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What ATF/CVTF to use for Toyota?

(interchangeability of Dexron, Type T and other fluids) v.3.2

Eugenio,77 EN | RU | JP
mail@toyota-club.net
© Toyota-Club.Net
Apr 2003 - Jan 2022

Introducing an updated version of our article dedicated to the interchangeability of different ATF
types. It takes into account changes of transmissions and oils occurred in recent years and changes in
logistics. Let's start with the answer to the question posed in the title, and then look through the
main Toyota transmission fluids.

Recommended Acceptable to use, based on experience

D-II any ATF meets Dexron II / III specifications
Type T any ATF meets Dexron II / III specifications
Type T-II any ATF meets JWS 3309 specification or Dexron II / III
Type T-III T-IV or any ATF meets JWS 3309 specification
Type T-IV T-IV or any ATF meets JWS 3309 specification
WS WS or any ATF meets JWS 3324 specification
TC TC or any CVTF meets JWS 3320 specification
FE FE, TC or any CVTF meets JWS 3401 specification

ATF D-II
P/N: 08886-00305 (4L), 08886-00306 (1L), 08886-81006 (1L)
Specification: JWS 2318K

Density, at 15°C 0.866

Flash point, °C 185
Boiling point, °C 316
Pour point, °C -40
Viscosity, at 40°C, cSt 35.1
Viscosity, at 100°C, cSt 7.1

ATF specification for japanese domestic market models since 1980s

(transmission series A13#, A24#, A54# , A4#, A34#, A44# etc.). At all
overseas markets for the same models should be used any Dexron II / III
(without mentioning the "D-II").

There is no technical meaning to use exactly this fluid. Any ATF meets
Dexron II or III specs should be used.

ATF D-III
P/N: 08886-01605 (4L), 08886-80506 (1L)

Density, at 15°C 0.861

Flash point, °C 156
Boiling point, °C -
Pour point, °C -
Viscosity, at 40°C, cSt 32.3
Viscosity, at 100°C, cSt 7.0

This fluid is not mentioned in car repair or maintenance manuals

because it appeared much later after end of production of models with
the classic transmissions. Available at all markets as the genuine
replacement of the obsolete D-II.

There is no technical meaning to use exactly this fluid, but in some

conditions D-III may be more easy available and more cost-effective
than other ATF.

ATF Type T
P/N: 08886-00405 (4L)
 Density, at 15°C 0.870
Flash point, °C 186
Boiling point, °C -
Pour point, °C -55
Viscosity, at 40°C, cSt 32.4
Viscosity, at 100°C, cSt 7.4

Used in 1988-2002 for all-wheel-drive automatic transmissions A241H

and A540H to improve center differential lock coupling operation.

Available at domestic market till now. At overseas markets Type T-IV is

semi-officially considered as substite for Type T (by TSB 1999), but at
the T-IV canister explicitly stated - "not recommended for AT where
Dexron II/III or Type T are required".

Long-term local experience has shown that these transmissions work

well using ordinary Dexron type ATF without any degradation of all-
wheel drive performance.

The market proposal of Type T is too small and there is no sense to seek
and purchase exactly this fluid. Using Type T-IV as substite may cause
damage of old enough transmissions, so it is best to use less aggressive
fluids meet Dexron IID or IIIF specs.

ATF Type T-II

Used in 1990-1997 for some electronically controlled ATs (series A34# at FR sedans, for example).
Officially replaced with T-IV.
In practice - successfully replaced with any traditional ATF. Using Type T-IV as substite may cause
damage of old enough transmissions, so it is best to use less aggressive fluids meet Dexron II or
III specs.

ATF Type T-III

Used in 1994-1998 for some ATs with Flex-Lock-Up (some A34#, A35#, A541E, A245E). Officially
replaced with T-IV.

ATF Type T-IV

P/N: 08886-82025 (5L Euro), 08886-81015/01705 (4L), 08886-81016 (1L), 00279-
000T4 (1q USA)
Specification: JWS 3309

Density, at 15°C 0.852

Flash point, °C 185
Boiling point, °C 316
Pour point, °C -48
Viscosity, at 40°C, cSt 34.0
Viscosity, at 100°C, cSt 7.3

Main specification for 4/5-speed Aisin AT introduced since 1997 (U44#,

U34#, U24#, U14#, early U15#, A65#, later A24# E, A34#).

At the beginning of the 2000s, instead of T-IV (rare and expensive at

local market at that time), traditional Dexron III was successfully used
here. Later, independent manufacturers established of production of
3309 spec ATF and multi-ATFs. Then, import of the genuine T-IV
significantly increased, and as a result it has become the most
accessible and cheap ATF meet 3309 spec - so owners of other cars with
the similar Aisin AT purchased it instead own genuine ATF (Audi,
Chevrolet, Daewoo, Fiat, Ford, Mazda, Opel, Porsche, PSA, Renault,
Saab, Suzuki, VW, Volvo etc).

Using of Dexron spec ATF instead of T-IV does not entail negative
consequences, but nowtime it is not reasonable. Equally true solutions -
to use the genuine Type T-IV or any ATF meets JWS 3309 specification -
depending on the circumstances.

ATF WS
P/N: 08886-02305 (4L), 08886-00289 (1q USA), 08886-81210 (1L Euro)
Specification: JWS 3324

Density, at 15°C 0.850

Flash point, °C 175
Boiling point, °C 316
 Pour point, °C -
Viscosity, at 40°C, cSt 23.0
Viscosity, at 100°C, cSt 5.5

The main specification since 2004, used for 5/6/8/10-speed

transmissions (series U15#, U66#, U76#, A75#, A76#, A96#, AA8#,
AB6#, UB8#, AGA#). This is substantially less viscous fluid compared to
previous T-IV.

The market proposal of WS is sufficient. Equally true solutions - to use

the genuine WS or any ATF meets JWS 3324 specification - depending
on the circumstances.

CVT Fluid TC
P/N: 08886-02105 (4L)
Specification: JWS 3320

Density, at 15°C 0.850

Flash point, °C 175
Boiling point, °C 316
Pour point, °C -50
Viscosity, at 40°C, cSt 30.0
Viscosity, at 100°C, cSt 7.3

Together with the first Toyota/Aisin CVT, the first special fluid for CVT
was introduced in 2000.

It is optimal to use genuine TC fluid. Also possible to use any fluid meets
JWS 3320 specification. Possible to use multi-CVTF if urgent.

CVT Fluid FE
P/N: 08886-02505 (4L), 08886-81390 (5L Euro)
Specification: JWS 3401

Density, at 15°C 0.840

Flash point, °C 175
Boiling point, °C 316
Pour point, °C -45
Viscosity, at 40°C, cSt 22.4
Viscosity, at 100°C, cSt 5.2

Since 2012 there was a gradual transition of all CVTs to new "energy-
saving" FE fluid (significantly lower viscosity and less useful additives).

It is optimal to use genuine FE fluid. Possible to use multi-CVTF if

urgent.

e-Transaxle Fluid TE ( e-トランスアクスルフルードTE )

P/N: 08886-02605

Density, at 15°C 0.842

Flash point, °C >150
Boiling point, °C -
Pour point, °C -50
Viscosity, at 40°C, cSt <20.5
Viscosity, at 100°C, cSt -

Introduced in 2022. Fluid for hybrid transmissions, intended primarily for cooling of motor-
generators. Differs from ATF in reduced viscosity.

"Why do you write about this now? Today everyone can buy the genuine oil"
Firstly, it is not so easy to buy an original transmission fluid in some parts of the world. Especially if
the car manufacturer declares that the ATF/CVTF is filled for lifetime.
Secondly, authorized dealers and traders often substitute the advice "genuine fluids are preferred"
with categorical "genuine fluids only". It is impossible to agree with this gross manipulation.

"Why are GM and Dexron taken as a reference?"

Today, the GM-Ford joint venture for transmissions is on the sidelines of life and deep in the shadow
of the world's transmission giants - Aisin, ZF, HPT, Jatco... Nevertheless, it was GM that pioneered the
mass-market of automatic transmissions, the world's largest OEM supplier of ATs, and their fluid
specification has become synonymous with "ATF" for long years.

"What about universal/multi fluids?"

A good example of how the manufacturer of "Toyota" transmissions itself relates to the idea of a
narrow specialized fluids - produced under the "Aisin" brand AFW + as an alternative to all ATFs from
D-II to WS (as well as many genuine ATFs of other brands) and CFEx as an alternative to all CVTFs
including TC and FE.

Today it is becoming a trend: one fluid - for all gearboxes, another - for all CVTs, absolute backward
compatibility with early types (some oil manufacturers support the division of fluids into medium and
low viscosity).
Of course, we in every possible way welcome such an official confirmation of our words, said more
than ten years ago about the interchangeability of ATF. But let's try not to forget one more important
principle - "leave well enough alone" - for properly operating transmissions of 10-20-30 years of age,
it is best to continue to use the same fluid that was used there before.

"What about replacement intervals?"

Yeah, it would be appropriate to recall not only "what", but also "when". However, since the beginning
of the modern AT-era the answer has not changed: every 30-40.000 km it is worth making at least a
partial replacement (renewal) of the fluid, every 80-120.000 km - a replacement with cleaning of the
sump, magnets and filter replacement. Better yet, not just "renew" the fluid, but change it by
displacement (using special equipment connected through the cooler hoses, that supplies fresh and
drains old fluid while the engine is running - allow to flush hydrulic lines and torque converter).
Since 2000s, many new transmissions lost a dipsticks, and the recommended intervals for ATF
replacement disappeared from the manuals (and concept "fluid is filled for the entire service life of
the car" appeared). Officially, it is proposed to check the condition of the fluid every 40.000 km, and
replace it after 80.000 km under particularly severe conditions only. Literal adherence to such
recommendations will destroy the transmission, especially a modern one, at the second hundred
thousand kilometers already. Therefore, for a long and trouble-free operation, it is better to perform
the traditional "40 t.km" ATF replacement even for the newest cars.
It is also worth remembering that for modern gearboxes and variators without dipsticks, it is
especially important to follow the procedure for replacing and adjusting the level of the fluid.

"What did the manufacturer recommend for my box (A541E, A340H, A245E)?"
The exact recommendations of the manufacturer can be called, knowing not only the name of the
transmission, but also the model and year of a particular car. Firstly, several ATs of slightly different
designs had the same Toyota designations. Secondly, the recommendations periodically changed even
during for the single generation of a model.

"What is flex lock-up?"

Since mid-1990s, Aisin automatic transmissions obtained a "partial lock-up" mode (FLU - Flex Lock
Up) for torque converter. Previously, torque converters worked in two modes - either with the
transmission of torque from the engine only through the fluid, or in a full locking mode, when the
crankshaft, converter case and the input shaft are tightly connected by a friction clutch and the
torque is transmitted mechanically like through a traditional clutch. In AT with partial lock-up there is
an intermediate mode in which the clutch can slip during the transmission of force. At first, partial
locking used for light loads and in a rather narrow speed range, but in order to increase fuel efficiency
and improve dynamics, full and partial lock-up modes for modern AT began to be used more and
more often.
Of course, FLU is not a Japanese know-how, therefore, since the development of the Dexron III
specification, the requirements for AT with partial locking have been taken into account.

"If you fill Dexron instead of T-IV, there will be jerks?"

When filling any fresh liquid, even the genuine one, some changes in the behavior of the AT are
possible, and not always positive ones. Fresh ATF always differs from the old in its chemical/physical
properties (moreover, even more than the difference between two different types of fresh fluid), and
in its own way affects the AT operation, which has already "adapted" to the old ATF.
In our practice, no differences were noted in the behavior of normal ATs when other ATFs were used
instead of T-IV (even without 3309 spec).

"Where can I find the viscosity of the genuine fluid?"

On the main Toyota site, safety data sheets for all genuine materials, from paints and oils to
antifreezes and fragrances, have been stored for a long time.

"What is the most correct part number for genuine Type T-IV?"
The genuine Toyota ATF can take a variety of external shapes: a metal "Japanese" can (black, white,
gray), a black plastic "US" bottle, a gray plastic "European" can... do not try to find the single proper
version.

"Type T can be officially replaced with Type T-IV"

On the one hand, in June'1998 Toyota released service bulletin TC003-98 for the American market,
according to which the new ATF Type T-IV completely replaced the previous T-II and T-III, but did not
replace Type T.

But already in May'1999, an updated TSB TC003-99 bulletin was released, according to which the T-
IV was now a universal alternative for the Type T.

On the other hand, in the technical documentation for the domestic market, substitutes for the Type T
were never provided, and on the original metal cans of Type T-IV is still printed in Japanese and
English "it is not recommended to use... instead of Type T".
Which option is more correct? The first and last export model with a transmission that used Type T
fluid was the RAV4 SXA10 (for which these bulletins appeared), but in Japan in 1988-2002 almost two
dozen different models were produced with A241H and A540H. Therefore, in matters of operation of
the all-wheel drive, the practices of the domestic market deserve more confidence. And today we can
add - if Japanese Toyota HQ officially recognized the replacement of Type T, it would not have traded
this fluid till 2020s, but immediately dismissed it as T-II, T-III and other oils with really outdated
specifications.

"Can I use WS instead of T-IV?"

If we were talking about AT that have just come off the assembly line of the second half of the 2000s,
then such an option would look quite acceptable. However, it lools like inappropriate with regard to
the already sufficiently older AT.

"Well, after all, would this non-genuine oil suit me personally? On the can it is written
about the conformity of Toyota"
We are not supported by some brand, so we refrain from listing the acceptable analogs or approving a
specific choice and prefer only note with some degree of abstraction:
- first of all, it is worth considering the products of the traditional Toyota partner and manufacturer of
most of genuine oils;

- secondly - multi-fluids of classic brands (which do not need advertising);

- thirdly - this mainly concerns the Western European market - the products of the leading national
manufacturer of a particular country;
- fourthly - multi-fluids under the second rank brands and under the own brands of packaging
companies.
In any case, you should not buy fluids promoted for the local market by russian swindlers under
numerous pseudo-Japanese or pseudo-European brands.

"Did anyone actually use non-genuine fluids?"

Evlat! I would like to remind you that Japanese cars appeared here back in the days when there were
no mobile phones and the Internet, when to the east of the country it was possible to drive a car only
along the frozen rivers and often there were skirmishes with local robbers... Of course, then there
was not even the very concept of "genuine fluid", which began to be imported only at the turn of the
2000s.
But from the very beginning of the 1990s, tens of thousands of Toyotas (including those with AT
A241H, A540H, A245E, A340E) were operated here using any available oil - without breakdowns and
problems, and many of them still feel good today.

"Everything is clear... but maybe the genuine is better anyway?"

Of course, in addition to the benefits for the car, the use of genuine fluids has a pacifying effect to the
owner and increases his personal proudness. But do not forget that in addition to the genuine ATF the
manuals prescribed to use:
- Toyota approved engine oil;
- genuine Toyota Super Long Life Coolant only;
- genuine Toyota Power Steering Fluid;
- genuine Toyota Brake Fluid 2500H;
- genuine compressor oil ND-Oil...
As well as genuine Toyota parts.
Which bought from authorized Toyota dealers only.
Otherwise, the car will fall apart right away, won't it?