GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

bout due for a filter change and adding fluid, what are your thoughts on synthetic fluid? not worth it in the tranny unless it comes from the factory?

The T-IV fluid is all that is necessary in the Vibe.

could that found in a parts store or would it be wise just to get it from a dealer?

I'm not sure if you can get it from a parts store. Just ask for Toyota T-IV transmission fluid.

The Toyota T-IV is a synthetic fluid. Buy it from a Toyota dealer for five dollars and change per quart....Gm could ask you to pay Eleven Dollars per quart.

It is my understanding that T-IV is not a full synthetic fluid but a blend. Having said that, I think it's mostly useless to go with an expensive synthetic unless you are pushing your transmission really hard (far beyond typical driving). Toyota views the T-IV fluid as a 'lifetime' fluid in our vehicles so I have a hard time seeing any need for anything 'better.' Just stick to factory fluid and it should be happy.I orded a case of T-IV through toyotaparts.com and the price ended up being cheaper per quart (even after shipping) than any local dealers. YMMV there tho...

what are everyones thoughts about mixing the stock stuff from the factory and the valvoline stuff that is "recommended for use as T-IV"?

As a rule of thumb it is best not to mix oils for any application.The two brands may meet the requirements for use in a given unit but may not play well together. (or they could be fine)With the price of a transmission or a rebuild, why take that chance??Stay with one brand if you can. Others will disagree I'm sure but this is my opinion as one who has been in the "Biz" starting in the early 70's.Dave

tranny filters? cheapest is good enough or should I stick to a specific type?

I mixed in Kendal Versatrans and mine is doing just fine. Every few oil changes I drop whats in the pan and then top it off with the VersaTrans. Of course I also get the VersaTrans for free so I'm not complaining. But my transmission also doesn't see your "average" driving

I run AMSoil and a Tranny cooler. My engine is boosted and live in OKie Land so it's HOT. The car isn't abused, mostly a daily driver, but will have some fun pushing it from time to time. IMHO Any quality brand T-IV will work just change it on a regualar basis (70K) and hopefully it'll last a long time.

I run amsoil 0w-30 in the engine and love it, granted I put it in when it had about 25k and it has 56k now and no problems whatsoever, I was lookin at usin amsoil for the tranny too but I just see that as bein quite pricy to drop the pan and fill like 3 or 4 times

I use the OEM T-IV fluid namely because it's generally the same price as the non-boutique ATF stuff, if not cheaper. Recently my local WallyWorld raised the price on the Valvoline ATF to $6/qt; I can get the Toyota fluid for $4.50 if I buy a case at the local dealership. As far as fluid "quality" goes, there are so many A/T Corollas and Camrys on the road...of which I'm sure many still have the factory fill IV or III...that I'm not worried at all about T-IV. My Vibe's A/T will most likely never be an issue under my ownership, though I'm trying to take care of the next guy by doing drain & fills every 50K miles.

I did my drain & fill + filter change on mine today. Took about 3.8 quarts, used the Toyota T-IV ATF, about $5.50 ea. from the Toyota dealer.