that being Valvoline Maxlife) and only one other(Amsoil) that I think probably could(because, well, Amsoil). Definitely do not cheap out on replacement fluid for Toyota transmissions whether you go OEM or aftermarket.

[@BarnStangz]

This was a great segment. I'd love to know what you recommend for a full fluid change on the Toyota trans that is bolted to their 3.5 v6. I don't believe anything can be "lifetime" Thanks for your videos and glad that you are doing okay after the accident.

[@Dansk55]

Wow very valuable information.

[@haroldbevins393]

Very interesting about the Aisin Transmissions from Toyota. The Ram Diesel Trucks have an Aisin Transmission as optional equipment that is supposed to be better for heavy duty use such as towing.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you, it is.

[@orlandodelgadillo7207]

Great information! you are awesome..

[@CSTLLNS]

Not going to lie I believe every word of all this but I will let you guys know I’ve been using Castrol transmax on my CVT since I bought my car with 45k miles and done intervals every 30k now at 170k miles no problems drives perfectly fine.

[@DownRange02]

Professor Kelly, I’m curious. What are your personal vehicles? What vehicle brand are you partial to?

[@WeberAuto]

I drive a 2016 Toyota Sienna Van, but also have a Chevrolet Volt and Colorado pickup.

[@DownRange02]

WeberAuto I could sense some biases throughout your transmission fluid history videos. That’s why I asked. Fantastically interesting series by the way! Thank you.

[@WeberAuto]

That is interesting. Did my vehicles match your suspicions? I know I have an obvious bias against aftermarket fluids, but I didn't think my other biases where showing ;)

[@DownRange02]

WeberAuto yes, my suspicions were correct. Was merely an observation. I fully agree with using only OEM transmission fluids. I always have as well.

[@on-site4094]

@@DownRange02 I always use OEM fluids it's done good for my vehicles i figure they built it they know best

[@blackericdenice]

I put Max Life in my 04 Trailblazer and except for a bad shift solenoid. It run fine.

[@WeberAuto]

Thanks for your feedback.

[@yilancio]

The 3 down votes were Ashland Oil/Valvoline's CEO, CFO, and Chief Marketing Manager

[@WeberAuto]

LOL!

[@davidjames2723]

Okay I have a 07 sienna dipstick reads ws fluid, I was going to try the imedenso fluid LV but now going to stick with the Toyota ws, thanks for the input, great video.

[@edwardcook7673]

Thank you very much. Very well done!

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you

[@danvorobiov]

Hi. Can you help me? Which fluid is the best for Toyota A42DL transmission? I have a 1981 Toyota Cresta, it is right hand drive vehicle and was made for japanese market. There is a lot of debates about it. Some think that Dexron III is more modern and better than Dexron II, so it schould be better anyway. Others think that Dexron II was used in those cars from the factory in 1981, so Dexron II schould be used. In my country (ex ussr) almost nobody has any experience with those old automatic transmissions, because at that time nobody drove such cars here.

[@christopheravallone4811]

Yes Sir. I appreciate your expert knowledge. Excellent . so I have a question for you. I purchased a used well taken care of 2006 LS430 sealed transmission world standard fluid. Of course . it's never been changed. The fluid has never been changed. I'm agonizing over the decision to change it. Or not. I've been advised to leave it alone because it has just under 200000 miles on it. Your thoughts, please.?

[@nicholasjanssen320]

Thank you for explaining this. The data online is all very vague, misleading, and confusing. This video sums it up by not only providing raw information, but also explicitly addressing the questions that anyone would ask. Thank you for providing this open source, I look forward to learning more and appreciate your in depth knowledge and articulation of the subject matter. All the technical papers seems so intriguing to me, does Toyota publish them, or do those engineers working for Toyota separately publish them, and even then, Why? Toyota seems to safeguard alot of their trade secrets, so I wonder why they publish sometimes.

[@darksolara6750]

thank you for the wonderful info... Your recom. for my A541E tranmission? outside OEM.. if any? THANK YOU !!!!

[@DelloMorgan123]

In some toyota/Lexus Hybrids,its said that the fluid is a lifetime fluid.When I asked them they said not to change it.Yes these transmissions are very sensitive to the level of fluid in the transmission which is four quarts.Does the fluid need to be changed?If changed will it do any damage or help the trans last longer?.Since fluid does break down over time.

[@stevensevek6151]

The transmission holds more than four quarts. It doesn't all drain out when you do a simple drain and fill. I do a drain and fill on mine at least every 30,000 miles.

[@shawngrimes9302]

The last few years the local Toyota dealer all the sudden changed their opinion and no longer had reservations about changing the transmission fluid. I think around that time Toyota started supplying some tools to make the fluid changes easier on the dealerships. I highly recommend doing what others have recommended and change the Toyota WS fluid on a regular basis. In my experience it is does not last, especially in applications where it gets hot.

[@shawngrimes9302]

Note that changing really old transmission fluid can cause problems. The detergents in the new fluid tend to loosen up all the gunk that has settled, freeing it up to cause problems. I was warned about this once and have personally experienced it due to an oversight on my part. There may be ways to get old transmission fluid out of a vehicle without causing problems, but do your research first. Otherwise, I’ve been told it may be best just to leave the old fluid alone.

[@Anti-Incorrect]

Thanks for the info.. Now i used that exact Castrol transmission fluid for my 1989 toyota Cressida for past 10 years and noticed issues. The owner manual recommended atf dexron 2 for both transmission and power steering and nothing else. What should I do if no one make this fluid anymore! Do you know where to get dexron 2 from.. and do you think toyota fluid dexron 2 have the different additives as other dexron II, or it's better to get toyota brand fluid thanks.

[@WeberAuto]

Use the Toyota ATF shown in the video at 17:30 It replaces Dexron-II

[@mm74forums7]

Good video about history! + my Like! Toyota recently issued WS fluid in new bottle and label. According to other researchers the actual manufacturer and chemistry are also different. Could you review this? Also, what would you say about "Lifetime" use of the WS fluid in "sealed" trannies? Should it be replaced or should be kept for the "lifetime"? (That is how it is recommended by Toyota owner manual.) I have Toyota Sequoia 2005. 240K miles. Newer changed this fluid. Nobody offered this change. The tranny works well enough. Just Low gear does not turn on. I do not mind, I do not drive off-road. Should I change the fluid, and how, by flush or gradually by drain-and-fill? Many experts say it is risky. Like after 200K miles new fluid can cause slippage etc, kind of the tranny needs those old debris for friction or something. What is your opinion? Thanks!

[@boomerguy9935]

The label that says, "Toyota T-IV", I presume is replaced by the generic Aisin T-IV blue label that is available for the VW 09G transmission in the Mk5 VW 2.5 gas engines. Am I correct? If so, is there a price difference because of the label? For the record, my 2005 VW Rabbit 2.5 has 148K miles on it and performs perfectly with the Aisin T-IV as long as I change it @ 30K mile intervals. Any more miles than that causes the transmission to start having rough shifts. New fluid makes it feel as smooth as silk while shifting.

[@WeberAuto]

I believe you are correct. Thanks for watching

[@pjames4413]

So Prof. Kelly, do you have an opinion regarding fluids withstatements of seal conditioners which maybe swell seals temporarily, but then may result in more leaks ?

[@KeirKholodkov]

What about Aisin's AW-1 specification? Are you going to make a separate video on Aisin Warner fluids?

[@WeberAuto]

Thanks for your feedback, I was not planning on it due to time constraints, but I am still interested.

[@KeirKholodkov]

@@WeberAuto Thank you! I've noticed you mentioned torque converter lock-up issues many times though I've failed to get the exact point of controlled-slip lock. How does this help? Why not just engage it at, for example, 30km/h and disengage to prevent stall or when benefits of torque multiplication are required?

[@WeberAuto]

​@@KeirKholodkov The goal is to not affect the normal crankshaft rotational speed fluctuations by disconnecting the solid connection of the TCC while decelerating or accelerating. A controlled slip accomplishes that task

[@KeirKholodkov]

@@WeberAuto you mean introducing additional fluctuations by changing ratio (i.e. switching gears) while locked? So isn't that dual mass flywheels on manuals are for?

[@KeirKholodkov]

@@WeberAuto I think i've got it. So the rotation speed gain (or loss in case of engine braking) is so significant that resolution of three position sensors (crankshaft and two cam shafts) is insufficient for ECU to provide correct fuel-ignition management, correct?

[@rehanahmed6555]

@weberauto i have 2007 prius with 120000km runing? should i change the ATF oil or is it ok??

[@jabbahursty]

my 2001 avalon was still using dexron III

[@WeberAuto]

that sounds correct

[@darksolara6750]

is that the A541e transmission?

[@GokuInstinct1]

What do you think about Amsoil Signature ATF that says it is compatible with Toyota WS? I drained and filled it into my Lexus GS350 and am now worried. Should I just take the loss and flush the whole system out and fill with Toyota WS?

[@G5Hohn]

The Ram with the Cummins engine has an Aisin transmission available, but it's not standard as far as I know.

[@mridware9694]

WS is in the market after 2012 because my 2010 Corolla have type 4 fluid from the factory and 2014 Rav4 have WS fluid from the factory

[@nordicpride9708]

Toyota’s used WS in 2002 (some). You are in fact wrong

[@mridware9694]

@@nordicpride9708 1.3 yaris

[@nordicpride9708]

@@mridware9694 Yes. Not to be a jerk but your above comment is very misleading. WS has been around and used in Toyota’s since 2002 when it was introduced officially. NOT 2012 as you stated. Might want to edit that comment as to not mislead others 👍🏻

[@willumwhitmore9419]

The 4 litre fluid cans of Toyota WS have the very same top/pourer fitted.

[@mridware9694]

I have 2010 yaris and it comes in Bahrain with type 4 fluid and in USA it comes with WS fluid, now which fluid is better for my yaris with 130,000 km and 2nd to 3rd gear hiccup...and if Toyota says that type 4 is not compatible with WS then how in USA Toyota using WS in U340e transmission and in Bahrain using type 4 in U340e transmission

[@Wayne-xy6yw]

I see on the Internet Type WS users run transmission temperatures up to 250 degrees Fh. My car when towing can get occasionally to 225 degrees Fh on a scan gauge 2 but usually 195 to 210 .Do you have any comments on temperature for WS fluid and how often to change running at these temperatures

[@WeberAuto]

See the maintenance schedule for your vehicle. There are two of them; "Normal" and "Special Operating Conditions". Use the Special Operating Conditions schedule. Thanks for watching

[@Defiantsynthetics]

I was a firm believer in only using factory transmission fluids until I sent in a virgin sample of Mitsubishi SP-III, the results were a disturbing amount of dirt in brand new fluid. 29 ppm I believe.

[@davidellenbaum1229]

i agree .i also put oe fluids in my vehicles buy them by the case .

[@WeberAuto]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@TdrSld]

I have a 2010 Tundra I picked up at the end of 2017, it had 179k miles on it. After towing about 10k pounds of equipment around for about two weeks in the middle of summer here in South Texas. The transmission started having delayed shifts, clutch slip at 3/4 or above throttle, and the truck always felt like it had a load behind it at all times. It killed the MPG, I was getting 14 city and 19 highway (I normally only do 60-65mpg), after the trans went funky it was 9 city and 14 highway on a good day. I took a sample of the "WS" and it was a back as the bottles you were holding and had a smell I have never smelt before from a trans fluid (and I have cooked my fare share of transmission doing stupid stuff lol). I did a non shock flush with the Valvoline full synthetic red top (yellow has additives for plumping seals and other "high mileage and leak fix" stuff), I started by removing 1 gallon of the OEM fluid and replacing it with the Valvoline and running it for about 100 miles. Then pulled another gallon out and ran that for 400 miles, then did 2 gallons and 1000 miles. After the "cleaning" phase I pulled all of the fluid out and replaced it with straight Valvoline. I used a transmission flush machine to do all of this and still couldn't get a nice clear red fluid, I well be doing another full flush in June or August (did this in October) With just the first gallon the truck started shifting better after the first 30 miles or so, at about the 300 mile mark it no longer slipped at 3/4 or above throttle and didn't fill like it was under a consent load (like always having a loaded trailer behind it). I'm 18k miles on the Valvoline, mileage is back to where it was when I bought the truck. I have even had some time to pull about 9k pounds for a couple of days (though its winter right now) and I have had no problems with the Valvoline at all and I am picky on what goes into my vehicles and equipment. Something I can tell you growing up in the oil field is to not take the OEM only fluids at face value. There is money to be made in keeping your oils formula in house and 90% of transmission today use the same metals, clutch materials and clutch material binders. I know that a lot of the first and second gen autos need very specific fluids, because of the use of varying metal combo's as they tried to figure out what worked and didn't work, so one should only try and find OEM licensed fluids for those. Great video and can't wait for more.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you and thanks for your feedback. Had your transmission fluid every been changed in the 179,000 miles before it started acting up?. If so, how do you know it was WS fluid? After 179,000 miles, any brand of transmission fluid would have been an improvement. The Toyota Tundra maintenance guide has the fluid being changed every 60,000 miles in "Special Operating Conditions" - Driving while towing, using a car-top carrier, or heavy vehicle loading, extensive idling and/or low speed driving for a long distance such as police, taxi or door-to-door delivery use. Under "Special Operating Conditions", replace automatic transmission fluid and filter every 60,000 mi (96,560 km) or 72 Months. Incorrect transmission fluids will not necessarily cause an immediate transmission failure or immediately noticeable change in transmission operation. It could be a slow death of the transmission with a failure coming years ahead of when it would have occurred with the correct fluid. You could pour water in a transmission and it would work for a little while. It may cause rust and corrosion, It may boil or freeze, it may not provide adequate lubrication where it is needed, but it wold work for a while. The reason for fluid specifications and fluid testing and licensing is to insure the fluid meets all of the requirements of the transmission design.

[@TdrSld]

@@WeberAuto From what I was able to get on the Toyota data link from a Dealer I work with the truck was very well maintained. But I couldn't find any notes on work done to the Transmission repair/flush and the two owners of this truck before me used Toyota dealers only for their work. There was almost 35 pages of work history on the truck, 90% was just mormal services and recalls. I understand the need to stick with OEM fluids as a tech, for liability reason, but in my own stuff (mostly my toys) I will test different fluids. I'm a huge Royal Purple fan, I have over 20 years using them in a number of vehicles and equipment, but I know it can't be used in everything and anything. This is why I didn't put it in the Tundra, WS is a low Viscoisty fluid @ 6 cSt, were as Royal Purple is @ 7.5 cSt, and the Valvoline is 5.9 cSt all of this @ 100*C, the Valvolin's PI sheet reads just a touch better than the Toyota WS's one. I would say that the Valvoline has a stronger "Detergent" package than WS, much like most of the Royal Purple line up. Also I did find this a couple months back, I wouldn't throw it in my DD, but one of my 05 Tundra's may get a flush with this as (if I can get) they are both do for a flush and filter change. I run on a 40k-50k mile Trans fluid schedule that Ford uses for Extreme environments, which I live in. South Texas coast, summer temps up to 105*F with the index's going to 115*F , weeks at 98% humidity, and extremely dusty year round. That's whats Ford hot line told me back in the mid 2000's before I medically retired. totachi(.)com/product/atf-ws/

[@vanos6439]

Sir, is the CVT TC fluid interchangeable with the CVT FE fluid? Finding the TC type seems nearly impossible.

[@WeberAuto]

Not that I know of. Best wishes

[@graemedevine9651]

Hi, great video very interesting, I've got a JZA-80 NA 1994 it's got the Aisin auto box 4 speed, its model number is 30-40LE I've been looking for fluid for it and came up with Type T-IV by Mannol and have just flushed it out it's running a lot better, I flushed the oil last year and put Dex 2 in it, I've done less than 2000km until the flush yesterday, the fluid got very dirty and box wasn't behaving it's best, is there any way the box can be reset or does it just learn with it's new fluid., do you think the type T-IV is suitable?

[@WeberAuto]

Toyota sells both a Dexron fluid and a Type T-IV fluid. Use what is recommended. Thanks for watching

[@EduardBobrik]

Hi, which fluid would you recommend for 2016 Lexus RX350 transmission flush? (Toyota WS, BG or Aisin...or ???) Thanks

[@sajyh6579]

Part number for atf tc 08886-02105 I believe it was used in 2001 estima and alphard hybrids Please correct if I'm wrong

[@sajyh6579]

That's strange because your saying it came out in 2013

[@aminammar4260]

What a great informative vid❤️ Is there other detailed vid for Honda ATF history!!!

[@WeberAuto]

Thanks for watching

[@JamesLee-oe7mt]

Looking forward to your opinions on lifetime ATF

[@WeberAuto]

Coming up next week!

[@peachyclean93]

There is no such thing. That's a marketing scheme! Regardless of vehicle every 60,000 miles fluid and filter should be changed___end of story.....

[@bensmith88]

The clutch slipping done in the automatic transmission torque converter lock-up assembly is an interesting solution. That has me wondering how they got around this problem with manual transmission equipped vehicles since the computer couldn't make the clutch slip in those vehicles?

[@WeberAuto]

Thanks for your feedback. Luckily, less than 10% of the vehicle sold back them had a manual transmission. There are even less of them today. I am sure they had to use a different algorithm.

[@bensmith88]

@@WeberAuto Thanks for the reply. If they had a different algorithm for manual transmission vehicles, why not use it on both and not slip the converter clutch in the first place? While manual transmissions have certainly fallen out of favor over the years, a modern dual-clutch automatic behaves much like a classic manual from my understanding with no slipping allowable on the dry clutches that select the even or odd gears. I know the sensors have definitely improved which may make clutch slipping obsolete today.

[@xenomorphelv4265]

is there an alternative to the toyota ATF WS oil ? I'm interrested with the Aisin ATF6+FE (certified JWS 3324) for my 2011 Lexus RX450H. Aisin is the manufacturer of the CVT transmission. I think i can't gor wrong with their oil.

[@jabbahursty]

that mercon V is pretty good stuff!

[@orlandodelgadillo7207]

Thanks a lot, i have a question, can i use atf ws fluid in a car wich especifications is to use T-IV fluid? i really aprecciate your answer great video

[@irvingabrahamgrijalvasanta7997]

Tengo la misma duda, por lo que dijo en el video el profesor entiendo que sí se puede utilizar.

[@D0zer122]

Thinking of Ravenol T-WS for my Land Rover Freelander 2 (LR2) which has the Aisin-Warner TF-81SC 6-spd automatic in it (with a Ford badge on it too. Question is, the fluid datasheet lists a number of vehicles and transmissions seeming to have Aisin-Warner origin, however, no licence numbers if any to suite the Nippon AW-1 spec in the Owners manual. Need help

[@MrBulfur426]

Is the WS fluid usable for all hybrid transaxle from Lexus/Toyota? Thanks four your amazing videos.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you. No. the first generation Prius requires the Type T-IV

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

I have a question about fluid. I have about 10 litres of LT71141 fluid for my ZF 5HP30. The problem is its been sitting around for 10 years since I opened the 20 litre container, is it still OK to use?

[@Jthumper]

I wonder why WS was suggested in my hybrid highlander's ECVT? I dumped the fluid when I first bought it @ 118K and it was extremely dirty. Even the MGR was quite contaminated- both us WS fluid.

[@shawngrimes9302]

From what I’ve gathered elsewhere, Toyota calling their WS fluid a “Lifetime” fill is generous at best. Lots of people posting about how it had gotten dark before 100K. My experience with our Camry was the same. I wish they would release a WS+ fluid that used a group 4 base oil to handle the Texas heat better.

[@Jthumper]

@@shawngrimes9302 I'm now closing on 200,000 with the same Highlander I think I'm going to email Amsoil and see which one of their oils meets WS specs