Toyota bottle says: T-IV = Dexron III HELP!!!!!

**r-p** · 01-06-2010, 07:33 AM

Hi guys,

Just went to a Toyota garage to pick up their T-IV transmission oil because it is, according to several Volvo enthousiast sites, the same as ATF3309.

That stuff is friggin expensive at Opel-GM, Saab, Volvo or car-parts shops, so I was lucky to find the Toyotadealer doing it for close to 10€ ($14.50) per liter.

I get there and I have a look on the label and it says: "Meets performance requirements of GM6417M (Dexron (R)-III G)"

AAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH

So the question: use or not?

Geartronic 2004

**Chilled Man** · 01-06-2010, 07:38 AM

I wouldnt

why not order the 3309 online ?

**r-p** · 01-06-2010, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by Chilled Man

I wouldnt

why not order the 3309 online ?

If you know of a proper site, this might be a good option.
But beware I am in the Netherlands, and taxes are pretty much killing for anything I try to import...

**Aviator** · 01-06-2010, 09:01 AM

Relax....it's the right stuff. What it's saying is it's acceptable for use in applications that call for Dexron III. Its qualities, and compatibility, are above and beyond those of Dexron III. Believe me it IS 3309 oil; I confirmed this a couple of years ago with my Toyota technical trainer who confirmed it with Esso Canada, and Mobil (I work for a Toyota dealership). Rest easy friend....it's the correct oil at a fraction of what Volvo and others want.

Dave.

**r-p** · 01-06-2010, 09:27 AM

Originally Posted by Aviator

Relax....it's the right stuff.

That's what I wanted, no, needed to hear! Thanks.

I hope you understand why that phrase threw me off and why I needed confirmation I wasn't about to shorten the life of this misused police car even further...

Originally Posted by Aviator

it's the correct oil at a fraction of what Volvo and others want.

Almost 40€/5 liters, or close to 12 US$ per liter (~11$ per quart or so?)
But indeed cheaper than Opel/GM, Volvo, or caraccessory shops...

While I'm at it: my just acquired ODB reader spews out P0748: Pressure control solenoid "A" electrical, is that the gearbox solenoid 'standard' problem?

I'll get packing to go to a heated garage to do some oilchanging!

**r-p** · 01-06-2010, 02:35 PM

Done. 15liters, 14 used 1 as backup in case the level is low.

Wasn't fully red or fully clear when the oil ran out though... But close enough I guess.

**Aviator** · 01-06-2010, 02:39 PM

Good to hear!!! You'll notice a difference!!

Dave.

**r-p** · 01-08-2010, 02:59 AM

Originally Posted by Aviator

Good to hear!!! You'll notice a difference!!

Dave.

Hope so... for now I'm just very, very careful in driving, as I had the Transmission Service Required message reappear a couple of times.

I'm now trying to locate the solenoids and its connectors to do some resistance measuring and contact checking, as it says that's where the problem lies. (P0748, Pressure Control Solenoid "A" Electrical, where the "7" apparently points to the gearbox)

After that I'm diving into the P0088 problem (Fuel rail/System pressure too high, but that's not throwing a MIL, so hopefully not priority one). That'll keep me occupied...

**JRL** · 01-08-2010, 06:21 AM

The solonoids are INSIDE the tranny, you cannot do anything with them.

**r-p** · 01-12-2010, 02:23 AM

Thanks. I was more thinking of the electrical connections on the solenoids itself, I assumed they might be inspectable from the outside. And since having an 'electrical' problem, the always failing contacts are an easy target to look at.

I did find four connectors for the (ABS-like-)sensors and the solenoids and sprayed them with electrical contact cleaner. (Touch wood). So far the message has stayed away, and the funny thing is that the fuel-rail message is gone also.

I wanted to actually do some resistance measuring, but it was freezing cold, so I was glad to even be able to open these 'watertight' connectors, and simply stuck with spraying them with the contact cleaner.