School me on Volvo AT services, fluid specs, etc.

[dlundblad]

I was browsing a few Volvo forums to see what the spec'd ATF for my girlfriends 2002 Volvo s60 was. The stickied thread consisted of people arguing back and forth on what fluid will work vs what wont work. I always thought ATF was a synthetic blend, but apparently to them that isn't the case? Heck maybe I need schooled on transmission fluid in general. They said there was at least 3 different fluids that could be used over the vast Volvo selection. Once again, who knows..

Then I read on another forum that Volvo (per the owners manual) does not recommend servicing the transmission fluid unless you do a lot of heavy towing. WHAT?! Having the same fluid in the transmission for the life of the car doesn't fly well with me.

Anybody else's thoughts?

 

[Doog]

I agree...I threw out the Toyota "lifetime" ATF myth years ago and opted for a cooler line flush every 50,000 miles. Result: smooth shifting trans at 200k. I don't care what they say. The ATF that comes out at 50k is nasty. I do stick with the OEM ATf but change it more often. works for me.

 

[Trav]

Lots of good info..

http://www.freewebs.com/howardsvolvos/driveline.htm

 

[tommygunn]

I think they take 3309 (T-IV)

Maxlife will work well and is very popular on here. Another good cheap ATF is Mag 1 Low-Vis

 

[Bandito440]

Volvo uses primarily Mobil 3309 as far as I know. Toyota T-IV is the same and Castrol Transmax Import is a good substitute.

 

[drolds]

The drain and fill on these cars is very easy. Lifetime fill sounds more like new car marketing nonsense- what repair manual specified no fluid change? The 90s & 2000s Volvos I service have done extremely well with Amsoil's synthetic universal automatic trans fluid. It specified the JWS-3309 in a tech sheet for that fluid.

Dr. Olds

 

[Astro14]

You have the AW 55-50 and you need a JWS 3309. Toyota T-IV fits the bill. So does Mobil 3309. Buy the flush kit from IPD, it's the cheapest way to get new clips and o-rings for cooler lines. Don't buy fluid from the dealer. It's rebadged Mobil 3309 at 6 times the price.

2002 model AW 55-50s were known for premature failure due to valve body wear. I have some experience with this. You can read more here: http://www.volvoxc.com/0/resources/how-to/pdf/2002-V70-XC-Valve-Body-Replacement-Notes.pdf

 

[dlundblad]

Thanks for the info fellas!

I can get a case of 12 of the Mobil 3309 for about 60 on Amazon with free shipping.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: Astro14
You have the AW 55-50 and you need a JWS 3309. Toyota T-IV fits the bill. So does Mobil 3309. Buy the flush kit from IPD, it's the cheapest way to get new clips and o-rings for cooler lines. Don't buy fluid from the dealer. It's rebadged Mobil 3309 at 6 times the price.

2002 model AW 55-50s were known for premature failure due to valve body wear. I have some experience with this. You can read more here: http://www.volvoxc.com/0/resources/how-to/pdf/2002-V70-XC-Valve-Body-Replacement-Notes.pdf


OT: Thank you Astro,
Pages 5 and 6 is helpful in changing headlight bulb on driver side. Without removing the air box there is no room to replace the bulb.

Rebuilding the Valve Body is not a job anyone can do, after reading the link I don't think I can do it, even if I have all the tools and time.

 

[artificialist]

I have used Valvoline Maxlife and Castrol Transmax IMV with zero problems in cars that used ATF T-IV.

It costs less than T-IV, and performs better.