[mitmaks]

We have 96 lexus es300 with auto trans. On dipstick it says Dexron II but nobody sells it anymore and there's Dexron III out there. Can I use Dexron III in my trans or go with something else.

[T-bucket23]

Dextron versions are backward compatible , III can be used where II is required

[LATECH]

Originally Posted by T-bucket23

Dextron versions are backward compatible , III can be used where II is required

X 2 ... I run the dex III in my 96 Camry and she runs fine at 190,000 miles
I wouldnt run anything more refined than the Dex III, like a full synthetic. Seems to me I read some where it could be a little problematic for older toyotas like ours. The Dex III has been just fine so far.

[mitmaks]

Originally Posted by latech

X 2 ... I run the dex III in my 96 Camry and she runs fine at 190,000 miles
I wouldnt run anything more refined than the Dex III, like a full synthetic. Seems to me I read some where it could be a little problematic for older toyotas like ours. The Dex III has been just fine so far.

thanks for replies guys. I will pick up half a dozen Chevron Dex III tomorrow and a filter and change it out this weekend.

[mitmaks]

There's nothing available besides Dex/merc or Dexron VI. I got Dexron VI which is synthetic. Supposed to be backwards compatible, or should I get Dex/merc mix (Merc is for Fords only right?)

[LATECH]

Originally Posted by mitmaks

There's nothing available besides Dex/merc or Dexron VI. I got Dexron VI which is synthetic. Supposed to be backwards compatible, or should I get Dex/merc mix (Merc is for Fords only right?)

Try shopping around. Dexron III is still available, maybe just not at the store you are looking in.
Stay away from the synthetic fluids for your lexus. Trust me, it wont like it.

[mitmaks]

Originally Posted by latech

Try shopping around. Dexron III is still available, maybe just not at the store you are looking in.
Stay away from the synthetic fluids for your lexus. Trust me, it wont like it.

Should I go with Dex/Merc then, since I don't see Dex III anywhere
Dex/Merc says its compatible with all the trans where Dex II calls for.

[GypsyR]

The parts store fluid bottles should say "Dexron III/Mercon". I do recall seeing some that left off the "III" bit but they do have it on the back in smaller print. Same thing. Both fluids are close enough to being the same thing to be interchangeable so oil companines just sell the one type. No one but Ford bothers to label theirs just "Mercon" and probably only GM calls their just "Dexron III".
There are other fluids such as Mercon V, Mercon SP, Dexron VI, etc and they are all very different animals. Other newer foreign vehicles also have unique fluids and with some of them you'd best use the exact correct stuff or prepare to discover expensive reasons why. So asking what fluid might show your ignorance but asking and double checking to make sure you are getting the correct stuff is very smart.

[mitmaks]

So Dexron III/Merc then? I did read each bottle and they said they were backwards compatible where Dex II is required.

[Hogg]

Dexron III hasnt been available around here for a while. Dexron VI is reverse compatible for any trans speccing for Dexron III. GM needed the Dexron VI for the newer 6 speed autos like the 6l80e and 6l90e.

peace
Hog

[mitmaks]

went with Valvoline MaxLife