Transmission fluid recommendations

I have a 2011 Toyota Tacoma 4.0L V6 and I’m planning on changing out the transmission oil. Is their a particular synthetic transmission oil that you can recommend or should I go with Toyota brand transmission oil?

 

You are going to pay ~ 75$ for 3 gallons of valvoline maxlife atf https://www.walmart.com/ip/Valvolin...smission-Fluid-ATF-1-GA/15125768?athbdg=L1100

Which is about the only trans fluid you should substitute for the stock toyota WS fluid.

You are going to pay ~ 120$ for the 12 quarts for the proper Toyota WS. Is a savings of 45$ over the course of 60k miles (recommended change interval, most go further) worth it to you?

 

Valvoline MaxLife ATF as sated above.

Read this thread to understand the correct temp check procedure and also note there is an updated temp range per this TSB on pg 106
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.63851/

 

Got 20k on my MAXLIFE, if it was gonna cause issues it would have done so by now.

 

I also use MaxxLife in my A750

 

Stay with WS if doing a drain/refill. If doing a flush, you have the choice of staying with WS or switching to MaxLife as many have done. I run MaxLife in my Tacoma and the two Lexus vehicles I maintain.

 

I am big fan of Valvoline MaxLife

 

Is the truck an Automatic or Manual?

 

changed my '13 over to MaxLife at 40K, I'm at 123K now and zero issues.

 

fair, fair

 

He has an AT based on his other postings, and a valid point; I jumped to conclusions myself.

 

I used to check peoples prior post.
But admittedly, I’ve gotten lazy, and now just ask.

If find it much easier to ask, the more we know, the better we can help.

If it’s indeed an AT, I agree with the rest.
MaxLife is good.

I personally don’t like mixing AT fluids.
So I opted to stick with WS. Because I have not done a full system evacuation.
Drain and Fill is all I’ve done.

 

Based on recommendations here I went with the MaxLife when I did a flush and fill a few years ago at around 100,000 miles. Now at 136,000 with zero issues. But if I had it to do over again... and if I keep the truck long enough to need it again... I'd probably use the Toyota WS. When I drained it that stuff still looked pristine. The MaxLife seems solid, but if the WS isn't broke, why "fix" it?

 

WS isn't broke, but it is expensive. I also prefer a fluid I can get in most auto parts store in case a need to top off for some reason. Don't have to drive to a dealer or wait on an internet order for maxlife.

 

I only do drain and fills. I don’t see the logic in switching, full flush, no problem.

 

Topping off is really a non-starter with these things since there is no dip stick. If you get a leak (like the pinhole leak I got once in a trans cooling line) you are in a bad way. It needs to be fixed ASAP since there is no easy way to monitor level or top off on a regular basis. But that is a whole other discussion.

 

I do a level check every oil change, just because Toyota didn't grace us with a dip stick doesn't mean you shouldn't be checking.

 

You go through temp check mode and it every 5k miles?

You are better off with a fast trickle from check plug. It’s seem like checking it that often would eventually result in a slightly low fill eventually? Or are you topping it off when it needs it?

Myself, I wouldn’t check it until every 30k
if were worried about.

To be honest, I don’t check mine.
I check for leaks, the only time I check it is when I drain and fill.

 

I use my scan gauge to get the temps, generally after my oil change the trans temp has dropped from warm up to the appropriate range or need only a min or too at idle to get into range. Pop off the level plug, get some drops, maybe every 3rd or 4th oil change I add 1/2 a quart.

 

I always get the real deal.