Parts for your 2000 Daihatsu Terios-Power steering fluid

2000 Daihatsu Terios power-steering-fluid — what it is, what to use, and how to look after it

Based on the Daihatsu Terios J100/J102 Owner’s Manual and the factory Service/Repair Manual (Steering section), the 2000 Daihatsu Terios is fitted with a conventional hydraulic power-steering system driven by a belt-driven pump. That means power-steering fluid is definitely relevant and required. Those technical sources specify automatic transmission fluid meeting DEXRON II or DEXRON III as the correct power-steering fluid, rather than a generic “PSF only” product.

On a 2000 Terios, the power-steering fluid does the heavy lifting for everyday steering. The pump pressurises the ATF, the rack uses that pressure to assist turning, and the fluid also lubricates and cools the pump and valves. When the fluid is fresh and at the right level, steering feels light, consistent and quiet. Let it get old or low, and the Terios will tell you about it with heavier steering, groans or a whining pump, and sometimes a bit of judder when parking.

For servicing, it’s smart to check the level and condition at every service visit. Use a quality ATF that meets DEXRON II or III. Most Terios reservoirs have a dipstick in the cap with COLD/HOT or MIN/MAX marks. Check on level ground, cold checks are easiest, and the fluid should sit near the COLD mark when the engine’s off. The colour should be red to reddish-brown and clear — if it’s dark, smells burnt, or looks milky/foamy, it’s due for a change or there’s aeration from a leak.

Replacement intervals vary with use and climate, but a practical target for a Terios is every 60,000–100,000 km or around 4–5 years. Many workshops will do a drain-and-fill or a gentle exchange via the return line. Expect roughly a litre for a basic refresh and a bit more for a full exchange. After refilling, bleed the system by starting the engine and turning the wheel slowly from lock to lock several times, topping up to the correct mark and watching for bubbles. Don’t overfill, and don’t mix in non-DEXRON fluids.

• Watch for leaks at the pump, hoses and rack boots, oily residue or wet boots are red flags.
• Replace cracked return hoses or tired clamps to prevent air ingress and foaming.
• A noisy pump after fresh fluid usually points to trapped air — re-bleed and recheck the level.

Keeping the right DEXRON II/III ATF in the Terios’ power steering is a small job that keeps the steering light, the pump quiet, and the rack happier for longer — exactly what Daihatsu’s manuals intend.

Popular questions about 2000 Daihatsu Terios power-steering-fluid

What power-steering fluid does a 2000 Daihatsu Terios use?

It uses automatic transmission fluid that meets DEXRON II or DEXRON III. That’s the spec called out in Daihatsu’s owner and service manuals for the hydraulic power-steering system. Skip generic “PSF only” products unless they clearly state DEXRON II/III compatibility.

How often should the Terios power-steering fluid be changed?

A sensible interval is every 60,000–100,000 km or about 4–5 years, sooner if the fluid turns dark, smells burnt, or the steering gets noisy. Check the level and condition at each service and top up only with the correct DEXRON II/III ATF.

How do you bleed the Terios power steering after a fluid change?

Fill to the COLD mark, start the engine, and slowly turn the wheel from lock to lock several times. Keep an eye on the reservoir and top up as the level drops, avoiding overfill. If the fluid foams, let it settle, then repeat until the fluid stays clear and the pump runs quiet.