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WS Fluid Vs Supertech mercon V (walmart)

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by project_tl, Apr 20, 2009.

  1. project_tl

    project_tl Junior Member

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    I wanted to know if anyone noticed that the walmart brand (super Tech) mercon V states that it is compatible with toyota WS Fluid. It also states that it is compatible to the Honda Z-1 fluid. I know that the Honda fluid standards are really high, as is the WS fluid standard. Does anyone know if it really hits the standards put out by the companies that they are replacing? also does anyone know who manufactures the product?

    thanks,
    Joe
     
    #1 project_tl, Apr 20, 2009
  2. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    If I recall, a gallon of WS (or 4 liters) wasn't more than $25 last time I bought it from a dealer. Cheap insurance IMHO to go w/ OEM.
     
    #2 HTMLSpinnr, Apr 20, 2009
  3. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    Yes, I noticed this. Do I trust it enough to try it in my car? No. I don't know who makes the Walmart brand ATF.

    I bought WS fluid at the local dealer for $5.20 / qt.
     
    #3 dogfriend, Apr 20, 2009
  4. xsmatt81

    xsmatt81 non-AARP Member

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    Mercon V is mainly for GM/Ford trans if Im not mistaken

    like others said it's probably best to stick with the WS fluid, and it's not expensive..you only need 4 quarts or so.

    it's pretty much the same trans fluid they put in the Tundra..so it last a long time.
     
    #4 xsmatt81, Apr 25, 2009
  5. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    $40 Australian for a 4 litre can of WS fluid, $6,000 maybe for a new HSD transmission. I need to think about whether I want to take the chance with something other than WS every 100,000 kilometres? If I bought some other transmission fluid for say $25AU for 4 litres I can save $45AU over the life of the vehicle as long as it doesn't cause a catastrophic failure, in which case it might cost me $6,000 or maybe $1000 if I use a salvage HSD transmission.

    I think I'll pass on the cheap fluid.

    ($6,000 and $1000 is a wild guess only)
    (Saving of $45 is over my expected ownership of the vehicle, 300,000km and changing the trans fluid at 100,000km intervals which is 2/3 the recommended interval)
     
    #5 patsparks, Apr 25, 2009
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