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WS vs JWS 3324, notice the colored bold I did, it's impossible to know if another fluid is as good as the WS if the WS specs are not fully known. The best you have is some other ATF meets or exceeds JWS 3324.

I suspect Valvoline tests show that their ATF does meets or exceeds JWS 3324, but they simply don't show that in any labeling. Would need to make a list of the JWS 3324 specs and then ask Valvoline to show their numbers for each of the JWS 3324 specs.


When comparing the chemical composition of Toyota WS ATF to the JWS 3324 specification, it's important to note that both are proprietary formulations, and detailed chemical breakdowns are not fully disclosed to the public. However, we can compare their general chemical properties, additive packages, and performance characteristics based on available data.
🧪 1. Base Oil Composition

  • Toyota WS ATF:
    • Primarily formulated with Group III synthetic base oils (highly refined mineral oils with synthetic-like properties).
    • Some blends may include Group IV (PAO) synthetic oils for better thermal stability and oxidation resistance.
  • JWS 3324 Spec Fluids:
    • Typically require high-quality synthetic or semi-synthetic base oils, focusing on thermal stability and fuel efficiency.
    • Aisin’s specification leans towards Group III/IV blends, similar to Toyota WS.

⚗ 2. Additive Package

Both Toyota WS ATF and JWS 3324-spec fluids share common additive types, but their exact concentrations differ:

  • Friction Modifiers:
    • Optimized for smooth shifting with minimal clutch slippage.
    • Toyota WS uses a proprietary blend tailored to Toyota’s clutch materials.
    • JWS 3324 fluids must meet specific Aisin transmission friction requirements, often with slightly more aggressive modifiers for broader applications.
  • Anti-Wear Additives:
    • Zinc Dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) is used in small amounts for anti-wear protection.
    • Both fluids contain phosphorus and zinc, but Toyota WS may have a more conservative anti-wear package to reduce long-term metal fatigue.
  • Detergents & Dispersants:
    • Both use calcium and magnesium sulfonates to keep the transmission clean and prevent sludge buildup.
    • Toyota WS may have a higher detergent content for longer drain intervals.
  • Antioxidants:
    • Help resist oxidation under high-heat conditions.
    • Both fluids rely on amine- and phenolic-based antioxidants, with JWS 3324 fluids often having slightly more robust packages due to broader operating environments.

🌡 3. Viscosity & Thermal Properties

  • Viscosity at 100°C:
    • Toyota WS: ~5.5–6.0 cSt
    • JWS 3324 Spec: ~5.5–6.5 cSt
  • Viscosity Index (VI):
    • Toyota WS: 180–200
    • JWS 3324: Similar range, ensuring stability across temperature extremes.
  • Pour Point:
    • Both are around -45°C to -50°C, making them suitable for cold climates.

🔍 4. Key Differences

AspectToyota WS ATFJWS 3324 Spec Fluids
Base OilGroup III/IV synthetic blendSimilar Group III/IV blend
Friction ModifiersTailored for Toyota clutch materialsDesigned for broader Aisin applications
Anti-Wear AdditivesBalanced for longevityMay have higher ZDDP in some formulations
DetergentsHigh for extended drain intervalsSimilar, but varies by manufacturer
Oxidation StabilityVery high, optimized for Toyota specsHigh, with slight variations

⚠ Conclusion:

  • Toyota WS ATF meets and exceeds the JWS 3324 performance requirements, but with formulations specifically optimized for Toyota’s transmission design.
  • JWS 3324 fluids may have slight variations in additives to cover a broader range of Aisin transmissions across different car manufacturers.

If you're considering fluid interchangeability or looking for specific performance characteristics, lab analysis (like FTIR spectroscopy or elemental analysis) would provide more precise data. Let me know if you'd like to explore that in more detail!
 
Lots of good reading.


Here’s a list of ATF fluids that meet or exceed the JWS 3324 specification, commonly required for Aisin Warner transmissions and Toyota vehicles using WS ATF. These fluids are either officially approved or formulated to be compatible based on their performance characteristics.
OEM and Manufacturer-Approved Fluids:

  1. Toyota Genuine ATF WS – The original fluid meeting JWS 3324 specs.
  2. Mobil ATF 3324 – Specifically developed for Aisin transmissions requiring JWS 3324.
  3. Aisin ATF-0WS – Aisin’s own branded fluid, designed to meet JWS 3324.
  4. Lexus Genuine ATF WS – Identical to Toyota WS, meets the same spec.

🛢 Aftermarket ATF Fluids Compatible with JWS 3324:

(Note: These fluids claim compatibility, but always verify with the manufacturer for the latest specs.)

1. Valvoline:

  • Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF – Compatible with Toyota WS; not officially JWS 3324 certified but widely used.
  • Valvoline Import Multi-Vehicle ATF – Specifically formulated for Asian transmissions, including JWS 3324 applications.

2. Castrol:

  • Castrol Transmax ATF Import Multi-Vehicle – Designed for Japanese vehicles, compatible with JWS 3324.
  • Castrol Transmax ATF FE – Low-viscosity fluid, suitable for certain Aisin applications.

3. Idemitsu:

  • Idemitsu ATF Type-TLS-LV – Meets Toyota WS requirements, designed with JWS 3324 compatibility.
  • Idemitsu ATF Type-WS – A direct replacement for Toyota WS ATF.

4. Ravenol:

  • Ravenol ATF T-WS Lifetime – Meets and exceeds JWS 3324, formulated for Aisin transmissions.

5. Liqui Moly:

  • Liqui Moly Top Tec ATF 1200 – Claims compatibility with JWS 3324 and Toyota WS applications.

6. Red Line:

  • Red Line D6 ATF – High-performance synthetic ATF compatible with WS applications.

7. Amsoil:

  • Amsoil Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Synthetic ATF – Compatible with Toyota WS and JWS 3324 specs.
  • Amsoil OE Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF – Budget-friendly option with JWS 3324 compatibility.

8. Pentosin:

  • Pentosin ATF 6 – Designed for Aisin Warner transmissions, JWS 3324 compatible.

9. Shell:

  • Shell M-1375.4 ATF – Meets similar specs for Aisin transmissions, compatible with JWS 3324.

10. Fuchs:

  • Fuchs Titan ATF 4400 – Formulated for Asian automatic transmissions, JWS 3324 compatible.

Important Considerations:

  • OEM vs. Aftermarket: OEM fluids like Toyota WS and Mobil ATF 3324 are safest, especially for vehicles under warranty.
  • Compatibility vs. Certification: Some aftermarket brands claim compatibility based on performance but are not officially certified. Always verify with the manufacturer or check the product’s technical data sheet (TDS).
  • Transmission Sensitivity: Aisin transmissions can be sensitive to fluid differences, so use caution when selecting alternatives.

Are you looking for a recommendation based on a specific vehicle or driving condition?
 
More AI nonsense posted above.
WS and the 3324 is the SAME. Toyota just wants you to use their dealer network. And, each automaker using 3324, will have their own suppliers and PNs.
I wish there was a Toyota III/IV WS fluid. Otherwise I wouldn't have to shop in the aftermarket. WS is a group II.





Aisin PDF already posted earlier.


Pretty lame datasheet RAVENOL ATF T-WS Lifetime and if I don't pick Amsoil/HPL/Redline, you can bet that Ravenol will be used.

mj-331 - MITASU OIL CORPORATION, JAPAN and there are a few Japanese and Korean WS only fluids that seem similar to all of the above.
 
WS and the 3324 is the SAME
That's true from a meets or exceeds perspective. I need to pull up the JWS 3324 specs, I suspect it's a short list, and that's why many other ATF's can meet or exceed the spec, or in label terms "is compatible with". Word salad for sure.

No, Toyota WS ATF fluid is not exactly the same as the JWS 3324 specification, but it is based on and meets the JWS 3324 performance requirements.
🚗 Key Differences and Relationship:

  1. JWS 3324 Specification:
    • Developed by Aisin Warner (a major supplier of automatic transmissions to Toyota, Lexus, and other manufacturers).
    • It’s a performance standard that outlines requirements for viscosity, friction characteristics, oxidation stability, and thermal resistance.
    • Fluids meeting JWS 3324 are designed for modern, low-viscosity automatic transmissions to improve fuel efficiency and durability.
  2. Toyota WS ATF:
    • Toyota’s proprietary fluid, specifically engineered for Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
    • Formulated to meet and exceed JWS 3324 requirements, but with Toyota-specific additives and friction modifiers tailored for their unique transmission designs.
    • Toyota may have stricter internal quality controls beyond JWS 3324, especially for long-term wear protection and smooth shifting under various conditions.

🔍 Key Comparisons:

AspectToyota WS ATFJWS 3324 Spec
Base SpecificationBased on JWS 3324Aisin Warner standard
Viscosity at 100°C~5.5–6.0 cSt5.5–6.5 cSt
Friction ModifiersOptimized for Toyota clutch packsGeneral for Aisin transmissions
Additive PackageProprietary to ToyotaVaries by manufacturer
CompatibilityDesigned for Toyota & Lexus onlyUsed in various brands with Aisin systems
Warranty ConsiderationRequired for Toyota warranty coverageMay not be covered unless OEM-approved

Conclusion:

  • Toyota WS ATF = Meets JWS 3324 but includes proprietary optimizations.
  • If you’re driving a Toyota or Lexus, it’s safest to stick with WS ATF to maintain warranty coverage and ensure optimal transmission performance.
  • For vehicles using Aisin transmissions outside Toyota, many JWS 3324 fluids (like Mobil ATF 3324) are fully compatible.

Let me know if you’re considering a fluid swap—I can guide you based on your specific vehicle! 🚘
 
And Maxlife is now recommended for CVT applications :eek:
But everyone in YouTube has said that conventional ATF and CVTF are so different.

Yes recommended. Recomended BY VALVOLINE. Not by vehicle manufacturer. Toyota has several different ATF formulations for different vehicle lines. Valvoline says their fluid fits all of them as well as a bunch of different vehicle makes. BULLSHIT.
 
Are these al
Yes recommended. Recomended BY VALVOLINE. Not by vehicle manufacturer. Toyota has several different ATF formulations for different vehicle lines. Valvoline says their fluid fits all of them as well as a bunch of different vehicle makes. BULLSHIT.
If an oil meets or exceeds JWS 3324, then the rest does not matter, it's a performance spec. I believe all of the newer Toyota AISIN auto trans use WS that meets or exceeds JWS 3324 specs. If the bottle on Toy shelf says "WS" and WS is specified for all those vehicles, there is no special blend going on beyond their supplied WS. Is the "Lexus WS ATF" any different than the "Toyota WS ATF"? I suspect not.

I don't see a huge list of specs for JWS 3324, this makes it easy for others to blend and come up with a meets or exceeds. JWS 3324 are just the base specs that if met will work a-ok in the AISIN made transmissions that call for "WS" or "JWS 3324".



The JWS 3324 specification is a proprietary automatic transmission fluid (ATF) standard developed by Aisin Warner, primarily for use in modern Aisin transmissions found in vehicles like Toyota, Lexus, Volvo, Mini, and others. While the exact detailed specifications are not publicly disclosed due to proprietary restrictions, the standard focuses on specific performance metrics related to viscosity, thermal stability, friction behavior, and material compatibility.
🔍 Detailed Performance Specifications for JWS 3324:
1. Viscosity Specifications:

  • Kinematic Viscosity at 40°C: 25–35 cSt
  • Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C: 5.5–6.5 cSt
  • Viscosity Index (VI): ≥ 150 (ensures stable performance across temperature ranges)
  • Brookfield Viscosity at -40°C: ≤ 12,000 cP (cold start performance)
  • High-Temperature High-Shear (HTHS) Viscosity: ~2.8–3.0 cP at 150°C
2. Friction and Shudder Control:

  • Dynamic Friction Coefficient: Optimized to reduce shudder and ensure smooth torque converter clutch (TCC) engagement.
  • Anti-Shudder Durability Test: ≥ 300 hours without significant degradation.
  • Clutch Friction Material Compatibility: Maintains consistent friction properties with Aisin clutch materials.
3. Oxidation and Thermal Stability:

  • Oxidation Stability Test: Demonstrates resistance to sludge and varnish formation over extended high-temperature operation (>150°C).
  • Thermal Breakdown Resistance: Must withstand fluid degradation under sustained heat cycles for up to 1000 hours.
4. Shear Stability:

  • Shear Stability Index: Must maintain viscosity within specified limits after mechanical shear testing (ASTM D6278 or equivalent).
  • No significant viscosity loss after 20-hour shear test.
5. Wear Protection:

  • Four-Ball Wear Test: ≤ 0.4 mm wear scar diameter (ASTM D4172).
  • FZG Gear Test: Pass load stage ≥ 12 to ensure protection under high-pressure gear conditions.
  • Copper Corrosion Test: No corrosion after 3 hours at 150°C (ASTM D130, rating 1a).
6. Material Compatibility:

  • Seal Compatibility Test: No swelling, cracking, or hardening of rubber seals after exposure (ASTM D471).
  • Compatibility with Elastomers: NBR, HNBR, and fluoroelastomer materials commonly used in transmission seals.
7. Foaming Resistance:

  • Foam Test (ASTM D892):
    • Sequence I (at 24°C): ≤ 50 mL foam after 5 mins
    • Sequence II (at 93.5°C): ≤ 50 mL foam after 5 mins
    • Sequence III (re-test at 24°C): ≤ 50 mL foam after 5 mins
  • Rapid Air Release Test: Ensures quick dissipation of entrained air.
8. Fluid Longevity and Cleanliness:

  • Extended Drain Capability: Designed for fill-for-life applications in many vehicles (up to 150,000 miles under normal driving conditions).
  • Sludge and Deposit Control: No visible sludge formation after extended oxidation tests.
9. Volatility and Evaporation Loss:

  • Noack Volatility Test (ASTM D5800): ≤ 15% mass loss at 250°C.
  • Ensures minimal fluid loss in high-heat environments.
10. Miscellaneous Tests:

  • Color and Appearance: Typically red or pink with clear consistency.
  • Dielectric Strength: Must meet OEM-specific requirements for hybrid transmissions.

🚗 Key Takeaways:

  • Low Viscosity Design: Improves fuel efficiency without compromising wear protection.
  • Optimized for Aisin Transmissions: Specifically tailored to work with Aisin's hydraulic circuits, clutch packs, and solenoids.
  • Proprietary Nature: While third-party fluids claim to meet or exceed JWS 3324, the exact additive chemistry used by Toyota or Aisin may differ slightly for in-house brands like Toyota WS ATF.

If you're comparing specific ATF brands or need compatibility info for a particular vehicle, let me know—I can provide more tailored advice! 🚘
 
Notice in post #45 it says:
Toyota WS - Required for Toyota warranty coverage
Does Toyota make that statement anywhere?

If true that's a violation of the Moss-Magnuson Act. I suspect it's a false statement (it's false).......... thank you chatGPT for lying to me. ;)

Also, I learn, "meets or exceeds specs" is something different than "compatible".
You kinda need both, because oil blends can vary a lot even though both meet or exceed the performance specs. I guess technically you could have an ATF the met JWS 3324 specs but is not compatible with "Toyota WS" fluid, or not compatible with a specific transmission.
 
Where does it say the Mobil oil is Group II? JWS 3324 spec does not list Group II.
From what I can find, ExxonMobil uses Group III to make Toyota WS ATF.
In the SAE paper comparing the WS performance to TE. WS has been replaced by the TE for newer hybrid ecvt's and hybrid rear differentials.

Lowest bid fluid from any automaker doesn't surprise me.
 
Yes recommended. Recomended BY VALVOLINE. Not by vehicle manufacturer. Toyota has several different ATF formulations for different vehicle lines. Valvoline says their fluid fits all of them as well as a bunch of different vehicle makes. BULLSHIT.
Does Toyota recommend Mobil-1 or Kirkland or Castrol or Pennzoil motor oil? The user manuals for motor oil simply state a viscosity and an oil spec to adhere to as a "OEM Recommendation". Does the manual do the same for trans fluid? It should just say "ATF that meets JWS 3324 specifications".
 
The video is interesting and has lots of good info, but he never really says why the ATF's are bad, and around the 28min mark he claims the Castrol Transmax is just Mercon-5 but provides no test data or anything.

The PDF link I gave to Valvoline does say in it that they tested the oil, but I am not really sure how those test results turn their ATF into multi-make-model oil.

Is there any posts anywhere that is in realm of "I used Valvoline Maxlife ATF and 5yrs later my trans burned up"?
In the context of the video, where can the Maxlife ATF be used? I know it's being sold and used quite a bit, but I have not heard the stories of trans burn out. Maybe Valvoline is the parent company to Endurance auto insurance?
Should have used the Valvoline VI Extended life only!
 
I performed a full transmission fluid change on my 2011 Toyota Rav4 back in 2016 at 74K miles, using Valvoline MaxLife. Then, around 160K miles, I did a transmission pan-only change. Now, with about 175K miles on the vehicle, everything is running smoothly, and I haven’t encountered any issues with the transmission so far. Hopefully will keep on going. :)
 
I performed a full transmission fluid change on my 2011 Toyota Rav4 back in 2016 at 74K miles, using Valvoline MaxLife. Then, around 160K miles, I did a transmission pan-only change. Now, with about 175K miles on the vehicle, everything is running smoothly, and I haven’t encountered any issues with the transmission so far. Hopefully will keep on going. :)
I suspect Valvoline puts it's name & reputation on it's recommendation to use it for WS appliactions. The argument drums up about how that oil can be a "universal" oil for so many applications, and, they do not have any external certifications to JWS 3324 specs.

The product has been used a lot in AISIN auto trans, I mean a lot. I simply cannot find anyone posting up horror stories where Toyota or some other lab said the trans dies because owner used MaxLife ATF.

Question for you @UmDaMan , after you switched to MaxLife did the auto-shifting become smoother?
One thing I noticed as a theme with the Toyota WS ATF, is that it supposedly contains a lot more detergents than most oils the meet JWS 3324 specs. Toyota puts more to extend life of the fluid. So, with non-OEM WS I do suspect we should change the ATF in that 40-60kmi range. That's just anecdotal using the info I could find about WS and the others.

I am on 81kmi with OEM WS fill, I need to change it, probably will drop the pan and get UOA from Blackstone, etc.

I have yet to look, does the RAV trans pan have just one bolt, and inside is a riser straw? If so I have an idea to fab a bolt that has an inlet and an outlet on it, one to fill oil while the other allows overlfow to drain out. Something like this illustration. Would this help do a ATF fill? I can 3D print the whole thing.

Edit: I now see from online vids this plug design will not work. The fill stem needs to be in center and small enough to go up into the OEM straw. This was idea of mine, which seems like a no-go. When I did my lexus trans I simply put back exactly what came out, so will probably just do that again on the Rav.

Image
 
Won't help. Need to remove to drain and riser tube on those transmission that have them. K.I.S.S. when doing drain/refills.

Meets or exceeds doesn't mean bare minimum, since they include specs from multiple automakers. Most aftermarket fluids can beat the WS spec.

WS doesn't contain any more/less detergents than any other ATF. ATF's don't use much to begin with since there are no combustion byproducts to deal with. So, you noticed nothing.

Get a UOA on your used up WS fluid. You'll find out how bad it really is. I wouldn't use it for more than 30k miles and could care less what Toyota says.

Don't confuse 'extended life marketing' by Toyota, with aftermarket fluid that can last longer.

The certifications of the fluid spec come from the additives makers that make for all. The blender, whether OE ExxonMobil, or any non-OE, like ValvolineAmsoilRedlineCastrolPennzoil.... just blend as given for the spec. Afton/Lubrizol/Infineum/Oronite/Adeka/Vanderbilt.... all have blending formulas for pretty much anything you want to formulate.

Aisin, which obviously doesn't know much ;) about transmissions or fluids, has this to say.
Image



Image


And, Aisin offers a couple choices. You can use the OE equivalent or their "multi-vehicle" product. So, do you trust Aisin over Toyota marketing?


 
I second the use of Valvoline Max Life atf , From what I know WS is a mediocre atf , ( Non synthetic) as well . I knew I wanted to upgrade to a fully synthetic fluid asap on my 21' rav4. I did a drain and fill @ 25,000 kms ,,, The original WS fluid was VERY dark . Immediately I noticed an improvement in shift quality . I performed a second drain and fill at 40,000 kms , This time the fluid wasn't as bad as the initial service , but I knew I wanted to get as much of the remaining oem ws out . So I performed another drain and fill . Used my home laptop with the OEM toyota techstream software to reset the atf thermal degradation counter . and reset all learning adaptations. Now I'm at almost 60,000 kms and still have a great shifting transmission and a peace of mind knowing I got that crap fluid out of there . My next drain and fill with maxlife atf will be probably around the 70,000 mark .
 
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