'97 850 Transmission fluid?

[TheOfficialArgo]

So I'm the proud owner of a 1997 850 (naturally aspirated, automatic), and while doing the regular new-used car maintenance checks, I looked at the transmission fluid and the level is ok (beginning to be low), but the colour is looking kinda dark and it's almost certainly original (155k kms btw). The manual doesn't mention changing the fluid (of course) but it mentions that it uses Dexron III fluid. Since DexIII isn't really a thing anymore, is it a good idea to use Dexron VI? I've heard it's not truly backwards compatible with non-GM DexIII transmissions. I'm also a little timid to use the Valvoline "every brand ATF" because all the reviews seem bought and paid for and it all smells like BS to me. What have you folks used?

[scot850]

Dex111 is still out there. Volvo originally said the transmissions were sealed for life. Now they changed that to 80,000km fluid changes.

There are various methods of doing fluid changes, but the one many use is to do a dump and fill at each engine oil change. Use a new crush washer each time. It should use about 3.5 liters. Check the level with the engine running.

https://www.amazon.ca/Castrol-Transmax- ... d_source=1

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/valv ... #store=299

Neil.

[abscate]

Jimmy57 , a Volvo guru who is actually a Volvo tech, has blessed Dexron VI for p80s so I use it in all my AT p80 cars.

The Valvoline Maxlife product is affordable and I’ve had good history with it

[jreed]

I can recommend the Castrol Transmax High Mileage ATF -- been using it for about 8 years in our 97 855 with smooth shifting.