I see from the Owner's Manual only Isuzu AFT is spec'ed for the 3.5L engine transmission (the 3.2 takes Dexron). Anyone have experience with this or know if another product/brand is a good substitute?

The local Isuzu dealer service manager is a friend and I am going to ask him. I do recall some years ago he said to only use the Isuzu ATF as they had some problems using anything else. I'll post his information when I hear.

i've read a post by an isuzu *expert* JLEMOND to use the isuzu ATF because that's an Aisin transmission and requires it; and as a side note, that the Aisin trans is *much* superior to the 4L30E many of us have. so i'd say it is worth the extra effort and cost.

//bc

I would *definitely* put in there what it's calling for, for sure. If you get 200k+ miles out of that transmission, it's more then worth giving it what it needs.

That tranny better get you at least 300k miles.

:) I have the 3.2 with the Aisin 30-40LE and Isuzu USA says it uses the DIII ATF. But I called about 5 Isuzu service departments and got different answers form each one as what fluid to use. Seems the Ginuine Isuzu ATF is only avialible in 5 gallon pails:rolleyes: Andie

Andie, did you ever get an answer from Aisin?

and what i'm understanding, aisin changed the design so earlier ones say put in DIII and newer ones the special stuff, and like JLEMOND says put in it what the manual calls for. (unless aisin says different.)


//bc

:rolleyes: Not yet, Ive been holding off untill I get the definate word form them. According to Jerry (he) there were 4 Aisins for the 4 model Rodeos in late 03 and 04. I got a differernt asnswere from every service dept. I talked too, but Isuzu America said for my 3.2 30-40el it was dIII, Andie:)

I checked the Amsoil website and it said to only use Isuzu's brand of fluid for the '04 with 3.5L. I'm using Amsoil's ATF in my '01 with the 4L30. I can't imagine whats so special about the newer tranny that you can't use Dex3 or equivalent. Personally, if it were mine and out of warrany, I'd use the Amsoil ATF. Maybe you could talk to an independent tranny shop about it, see what they have to say. They may know the reasoning for using the factory ATF. If you find out anything, how about posting it here?

:) The late 03s and 04s have the Aisin transmissins. Totally different from the gm type in the other Zo's. Using the wrong type ATF was explained to me as being like having a limited slip diff and not using the additive in the gear oil. They just have different type and amounts of friction modifiers. And can lead to a premature death:frown: Andie

:) I have the 3.2 with the Aisin 30-40LE and Isuzu USA says it uses the DIII ATF. But I called about 5 Isuzu service departments and got different answers form each one as what fluid to use. Seems the Ginuine Isuzu ATF is only avialible in 5 gallon pails:rolleyes: Andie

I think I have the same tranny.

Did you put in Dextron III or T-IV?

I was told by a retired Isuzu mechanic that whatever is specified for Toyota or Lexus is what you want. I've used castrol for Imports, so far, so good.

I was told by a retired Isuzu mechanic that whatever is specified for Toyota or Lexus is what you want. I've used castrol for Imports, so far, so good.


I looked underneath the car and see the tranny model 30-40LE. I checked that model and it's in Tundra and Tacoma for specified years.

I went ahead and did a flush with 10 qts of T-IV.