Just picked up a 2010 Tundra CrewMax 5.7L 2WD and want to do a full fluid change, starting with the transmission. I’ve heard I need to use Toyota’s official ATF, but I can’t seem to find any in stock anywhere.
Edit:
Getting mixed results when searching. Some say Aisin WS, others say Toyota WS… or is the Valvoline stuff good enough?
Edit:
Appreciate the help, even if my question was kinda dumb.
Dealer or Amazon.
Weston said:
Dealer or Amazon.
Pricey. Toyota’s site says it’s out of stock. Just wondering if I can grab it at a parts store and what the exact model number is.
Weston said:
Dealer or Amazon.
Pricey. Toyota’s site says it’s out of stock. Just wondering if I can grab it at a parts store and what the exact model number is.
Yeah, it’s not cheap. I stick to the OEM fluid for drain-and-fills, but plenty of people use big-brand WS alternatives with no issues. Honestly, it’s all probably the same stuff with different labels.
Not a mechanic, just my two cents.
@Weston
Looks like Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF meets WS specs and even exceeds in some areas. Gonna grab 2 gallons—one to flush a couple times, then use the other for the final fill.
Masitsa said:
@Weston
Looks like Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF meets WS specs and even exceeds in some areas. Gonna grab 2 gallons—one to flush a couple times, then use the other for the final fill.
I’m dealing with transmission issues too. Had a shop flush mine, but they used the wrong fluid. Now I’m getting some shuddering. Did two drain-and-fills with the right stuff, and it’s getting better. Probably need another round or two to get rid of the bad fluid completely.
@Weston
Yeah, mine ran perfect when I drove it home, but on a cold start, it shudders in first or holds revs too high until it warms up. Once it’s warm, shifts fine. It’s got the tow package, so I’ve just been sitting in drive with my foot on the brake to get it up to temp before driving.
First thing I did was scan for codes when I got home—turns out it’s a shift solenoid issue.
Masitsa said:
@Weston
Looks like Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF meets WS specs and even exceeds in some areas. Gonna grab 2 gallons—one to flush a couple times, then use the other for the final fill.
Mixing ATF types isn’t a good idea. Even if you drain it overnight, some of the old fluid stays in the torque converter. These transmissions aren’t cheap—this isn’t the place to cut corners.
@Shaye
No idea what the last owner or dealer put in it, so I’m flushing it a few times to be safe. Gonna run it up to temp, then drain and repeat five times before the final fill with fresh fluid.
Masitsa said:
@Shaye
No idea what the last owner or dealer put in it, so I’m flushing it a few times to be safe. Gonna run it up to temp, then drain and repeat five times before the final fill with fresh fluid.
Lots of myths about transmissions, like people thinking fresh fluid will make them fail. The key is just keeping clean, OEM-spec fluid in there. Flushing that many times might be overkill. I’d do one good drain-and-fill and drive it. If you want to get more of the old fluid out, let it drain overnight.
@Shaye
You’re right, but I just don’t trust whatever’s in there now. I already messed up my Camry by trusting people. I’ve got the money, so I’d rather overdo it a little. The engine is bulletproof, but Toyota transmissions can be weak if you abuse them.
Masitsa said:
@Shaye
No idea what the last owner or dealer put in it, so I’m flushing it a few times to be safe. Gonna run it up to temp, then drain and repeat five times before the final fill with fresh fluid.
Might do another drain-and-fill within 100 miles just to be sure everything heat cycles properly. It’s not cheap, but I can’t justify $100 a quart just for a flush when I don’t even know what’s in it right now.
And no, this wasn’t from a Toyota dealer—got it from a private seller that felt like a sketchy lot.
Check eBay, that’s where I got mine.
Casey said:
Check eBay, that’s where I got mine.
Facts, you can find anything on eBay.
Stick to Toyota WS and just wait until you can find it.
Also, I wouldn’t flush it—just do a drain-and-fill.
Good luck.
Branley said:
Stick to Toyota WS and just wait until you can find it.
Also, I wouldn’t flush it—just do a drain-and-fill.
Good luck.
Why no flush? Something to do with clutch material? I got lucky flushing my Camry.
Look for TLS-LV (Toyota/Lexus/Scion). NAPA should have it.
Make sure you get the right type—some Toyota fluids are pink, some are red. Here’s a thread breaking it down:
@Vic
That’s coolant, not ATF.