ATF for MU4 - Is there something better than T-IV?

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R Runner
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 9:20 am

ATF for MU4 - Is there something better than T-IV?

Post by R Runner »

Howdy! I'm new to the forum but not new to car forums in general. Usually this is the place to go for good information and experience.I hope to get a Vibe for my wife in the next few years as a replacement for her Civic, but for now my in-laws have one.The drive in downtown Chicago and with 52,000 miles they have never changed their ATF. I can tell it needs it and I offered to do it for them. I finally found a filter for the MU4 tranny but now I find out that you have to buy the T-IV from the dealer. Is this true? Can I use something else? Is there something better like a Lucas or Red Line? I have never had a Toyota so this ATF spec was new to me.Any ideas? Thanks in advance.Paul
kcorona
Posts: 108
Joined: Mon Oct 31, 2005 7:36 am
Location: Fla.

Re: ATF for MU4 - Is there something better than T-IV? (R Runner)

Post by kcorona »

Yes, T-IV is only available from dealers. The only alternative to T-IV I know of is Mobil ATF 3309: http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-En....aspx. Can't find the Mobil around here though.
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'04 Shadow Monotone Base AT power pkg., + FIAMM low note horn, GM exhaust tip, GM splash guards x 4
R Runner
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 9:20 am

Re: ATF for MU4 - Is there something better than T-IV? (kcorona)

Post by R Runner »

Do you think the Mobil is better or just a substitute? Anyone else have any ideas? I saw someone say something about AMsoil. Is this better? I don't have any experience with them.Paul
kcorona
Posts: 108
Joined: Mon Oct 31, 2005 7:36 am
Location: Fla.

Re: ATF for MU4 - Is there something better than T-IV? (R Runner)

Post by kcorona »

Don't know if the Mobil is better, just AFAIK it's the only other commercially available ATF that meets the T-IV spec. Can't go wrong with either the OEM stuff or Mobil. Others have used Amsoil, etc. without incident, but using something that doesn't meet the T-IV spec is a dice roll in the long run IMO.
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'04 Shadow Monotone Base AT power pkg., + FIAMM low note horn, GM exhaust tip, GM splash guards x 4
the1stacekiller
Posts: 131
Joined: Mon Sep 19, 2005 10:36 am

Re: ATF for MU4 - Is there something better than T-IV? (kcorona)

Post by the1stacekiller »

Amsoil says T-IV compatible right on the bottle.. used it with no problems ...
- 2004 Pontiac Vibe Base 2 Tone Grey Goodness -
the1stacekiller
Posts: 131
Joined: Mon Sep 19, 2005 10:36 am

Re: ATF for MU4 - Is there something better than T-IV? (the1stacekiller)

Post by the1stacekiller »

https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atf.a ... IONSAMSOIL Synthetic Universal Automatic Transmission Fluid is completely compatible with other synthetic and petroleum automatic transmission fluids. AMSOIL ATF is a universal, multi-functional fluid that greatly reduces the need for specialized fluid inventories and the possibilities of misapplication. AMSOIL ATF is recommended for transmission, hydraulic and other applications requiring any of the following specifications:GM DEXRON® II & IIIFord MERCON®, MERCON® VChrysler ATF+ through ATF+4®Honda Z-1 (Not for use in CVT transmissions)Toyota Type T and T-IV
- 2004 Pontiac Vibe Base 2 Tone Grey Goodness -
R Runner
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 9:20 am

Re: ATF for MU4 - Is there something better than T-IV? (the1stacekiller)

Post by R Runner »

Sounds good. Thanks for the advice.
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