Need help picking ATF fluid for a Tundra

[Putty]

Hi!

I need your opinion to pick an alternative ATF fluid over a factory fluid. I recently watched Eric changed a transmission fluid out of a Toyota 4-Runner, and he used Valvoline MaxLife™ DEX/MERC ATF. I read online and most people says to go with a OEM fluid which I know it’s the best route but it’s almost $40 a quart on Amazon.

Can I use Valvoline MaxLife™ DEX/MERC ATF on the Tundra? Any other good fluid out there as a suggestion?

BTW I have a 2010 Toyota Tundra 4WD with around 71,xxx miles. I don’t tow but occasionally carry some heavy stuff from Lowes, Home Depot.

Topic

[Andrew Phillips]

Your 2010 Tundra uses ATF WS fluid. It does not use the older Toyota Type IV or Dex/Merc, and the WS fluid is NOT compatible with any other fluids. It will require a complete flush and change (approximately 11.5 quarts) to change it to a different fluid. Using ATF other than Toyota WS is not recommended. It can cause erratic shifting and possibly even transmission damage. I would NOT do that. In fact, I wouldn’t do anything to it. From the service manual:

• 100,000 Mile Maintenance Interval — Inspection only; ATF-WS does NOT require any flushing
or changing during the life of the vehicle.

[Putty]

Thank you for this valuable info. I would have killed my transmission if I didn’t ask. It’s no wonder why they didn’t give me a dip stick for the transmission.

[Jason White]

Your transmission was designed to operate with a certain transmission fluid type. Stay dirty but keep the transmission clean.

[Author]

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