Toyota dealer: "there is no automatic transmission oil change"

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Merlock, Jun 9, 2017.

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  1. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    Do what you will. I just don't see any good reason not to use the factory fluid.

    AFAIK, most every manufacturer has used their own (full) synthetic trans fluid for the past 10-20 years.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #41 mr_guy_mann, Sep 3, 2022
    Last edited: Sep 3, 2022
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  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    Same here; I’m just bright enough to not second-guess Toyota on this.
     
    #42 Mendel Leisk, Sep 3, 2022
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  3. Prius Rising

    Prius Rising Member

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    Thanks for the reply but there is no "Factory Oil" the WS is made by Exxon Mobile corp and is used in both CVT and Normal torque converter type transmissions. Valvoline Maxlife is full synthetic and recommended as a replacement for WS as well as many other makes.

    I am a believer in Toyota parts and Toyota as a company but it seems like WS is just a catch all fluid just like Maxlife so why pay more for the Toyota emblem on the Exxon bottle?

    It would be different if they recommended some type of transmission oil that was Hybrid or CVT specific with special additives someone could put their finger on but that doesn't seem to be the case.

    Perhaps I have it all wrong but until someone can explain the added benefit that WS has that everyone else does not I'm just not seeing it.

    If someone has some information I am missing here by all means set me straight I will be happy to convert. (y)
     
    #43 Prius Rising, Sep 4, 2022
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    The grammar's a little fractured, but the message is clear, at least to me:

    upload_2022-9-4_13-35-56.png

    Toyota Genuine ATF WS is readily available, only a bit pricier than motor oil (not by much these days...), and I'm not a mechanical engineer.
     
    #44 Mendel Leisk, Sep 4, 2022
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  5. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    I found the video on the History of Toyota ATF (which includes mention of Toyota WS transmission fluid) by Prof Kelly of Weber fame in this thread post very informative. Check it out.
     
    #45 dolj, Sep 4, 2022
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  6. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    I really don't care. Maybe there ain't no difference. Maybe there is.

    A few dollars per quart difference once every 4-5 years isn't enough for me to bother with.

    I would use valvoline or whatever if that's all I had available. But I can get WS easily so that's what I put in.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #46 mr_guy_mann, Sep 5, 2022
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  7. Prius Rising

    Prius Rising Member

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    Sounds like the Professor is not a believer in Maxlife. :eek:

     
    #47 Prius Rising, Sep 5, 2022
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