2016 Volvo S90; wrong transmission oil?

T

ThomasC91

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Feb 21, 2025
Messages
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Hi all,

I'm really worried the garage I have used has put the wrong transmission oil in my 2016 Volvo s90 with the tg81 8 speed transmission.

On the invoice it says they used 7 litres of Auto Trans D iii oil, believe it is Napa branded.

Now, from research this appears to be a JWS 3309 oil, but my car needs JWS 3324.

Will this cause me problems in the long run?

I have noticed since the oil change it shifts a lot better, feels more responsive. Not that there was anything wrong with it before but at 76,000 miles I wanted a drain.

I only do around 7/8,000 miles a year.

Do you think I need to change this out immediately or can it wait a year and I'll get another drain with correct fluid when I next have it serviced?

Just worrying about it doing damage.

Thank you guys
 
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I am not a professional on this in any means but if it seems to shift ok that's a good sign. A long time ago Mobil 1 had an automatic transmission fluid that was approved for my Honda Civic and it would make a clunk when I put it in gear. I got rid of that immediately and after a couple drain and fills the noise was gone. Hopefully a Volvo expert can pipe in.
 
There's a thread here, "JWS, what would you choose?" Not an expert either, but the base and viscosity may be different. One more thing to worry about. I'd say if you're concerned, have it changed. But...if you do you may like the 3309 fluid better. Find out exactly what brand of fluid they used and do some research and comparisons.
 
the 3324 fluid is Low viscosity the 3309 is the old stuff.

the autotrans DIII looks more of a Dexron replacement or VOLVO 97340, 97341

I'd call them and ask. They will probably replace with the correct fluid at no charge if they are a reputable shop.
although I'd want several drain and fills or a full transmission fluid exchange to get most of the wrong fluid out.
 
ThomasC91 said:
Hi all,

I'm really worried the garage I have used has put the wrong transmission oil in my 2016 Volvo s90 with the tg81 8 speed transmission.

On the invoice it says they used 7 litres of Auto Trans D iii oil, believe it is Napa branded.

Now, from research this appears to be a JWS 3309 oil, but my car needs JWS 3324.

Will this cause me problems in the long run?

I have noticed since the oil change it shifts a lot better, feels more responsive. Not that there was anything wrong with it before but at 76,000 miles I wanted a drain.

I only do around 7/8,000 miles a year.

Do you think I need to change this out immediately or can it wait a year and I'll get another drain with correct fluid when I next have it serviced?

Just worrying about it doing damage.

Thank you guys
Click to expand...

I would change it to Toyota WS / JWS3324 (correct fluid) next month or so. Definitely not next year.
Napa Auto Trans D III isn't even 3309. But you could compare viscosity to Toyota WS and chance it if you are brave.

Ravenol ATF T-WS is good stuff.
 
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Rand said:
the 3324 fluid is Low viscosity the 3309 is the old stuff.

the autotrans DIII looks more of a Dexron replacement or VOLVO 97340, 97341

I'd call them and ask. They will probably replace with the correct fluid at no charge if they are a reputable shop.
although I'd want several drain and fills or a full transmission fluid exchange to get most of the wrong fluid out.
Click to expand...

Yeah the technical data sheet says Volvo 97340, 97341 which is the 3309.

I will look at getting it changed.
 
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Kalle.J said:
If you say so, I don't see any Volvo numbers.
Anyway its not a true 3309, Multi fluid if so.

Yeah I would too but doubt it will be damaged in short term so no panic necessary.

https://ecat-napalubricants.elcome.co.uk/oil/part/N306
Click to expand...
Type Product Code Description SEMI-SYNTHETIC ATF N306 Auto-Trans D III is a semi synthetic multi-purpose automatic transmission fluid for commercial and automotive vehicles. Benefits · Primarily designed for GM DEXRON III application · Long oil life · Improves clutch durability · Can be used as a power steering fluid · Excellent protection against wear · Low foaming tendencies · Compatible with all elastomers and other sealing materials · High thermal stability · Backwards compatible to DEXRON IID applications Specifications Always check the owner’s manual for the correct oil specification to use. · GM Dexron IIIH, IIIG, IID, TASA · Allison C4 · Allison TES-389 · Mercedes-Benz MB-236.10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, MB-236.1 · Caterpillar TO-2 · MAN 339F, 339 V2 &Z1 · Voith 55.6335.xx · Volvo 97341, 97340 · ZF TE-ML 02F, 03D, 04D, 09, 11A, 11B, 14A, 16L, 17C
 
  • VOLVO - STD 1273,25 (97325)
  • VOLVO - STD 1273,35 (97335)
  • VOLVO - STD 1273,37 (97337)
  • VOLVO - STD 1273,40 (97340)
  • VOLVO - STD 1273,41 (97341)
Seems like those are Volvo truck & heavy machinery article numbers, which makes more sense. Not Volvo cars.
Maybe some ATF multifluid specs DEX III together with JWS3309. But is not a real 3309.
 
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So, it shifts better, but you’re worried about it?

I don’t think the higher viscosity is going to make much difference.

It takes a trans at least 20 minutes to reach operating temperature, so, until that point, in every drive cycle from cold, your JWS 3324 is going to be thicker than specified. This JWS 3309 is doing the same thing, but lingering a few points above the specified viscosity at operating temperature.

In other words, The JWS 3309 is going to be just like the 3324. Every fluid is going to be thicker than the operating number, until the trans is fully warmed up. Most of the time, on short trips, your transmission fluid, any fluid, is thicker than specified because it hasn’t warmed up yet.

It shifts better - so that’s good - and it’s fresh - so that’s good.

But I can see that you’re going to lose sleep over this, so, get it changed out to something that meets specification.
 
Astro14 said:
So, it shifts better, but you’re worried about it?

I don’t think the higher viscosity is going to make much difference.

It takes a trans at least 20 minutes to reach operating temperature, so, until that point, in every drive cycle from cold, your JWS 3324 is going to be thicker than specified. This JWS 3309 is doing the same thing, but lingering a few points above the specified viscosity at operating temperature.

In other words, The JWS 3309 is going to be just like the 3324. Every fluid is going to be thicker than the operating number, until the trans is fully warmed up. Most of the time, on short trips, your transmission fluid, any fluid, is thicker than specified because it hasn’t warmed up yet.

It shifts better - so that’s good - and it’s fresh - so that’s good.

But I can see that you’re going to lose sleep over this, so, get it changed out to something that meets specification.
Click to expand...

Its a DEX III not 3309 :D
Not sure how much of a difference that makes though. Its just not the correct fluid.

1740232117109.webp


See search function. :sneaky:

K

Post in thread 'Drain and refill fluid substitute for Toyota WS?'

A few previous threads which may be of interest. For what it's worth I have been using Maxlife in my son-in-laws's Toyota which lists WS and it has been fine. No shudder or any other weird actions.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/toyota-ws-replacement.309183/
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/alternative-for-lexus-toyota-ws.318388/
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/maxlife-vs-toyota-ws.259357/
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/atf-amsoil-signature-vs-toyota-ws-vs-idemitsu.349309/...
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Astro14 said:
So, it shifts better, but you’re worried about it?

I don’t think the higher viscosity is going to make much difference.

It takes a trans at least 20 minutes to reach operating temperature, so, until that point, in every drive cycle from cold, your JWS 3324 is going to be thicker than specified. This JWS 3309 is doing the same thing, but lingering a few points above the specified viscosity at operating temperature.

In other words, The JWS 3309 is going to be just like the 3324. Every fluid is going to be thicker than the operating number, until the trans is fully warmed up. Most of the time, on short trips, your transmission fluid, any fluid, is thicker than specified because it hasn’t warmed up yet.

It shifts better - so that’s good - and it’s fresh - so that’s good.

But I can see that you’re going to lose sleep over this, so, get it changed out to something that meets specification.
Click to expand...

Yeah I'm worried about it because everyone says to make sure you use the correct fluid.

Wanted some reassurance as to whether it will be OK which you seem to think it will.

I don't want to unnecessarily spend more money unless I really need to or can wait

What's annoying is I specifically text the garage and said to use JWS 3324 and explained that 3309 is for older Volvo's. Garage said they would and yet they've used a multi spec dexron. I hate confrontation so don't want to complain. (Maybe it's a British thing)

I know I'm also overthinking it. I do with everything. Lol
 
I don't want to unnecessarily spend more money unless I really need to or can wait

What's annoying is I specifically text the garage and said to use JWS 3324 and explained that 3309 is for older Volvo's. Garage said they would and yet they've used a multi spec dexron. I hate confrontation so don't want to complain. (Maybe it's a British thing)
Click to expand...

You are a BITOG member, your bring your own oil to the garage from now on.
And they need to fix it free of charge.
 
ThomasC91 said:
Yeah I'm worried about it because everyone says to make sure you use the correct fluid.

Wanted some reassurance as to whether it will be OK which you seem to think it will.

I don't want to unnecessarily spend more money unless I really need to or can wait

What's annoying is I specifically text the garage and said to use JWS 3324 and explained that 3309 is for older Volvo's. Garage said they would and yet they've used a multi spec dexron. I hate confrontation so don't want to complain. (Maybe it's a British thing)

I know I'm also overthinking it. I do with everything. Lol
Click to expand...
I agree that the garage messed this up. I also don't think it's a huge deal. I dislike confrontation as well, and understand how you feel. I think they should, at the very least, offer to put in the correct fluid, free of charge.
 
Thanks for the replies 🙂 appreciated.

The guy is on holiday now.

Will just put it down to experience and get it changed out at some point. I only do around 8,000 miles a year. Will be bringing my own oil next time
 
Just out of interest when I compare the fluid they used and the fluid that should have been used the stats are similar which is reassuring as the idea on using 3324 over 3309 is thickness of the oil from my understanding. As more gears were added they needed to make the fluid thinner, also fuel benefits etc etc. I know that what they have used isn't proper 3309, but regardless.

Auto trans D iii;

viscosity at 100 = 5.8
Viscosity at 40 = 27.6
Viscosity index = 160
Viscosity at -40 = 9773
Flash point = 212

JWS 3324 (Westway lubricants)

Specific Gravity @ 15.6˚C : 0.845
Kinematic Viscosity @ 40˚C (cSt) : 27.00
Kinematic Viscosity @ 100˚C (cSt) : 6.00
Viscosity Index : 178
Flash Point (COC ˚C) : 190
Pour Point (˚C) : -53
 
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The KV40 and KV100 of the NAPA fluid and of the 3324 are for all intents and purposes identical. My only concern would be any difference in the additive packs. Y'all know what I'm about to say: "use the OEM or at least one that is equivalent".
 
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