RDW

I totally understand going to the synthetic in your 98' and might perform this operation on mine as well. I know for sure that it will handle the high temperatures better than the mineral oil T-IV that I am using. I have tried to get the specs on the Toyota T-IV but have come up empty handed. Dexron III specs are readily available anywhere. Have you heard anyone say that the T-IV supersedes the Dexron III or is there a special blend of additives or possibly a higher viscosity index oil ie. Type 3 utilized in the blend which handles heat much better over the temperature spectrum? Have you heard anything about cooling capacity of the radiators not being sufficient for the tranny fluid? Does LEXUS specify a maximum temperature for the tranny fluid in operation based on ambient conditions? By now, you've figured out that this is bugging the living s--t out of me and I not only want what's right to go in the tranny but want to know why it is breaking the oil down so quick. Dude, appreciate the help! RDW

I've searched the forums concerning the use of DEXRON III vs. TOYOTA T-IV. I've a 94' ES 300 with 82K and in the manual it states use a DEXRON II and also states it on the tranny dipstick. Contacted LEXUS with my VIN to get the correct !Removed! on the appropriate designation of tranny fluid. They told me to use the TOYOTA T-IV. Reason I started this project is that the existing fluid (fluid and filter was changed at 45K) is caramel brown in color and smells oxidized (tinge of being hot smell). I took a handheld vaccum pump and drew tranny fluid from pan and replaced per LEXUS recommendation. Have performed this only one time (being 2 weeks ago). Tranny fluid turned brown again and smells oxidized after 4-5 days. Any and all help with the recommendation and any thing else necessary to correct this problem will be greatly appreciated.