Dex 3 is what Toyota specifies. What’s in there now? I have no issues using clear power steering fluid from the auto parts store.

Sixto
‘04 LE FWD 227K miles

 

I believe the fluid in there now is original

 

Dex 3 ATF. Brand doesn't really matter. It's really just used for its hydraulic (and probably lubrication/cooling) properties. I have a bottle of Dex3 ATF that I use for turkey baster drain and fills. It works just fine.

 

Thanks Bill and sixto, I'll just use some Dexron 3 ATF that I already have in my garage for other vehicles.

 

I'll just use some Dexron 3 ATF that I already have in my garage for other vehicles.

That should work. I installed a rebuilt rack a few years ago and based on testimonials here I used Valvoline Max Life atf. So far so good. However I still questioned my choice and reached out to the rebuilder who said that whatever is in the Owners Manual I can use which is Dex3. I don't think atf is as hygroscopic as old brake fluid so I think you are good to go.

 

I have owned a few Hondas and they are very particular about using only Honda fluid. I've seen non-Honda fluid cause leaks so I've always stuck with OEM Honda fluid. This is probably why I wanted to ask the question about deviating from OEM Toyota fluid (this is my first Toyota).

 

Usually that happens when people switch to "better" fluid. I've seen people here switch to some multi-spec, full-synthetic fluids and then have leaks that they didn't have (or, more likely, didn't notice) before. Or, worse, they switch, the fluid starts leaking through a very slow leak that they never noticed, because their mechanic topped off the fluid as a courtesy but never said it was leaking. The new stuff is thinner, so it ends up leaking a little faster, the fluid runs down a little faster, sucks a few bubbles into the system, then someone complains about PS pump noise after switching/adding fluids. There's something to be said for, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it..."

BTW, the actual transmission fluid (as opposed to the ATF used for the PS) is really the only real temperamental one. It seems that some people (but not everyone, probably due to wear plus manufacturing tolerances) make a swich on that and have troubles. Other than that, coolant really just needs to be the "right" one, which has had some debate here between red vs. pink and a little less debate over the TLL vs. the TSLL versions.

 

Bill, I always appreciate your input. I'm putting new Toyota WS fluid into the used transmission and will decide in 30k-40k miles whether or not to switch back to Amsoil. I'm curious to see if it shifts any differently with the WS fluid. I am a big Amsoil fan but I can also appreciate the "safe route" of using OEM fluids. Regarding coolant, I try to stick with OEM even though it costs more in order to avoid chemistry problems. : )

 

Yes...there is something different about Honda power steering fluid. Thanks for the confirmation on using any Dex III fluid in our van. I have some leftover from our old Mazda MVP that I need to use so it doesn't get wasted.

 

Digressing, I have to top the coolant of the ‘13 Fiesta. Ford says it would have gold/G-05 or orange/Dex Cool. It has red coolant! Is there red coolant other than Toyota spec?

Sixto
‘04 LE FWD 227K miles

 

I can't answer that, hopefully someone else can.

 

The cap on the reservoir should state ATF, my 06 does.

 

It’s a Duratec 1.6. I think they’re all made in Spain.

I’m pretty sure it’s not original coolant. My guess is the PO used Toyota and I’ll keep using Toyota since it works. The haven’t found another spec of coolant that’s red.

Sixto
‘04 LE FWD 227K miles

 

Please see my '2005 Sienna fluid list from Toyota' post.
Thanks,