Which Tranny fluid ? (04)

[AK to FL]

I looked up the recommmended tranny fluid to do a change in a 2004 and it says ATF Type T-IV

I am a newby to toyota's and do not understand this designation!

I am familiar with Dextron/Mercon I or II or III, or Ford type F, but don't know what T-IV means.

An explanation would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Bmaintz]

I would use a good synthetic such as Amsoil & do a complete flush... Be sure to drop pan & change the filter first....

[Bossman]

AK,
You have an 04 and you already have enough miles on it to change the transmission fluid? May I ask, how many miles do you have on it now? I have an 03 with 12,000 miles and although I liked to change mine every 15,000 miles, I haven't checked the book yet to see the change intervals. The first time I saw the Type T-IV was at the dealer's parts dept. on the shelf. If you can get this in a synthetic, please let me know. Thanks.

[Daniel M. Dreifus]

You need to use Toyota's proprietary type IV transmission fluid for that vehicle.
That transmission uses progressive clutches internally, and includes "intelligent" down grade transmission braking.
Use the right fluid.
I suggest you stay with Toyota parts, but as time goes on aftermarket vendors may offer substitutes.

[ycl1688]

type 4 trans fluid is only available from toyota dealer, shop for good price in illinois, skokie toyota
charge only 4.50, other dealers charge $7.

[Bmaintz]

I looked at Amsoil's specs on their ATF fluid, here is what they list.... Toyota; Type T and T-IV...
I used it in my '95 Camry with good results...
Probably Mobile 1 also has a good tranny fluid...

[AK to FL]

Thanks for all the speedy replies

I have almost 16k on the car but due to extreme fl heat I was thinking of changing the fluid and maybe installing an aux tranny cooler.
Is it tough to drop the pan and change filter and fluid? I've done it on my other car---aside from being messy, it wasn't too hard.

I can't find a chiltons or haynes manual for the 04 camry ---- too new I guess! I may buy the manual from the dealer ( ^$) but very detailed.

thanks again for all the replies.

[Bmaintz]

Do a search on Ebay for "2004 Camry Factory Manual" ... There is a 3-book set for $170 on a Buy it Now... A little pricey.....