santafelexus Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 I noticed many refer the ATF (automatic transmission fluid) instead of power steering fluid. I just can't understand. Does LS 400 use ATF instead of p/s fluid? What's the reason? thanx. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadow Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 Yep, use Mercon III ATF in Ls' power steering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
santafelexus Posted July 13, 2005 Author Share Posted July 13, 2005 Yep, use Mercon III ATF in Ls' power steering. ← why not using p/s fluid? just curious... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted July 14, 2005 Share Posted July 14, 2005 why not using p/s fluid? just curious... ← For 35 years the Japanese (except Honda) have designed their Power Steering systems to use Dexron automatic transmission fluid whereas the American car makers have designed their systems to use a dedicated special Power Steering fluid. Using these American car oriented Power Steering Fluids in your Lexus is obviously risky because Toyota does not recommend them. If this is hard to understand then pretend you are a 40 year Japanese citizen living in Japan who just purchased a Chevrolet Trailblazer to drive around in Japan. For 25 years you have only driven Japanese cars that used Dexron Auto Trans fluid in the power steering system. Now you own this Chevy and the owners manual says to use a special General Motors brand Power Steering Fluid. You wonder why the Chevy needs this special fluid and start asking your buddies "Why can't I use Dexron Auto Trans fluid in my Chevy? The only reasonable answer your Japanese buddies could give you is "Using Dexron Auto Trans fluid in the power steering system of your Chevy is obviously risky because General Motors does not recommend using ATF in GM power steering systems. So you need to keep telling yourself "I'm driving an Asian car now and the products at my local auto parts stores are still geared towards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajg2business Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 Which one is it I've seen on several forums that Dextron II / III ATF. I've been running regular PSF for a few months and did not know abut the Dextron II. So now that I know I will be flushing the system to the correct fluid. Hope I did not damage the steering system. I am also going to replace the Air Control Valve had a spell with blue smoke at ca cols start too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzHotLS Posted May 19, 2011 Share Posted May 19, 2011 Any Dexron fluid will work: http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=66909&st=0&p=421639 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leverenz Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 OK. new question, if I may. I think a shop put regular power steering fluid in my '99 LS 400. The power steering is heavy and seems to stick, at times. What is the best fix? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billydpowell Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 OK. new question, if I may. I think a shop put regular power steering fluid in my '99 LS 400. The power steering is heavy and seems to stick, at times. What is the best fix? If it was one of mine, I would flush and refill with ATF. a little wasteful but wise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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