Toyota’s T-IV automatic transmission fluid is a specific formulation designed for Aisin-Warner transmissions found in Toyota, Lexus, and several other manufacturers’ vehicles. The T-IV specification, formally known as JWS 3309, has unique viscosity requirements and specialized friction additives that set it apart from generic ATF options.
Aisin-Warner transmissions have a reputation for being able to hold a lot of power without overheating. However, they need proper care: you canโt just fill it up with any transmission fluid.
The core requirement of T-IV is its heavier viscosity profile, similar to Dexron III, combined with specialized friction additives. The high viscosity is engineered specifically for the quiet operation of the transmission pump.
Using thinner fluids like Dexron VI in transmissions designed for T-IV can cause a noticeable pump “whine,” even if the fluid has the correct friction additives.
Because Aisin-Warner transmissions are used across multiple manufacturers, the T-IV/JWS 3309 specification applies to more than just Toyota and Lexus vehicles. The specification is cross-referenced by several automakers:
Toyota and Lexus: All models requiring ATF Type T-IV (Part Numbers 00279-000T4, 08886-81015, 01705)
General Motors: GM specification 9986195, sold as AC Delco T-IV or GM P/N 88900925 (used in vehicles like the Pontiac Vibe)
Volkswagen/Audi: VW Part Number G 055 025 A2 or Audi G-052-025-A2
Volvo: Part Numbers 1161540 and 1161640
Saab: Listed as Saab 3309
Whether you’re maintaining your transmission or performing routine engine maintenance like checking your (1993-2024) Toyota Corolla Oil Capacity and Oil Type, using the correct fluids is essential for your vehicle’s longevity.
In this article, Iโll explore three safe and effective alternatives to Toyota Type T-IV ATF from trusted brands like Castrol, Mobil, and Idemitsu.
Letโs get started!
Toyota Type T-IV ATF Equivalent
Note: There are many brands in the market that meet and even exceed the required T-IV ATF standards. It is safe to use them for your vehicle. However, it is advisable to do so only if your car is not under warranty. This means if your car is still under warranty, stick with OEM products. Most manufacturers will void the warranty if you use fluids that are not OEM.
Castrol Transmax Import ATF
Mobil 3309 ATF
Idemitsu ATF Type TLS (T-IV)
Related Post: Toyota WS Transmission Fluid Alternative
CASTROL Import Multi-Vehicle ATF
CASTROL Import Multi-Vehicle ATF
Castrol Transmax Import Multi-Vehicle meets Toyotaโs T-IV, among other specifications. It is designed for Japanese and other imported vehicles, covering most Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and similar makes. It exceeds the JASO-1A performance standard, the certification benchmark of Japanese automakers.
It is formulated to meet or exceed DEXRON-IIIH, MERCON, and MERCON V requirements, which covers a wide range of older automatic transmissions. It’s actually licensed and approved by Ford for MERCON V applications.
Transmax Import is not suitable for continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), even though it covers many other Honda and Acura applications. It also cannot be used where Ford Type F or GM DEXRON-VI fluids are required.
Compatible Standards:
Toyota/Lexus: Type T, T-III, and T-IV specifications
Honda/Acura: ATF-Z1 and ATF DW-1 specifications (excludes CVTs)
Nissan/Infiniti: Matic-D, Matic-J, and Matic-K fluids
Hyundai: SP-II and SP-III
Mitsubishi: Diamond SP-II and SP-III
Mazda: ATF M-V
Kia, Subaru, Volvo: All automatic transmission specifications
Aisin-Warner transmissions: JWS-3309 fluid
European vehicles: Where DEXRON-IIIH or MERCON is specified
- Improved friction resistance for efficient transmission performance
- Highly effective high-temperature resistance to prevent fluid oxidation
- Thermal stability for lubrication of the system in extreme weather
- Used in most Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and other imported vehicles
- The packaging is prone to leak
Mobil ATF 3309 (Mobil makes T-IV)
Mobil ATF 3309
Mobil ATF 3309 is formulated specifically for Aisin-Warner slip-controlled lock-up automatic transmissions. It is formulated for a specific transmission design challenge: slip-controlled lock-up torque converters. These systems require precise friction characteristics to prevent shudder while maintaining smooth power transfer.
Mobil ATF 3309 balances these competing demands across normal temperature ranges. The formulation delivers quiet operation and smooth shifts in approved applications. It resists oxidation for extended fluid life and maintains stable viscosity, meaning it won’t thin out excessively at high temperatures or thicken too much in cold weather.
Compatible Standards:
Aisin-Warner: JWS 3309 and GM 9986195
Toyota/Lexus: Type T-IV, T4, T-III, and T3
Audi: G-052-025-A2
Saturn: Vue and Ion (GM 9986195 specification)
Ford: Five Hundred and Montego (WSS-M2C924-A)
Porsche: Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo
Mitsubishi: Fuso FE (2005 and newer)
- Keeps the transmission system operates quietly and smoothly
- Provides excellent vehicle drivability
- Helps control transmission shudder
- Excellent wear control helps extend the transmission life
- Protects against rusting and corrosion
- Easily runs out of stocks
- The packaging is prone to damage
Idemitsu TLS
Idemitsu ATF Type TLS (T-IV)
Idemitsu ATF Type-TLS is engineered specifically for Toyota, Lexus, and Scion vehicles with conventional automatic transmissions requiring ATF T-IV. This is a factory-fill quality fluid, meaning it meets the same standards used in new vehicle production rather than just aftermarket service requirements.
This fluid is recommended for service-fill applications in all Toyota, Lexus, and Scion automatic transmissions where ATF T-IV is specified. Critical limitation: It’s only for conventional automatics, not continuously variable transmissions (CVTs).
If you own a Mini Cooper, Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport V6, this is not your best pick.
- Engineered for Asian vehicles with Type T-IV transmission specs
- Guarantees smooth shifting and outstanding anti-shudder performance by precisely engineered frictional characteristics
- Prevents from dust and slugde to keep the tranmsission clean
- Brings maximum protection to gears and bearings by advanced anti-wear technology
- Helps prevent transmission leak
- Sometimes it's hard to find at local stores
- High price
Related Post: Toyota Super Long Life Coolant Equivalent
What is Transmission Fluid Type T-IV
Transmission Fluid Type T-IV Specs
T-IV is an ATF released by Toyota for their automobiles. To make it stand out, all their licensed ATF have the Toyota logo. The absence of the logo means that you have no guarantee of the oils’ quality or meeting the specifications.
Before the T-IV automatic transmission fluid hit the market, there were other fluids. That is Type T, Type II, and Type T III. However, these oils could no longer fit into the newer transmission systems that needed specialized fluids for best performance. Type T-IV meets the needs of the Slip-Controlled Automatic Transmissions.
Also, the fluid can replace all the previous fluids, making it ideal even for older transmission systems.
Toyota ATF Type T-IV
Toyota Type T-IV ATF
Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV is the factory-specified conventional automatic transmission fluid for Toyota and Lexus vehicles equipped with Aisin-Warner transmissions requiring the JWS 3309 specification. Part number 00279-000T4 is the current retail packaging, typically sold in quart bottles.
This is a conventional (non-synthetic) ATF in factory fills and what Toyota dealers use for transmission services. Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV has an upper temperature rating of 225ยฐF, which is appropriate for the operating conditions in T-IV specification transmissions.
The main argument for genuine Toyota T-IV is it eliminates any compatibility questions. If your transmission requires T-IV, using the OEM fluid ensures you’re meeting the exact specification Toyota engineered the transmission around. This matters particularly if your vehicle is under warranty.
The trade-off is cost: genuine Toyota fluid typically costs more than multi-vehicle alternatives.
The fluid meets Toyota ATF Type T-IV and JWS 3309 requirements, with the typical T-IV viscosity profile of approximately 7.3 cSt at 100ยฐC and 34-35 cSt at 40ยฐC. This heavier viscosity (similar to Dexron III) is critical for proper hydraulic pressure and quiet operation in Aisin-Warner transmissions with Flex-Lock-Up technology.
There are 3 key features found in this fluid, namely:
- Thermal stability
The current transmission systems are more complex but more prone to breakage as vehicles go through different terrains and conditions. Thermal stability ensures that the fuel does not break down under heat, as this would cause oxidation, thus damaging the system. The fluid also continues to flow when cold for continuous performance. - Cleanliness
Additional detergents prevent the formation of dirt in fuel for optimum performance. - Optimized drain intervals
When the fuel drains well, there is proper lubrication, thus reducing sludge, corrosion, varnish, and rust formation. As a result, you will enjoy maximum fluid life.
Related Post: Bubbles In Transmission Fluid
Causes & Repair Guide
Frequently Asked Questions: Toyota ATF Type T-IV
What is Toyota ATF Type T-IV, and what specification does it meet?
Toyota ATF Type T-IV is the automatic transmission fluid specified for 4-speed and 5-speed Aisin-Warner transmissions introduced around 1997. The official technical specification is JWS 3309.
Because Aisin-Warner supplies transmissions to multiple manufacturers, T-IV also meets GM 9986195 and certain Volvo (P/N 1161540, 1161640) and Audi/VW (P/N G 055 025) specifications. Toyota introduced T-IV as the replacement for older Type T-II and T-III fluids.
Which vehicles and transmissions require T-IV?
T-IV is engineered specifically for Aisin-Warner slip-controlled lock-up automatic transmissions. These include models with Flex-Lock-Up (FLU) technology, where the torque converter clutch is allowed to slip during power transmission for smoother operation.
Specific transmission models include the AW55-50/51SN, AW50-42, AW42AWD, AW50AWD, AWF21, and TF80-SC (up to 2010). You’ll find these transmissions in Toyota, Lexus, and Scion vehicles, as well as Volvos, Saabs, Chevrolets, Volkswagens, Audis, Porsches, and other brands that use Aisin-Warner units.
What makes T-IV’s viscosity different from other ATFs?
T-IV has a relatively heavier viscosity profile, similar to Dexron III. Japanese automatic transmissions are designed around this viscosity range for proper and quiet operation.
Using thinner fluids with Dexron VI viscosity (common in American multi-vehicle ATFs) can cause transmission pump whine and overly soft shifts due to excessive slippage. The heavier viscosity provides the precise hydraulic pressure these transmissions need.
Is the genuine Toyota T-IV synthetic or conventional?
Genuine Toyota ATF Type T-IV sold in the American market is typically conventional (non-synthetic) ATF, though it does contain anti-foaming additives.
However, fully synthetic aftermarket alternatives are available that meet the T-IV specification, including Aisin AFW+, Toyota ATF TYPE T-IV, and Red Line D4 ATF. The synthetic versions offer improved thermal stability and oxidation resistance, though the conventional fluid meets all performance requirements when changed at proper intervals.
What performance characteristics distinguish T-IV from standard Dexron fluids?
T-IV contains special friction additives that set it apart from standard Dexron III, even though the viscosity is similar. The specification requires stability of Mu(v), the dynamic friction coefficient, which ensures smooth power transmission across all temperature ranges in lock-up torque converters.
The fluid must also provide excellent wear control, oxidation resistance, and shear stability (the ability to “stay-in-grade” despite mechanical stress).
Why does T-IV fluid turn dark so quickly?
Don’t be surprised if your T-IV fluid turns dark or even black fairly early in its service life. This is normal and documented by GM (regarding the Pontiac Vibe, which used the same Aisin transmission).
The color change happens because T-IV specification transmissions use carbon fiber clutch plates, which naturally shed material into the fluid. Dark color alone doesn’t indicate the fluid has failed or needs replacement.
Can I use Toyota WS fluid instead of T-IV in older transmissions?
9No. Although Toyota WS (World Standard, specification JWS 3324) is the successor fluid for newer transmissions, the two are not interchangeable in transmissions designed for T-IV.
The critical difference is viscosity. WS measures around 5.5 cSt at 100ยฐC, making it substantially thinner than T-IV’s 7.3 cSt at 100ยฐC. Using the thinner WS fluid in a transmission designed for T-IV’s heavier viscosity can cause inadequate hydraulic pressure, resulting in poor shift quality and potential damage. Always use the fluid specified for your transmission’s design generation.
Closing Thoughts
Ideally, it would be best if you use OEM fluids for your vehicle. After all, it is what the manufacturers recommend. However, the above fluids present a substitute that is equally good and functions well. In most cases, they are cheaper, hence an opportunity to save a buck or two.
If you have no choice but alternatives, I recommend picking Idemitsu TLS. This fluid is engineered for Asian vehicles with Type T-IV transmission specifications. You have no worries when using it.
Check Price at AmazonRelated Reads
- Nissan Matic Equivalent [S, D, J, K] Discover the best alternatives to Nissan Matic transmission fluids, providing insights into suitable equivalents for Toyota Type T-IV ATF – [Read More]
- Type A Transmission Fluid Equivalent Learn about the various equivalents to Type A transmission fluid, helping you identify compatible options for Toyota Type T-IV ATF – [Learn More]
- Mercon Lv Equivalent: Licensed Options Identify the best licensed options for Mercon LV transmission fluid, which can guide you in selecting the right equivalent for Toyota Type T-IV ATF – [Explore Now]
- Allison Transmission Fluid Type [With Best Products Review 2024] Understand the different types of transmission fluids for Allison transmissions to make an informed decision about substitutes for Toyota Type T-IV ATF – [Find Out More]
- What Power Steering Fluid Is Compatible With MS5931 Explore compatible alternatives for MS5931 power steering fluid to gain insights into choosing the best equivalent for Toyota Type T-IV ATF – [Discover More]
![Motorcraft Coolant Equivalent: [Orange & Premium Gold]](https://oilsadvisor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/motorcraft-coolant-1024x576.png)
