Scotty & Guys:
I'm the original owner: 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 47,092 miles. V6 Automatic, no codes... and no chance I ever sell it!
In the power steering reservoir is clear-ish PS fluid from the factory. The level has reached the "MIN" line & needs a bit added. The owners manual says us DexII or Dex III ATF. Any idea what the factory may have used for PS fluid? The reservoir cap does not indicate type and says "USE THE FLUID OF OUR SPECIFICATION". My thought is it cannot be a good idea to change (to ATF) away from what has worked. But, what is that fluid? Thanks guys.
If the car has factory fluid in it, it should have the same fluid as in the owner's manual, which is calling for ATF. Use what it calls for. I would get some from the dealer to make sure you have 100% the right fluid. New ATF is pink-ish clear when it's not very dirty and turns deeper red and eventually varnish brown as it wears out and is neglected.
Power steering is a hydraulic system and needs hydraulic fluid. It's not that picky.
Dexron is a hydraulic fluid.
Dexron IV is the latest synthetic fluid providing best performance (and backwards compatibility). It should work just fine.
I am quite sure the manufacturer used the cheapest ATF in the power steering they could buy.
Some manufacturers do use ATF in their power steering systems. Look in the owner's manual and find the PS fluid part number and go to your local 'yota dealer or online and buy some.
It may just be that there's no red dye in the atf fluid that they (Toyota) use in the power steering system.
Thanks, guys. Like any factory, Toyota in Japan probably did use a cheap PS fluid. The fluid from the factory is that gold/tan-ish clear. No pink or red ATF color ever. Who even knows if it was a synthetic type. I really doubt that. I'll be looking for some that is of the "clear", not red, variety that has a name brand.
the color is just dye. Dexron is a name brand.
Out of curiosity, I called the dealership this morning where I bought my FJ. I also buy the Toyota brand ATF I use to drain/fill all 5 of my Toyotas from them. I asked the guy I know at the parts counter what they use and he told me, "We go to the auto parts store where our account is and just buy a few cases of power steering fluid."