Suitable substitutes for the Toyota ATF-WS transmission or transaxle fluid?

Hello All:

I just joined PriusChat but have read numerous forums on the site for years which helped me with my 2017 Prius’s maintenance program. There seems to be a lively discussion regarding the use of other sourced WS-rated ATFs in the Prius CVT other than the genuine Toyota WS or Toyota’s CVT FE.

A quick check for other sources of WS-like fluids revealed that Redline has a fluid (D6 ATF) that has been successfully used in Prius CVTs for years.

And, a call today to Valvoline directed me to a recent update from Valvoline regarding their recommendations for various vehicles.

Information about Valvoline’s ATF on the website states the following: “Maxlife Multi-Vehicle transmission fluid is recommended for use in most belt and chain-driven continuously variable transmissions* and will not void new car warranties."

This source page references CVTs on page 4 - it states the Maxlife ATF works for both Toyota’s CVT FE and CVT TC. It’s my understanding that Toyota now recommends their branded CVT FE for the 2017 Prius.

NOTE: If you research, a photo of the Toyota’s CVT FE 4 liter can (08886-02505) states that the product is manufactured in Japan, but Exxon Mobil is also listed on the side of the 4 liter can. Interesting.

So, what to use? Use Toyota’s branded ATF if that makes you happy. I’ve used both Castrol’s WS-rated ATF once (couldn’t find the Valvoline ATF at Wally Mart) and used Valvoline’s Maxlife Multi-vehicle ATF three times in my 2017 Prius without any issues. On my next fluid change, I’ll think I’ll try Redline’s D6 just for fun.

NOTE: I’ve changed the Prius’s CVT fluid approximately every 25,000 miles (or about every 2 to 3 years) with the first change at about 5,000 miles. I changed it more often than most because my Prius was formerly driven in the 100+ degree summer heat in Texas.

NOTE: my 2017 has 96,000 miles to date.

Do your own research and use what makes you happy. And, no offenses intended to anyone regarding their Prius CVT fluid recommendations.


OlympicPNW

 

Since you have a 4th Generation Prius, it would probably be best to go to that forum
because you get better information for your Prius.

There is NO point in getting aftermarket transmission fluid. The cost difference is only
a dollar or two. So why risk using something that is supposed to be compatible when you
can get the correct fluid designed for you vehicle?

 

A dollar or two? Really.

I was quoted $18.95/quart for Toyota’s WS at a Toyota Dealership in Washington this week. The CVT requires 3.8 quarts. So, that’s $75.80 for 4 quarts; Wally Mart has a gallon of Valvoline Maxlife ATF for $25.92.

If my ciphering is correct, the Toyota brand costs $49.88 more for a CVT change not including state and local taxes.

And, the maintenance information on 3rd Generation Priuses is also beneficial for those than own 4th Gens as well.

Have a Good Day.

 

How much is a toasted transaxle going to cost? Probably reduce the car to scrap value. Not saying it's going to happen, but Toyota directly warns against using anything else, saying it may damage the transaxle. In the Owner's Manual.

 

Mendel,

Agree to disagree.

It seems several posters seem to believe that Toyota’s WS is more precious than Holy Water and cannot be replicated without an Act of God. That’s not only incorrect but also ludicrous.

Many reputable companies including Valvoline (wholly owned by Saudi Aramco), Redline, Amsoil, Castrol (wholly owned by the UK energy giant, BP), and other aftermarket producers of ATF-related products will state that they often have specific products that are formulated to meet or exceed Toyota’s WS fluid specifications.

That also includes the Japanese company, Aisin, because that company has the only actual WS branded fluid other than Toyota. As you are likely aware, Aisin manufactures Toyota’s Prius CVT along with most of Toyota’s traditional automatic transmissions.

So, are all of these well-known companies, including Aisin and a wholly-owned subsidiary of BP and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, falsely stating that their products meet or exceed Toyota’s WS specifications? Of course not. That’s not only highly prejudicial but also highly inflammatory to insinuate that their products don’t meet Toyota’s WS specifications when they state that their products are compliant.

Why is this even an issue, you may ask? Well, in the U.S., we have the Moss-Magnuson Act of 1975, and U.S. residents have certain rights including the following:

"Warrantors (in this case: Toyota) cannot require that only branded parts be used in order to retain the warranty.”

According to my Prius’s Warranty and Maintenance Guide, the powertrain is warranted for 60 months or 60,000 miles whichever comes first.

On page 729 of the 2017 Owner’s Manual, Toyota seems to be walking a very narrow line when the company states:

“Using transmission fluid other than Toyota Genuine ATF WS may cause deterioration in shift quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately damage the transmission of your vehicle.”

Wow, that’s a powerful and worrisome statement. That statement resonates almost like a requirement to use Toyota's WS or is it merely a recommendation in disguise? Or, is it a scare tactic by a auto manufacturer or possibly just a friendly warning?

So, Toyota’s statements regarding the use of Toyota’s WS in your Prius should be construed as recommendations and not requirements; otherwise, they would need to provide their WS fluids free to all Prius owners according to the Moss-Magnuson Act. It would be cost prohibitive for Toyota to provide their proprietary WS fluid to every consumer with a Prius for the life of their vehicle. Therefore, we see the rise of CVT fluids that meet or exceed Toyota’s WS fluid specifications because Toyota’s WS is very pricey in most areas.

The Moss-Magnuson Act encourages product competition by allowing consumers to use various aftermarket part sources, including those Brave Souls using non-Toyota WS fluids that meet or exceed Toyota’s WS specifications, which can be readily utilized without voiding Toyota’s manufacturer warranty.

So, any Prius owner can use a non-Toyota fluid that meets Toyota’s WS fluid requirements and Toyota can’t say Bupkis during the warranty period. After the warranty period, Toyota shouldn’t care.


Have a Good Day.

 

Wow, you're getting ripped... from both places. Twice as high from Toyota....
It's not like your changing that fluid every few thousand miles.
Check ebay, amazon, it is less there....

And maintenance is not necessarily the same....

 

I checked recently, when this ATF WS price topic came up. Can’t recall exactly, but I believe they quoted eleven something Canadian, per US quart. From a nearby dealership.

 

blah blah blah.....
So defensive.....
Use whatever you want.. use wd40, who cares?