Synthetic auto trans fluid?

[Bossman]

Anyone ever use fully synthetic automatic transmission fluid? Reason for switching?

[Toysrme]

Synthetic fluids (Oil, transmission, or anything else) don't break down and start to coke as soon. Typically crappy synthetic fluids have a 40-50*F higher operating temperature than premium dino oils.


That, and synthetics are a better lubricant in every way shape or form otherwise.


Just to tie it all together:
90% of all transmission failures are due to used up fluid.
Every time you exceed the operating temperature of transmission fluid, you HALF it's useable life.
Synthetic fluids:
are flat out better lubricants
have a higher operation temperatures
not as prone to coking when they are overheated
have longer, and more stable life spans


Transmission fluid temperature rises linearly with RPM anytime the torque convertor is unlocked. Absolutely skyrockets anytime the car is accelerating, decelerating, or in 1st or 2nd gear for that matter (TC's don't lock in 1 & 2).








If people would FLUSH the transmission fluid every other year, or drain the pan every other, oil change (Say 10,000 miles/10 months) Even with a low quality fluid.

And install an auxiliary transmission cooler (You need a 5/16" oil hose, zip-ties, and a Stacked plate design transmission/oil cooler - Say $30-40usd in parts - $10-15 from a junkyard) You will NEVER have a transmission fail.

I swear, even if it's a horrible design, you'll never have a problem with it.





















Now if you really want the low-down on fluids. Do some reading on Bobistheoilguy.com forums where you find industry experts, and people that simply know more about that stuff.

[Bossman]

Brandon,
WOW! What a reply! Thanks so much for the info. I was wondering because my 03 Camry LE requires Toyota Type IV automatic transmission fluid. I'll have to do some searching on your recommended web site and see if anyone makes a full synthetic fluid that meets all of the Type IV requirements. My motivation for this is the recent heat wave we've been having out west (So. Cal.). Thanks again.

[rum runner]

I change tranny fluid ever other oil change. It's too easy with the drain plug on the tranny fluid pan pf the Camry. I even added a tranny pan drain plug on my Ford truck. 25k on tranny fluid is too much for me, especially in mountainous areas.

I use the recommended Mobil 1 syn. engine oil. Then engine runs quieter with syn oil than with dino oil.

[Toysrme]

That's my normal transmission schedule also rum runner! Before I would just drain the pan and replace it with some cheap fluid. Works like a doll!



When I put the turbo on, I flushed the transmission fluid out with synthetic, and use that instead of cheap fluid. A bit more expencive but... cheap insurance is always better than letting things slide!


I also recommend Mobil 1 synthetics. Simply put, it's about the best stuff you'll find that is easy to find anywhere you go.