What is Transmission Fluid #31253 & Software Update 30677036

2001VolvoXC70 · Post by **2001VolvoXC70** » 25 Apr 2010, 01:49

I just bought my 01 xc and I asked the previous owner what has recently been serviced. He said;

"When i brought the car to Volvo they flushed the transmission oil and changed the filter! They put 12 liters original Volvo BG Synth. Transmission Fluid (31253) in the trany! So they changed the oil with a special machine which sucks the oil out of the cooler and the pipes as well. The oil was dark but not burned so they told me after this distance it looks normal!

Also put a new upgrade for the TCM Software on. The number is 30677036! They also scanned the codes and just told, if i really wanna know what the problem with the tranny is they have to open it up but it is probably a problem with the magnetic valves!"

Anyone know if Volvo Transmission Fluid # 31253 the same as the Mobil 3309 and Toyota type-IV recommended by everyone, or is it different? Also is this TCM Software update 30677036 the software update for the ETM/ECM recall #155 regarding the TPS irregularities, or is this something else?

Post by **JRL** » 25 Apr 2010, 05:02

Anyone know if Volvo Transmission Fluid # 31253 the same as the Mobil 3309 and Toyota type-IV recommended by everyone, or is it different? Also is this TCM Software update 30677036 the software update for the ETM/ECM recall #155 regarding the TPS irregularities, or is this something else?

No it's not and it's the INCORRECT fluid.

Recall 155 software has nothing to do with the transmission it's an ETM flash

Tranny software numbers keep changing, your car will only take the latest so don't sorry about that

2001VolvoXC70 · Post by **2001VolvoXC70** » 25 Apr 2010, 10:27

Well that's a shame. Sounds like they did a pretty thorough job changing the Tran fluid at the dealership. Since it is the incorrect fluid I guess I need to desperately have that changed. JRL...Would you recommend changing it the gibbons method, even though the two fluids are not the same, or should I take it back to the dealer it was serviced and pay them to suck out all the old stuff as they did before? I doubt they are going to admit it is the wrong stuff. What should I refer to when I say the wrong stuff was used and I request them to change it? Do you know the Volvo number for the right fluid to be used? I know the equivalent is Mobil 3309 and Toyota type-IV.

jda2000 · Post by **jda2000** » 25 Apr 2010, 11:57

If you have the paperwork for the tranny fluid flush, then I would go back and have them replace with the correct fluid(the mobil 3309), at no charge, since they installed the wrong fluid. Bring documentation that tranny fluid for the 2001 model year is the mobil 3309. Be nice but assertive.

2001VolvoXC70 · Post by **2001VolvoXC70** » 25 Apr 2010, 13:05

I have no paperwork for the tranny flush, so it may be a tough fight. Anyways how do I find the documentation that this is not the right fluid. I know there are several posts on this forum and others that state that JWS -3309 is the proper stuff, but the fluid change was made at the dealer, wouldn't they know what the proper fluid is. Is it possible that the Volvo BG Synth. Transmission Fluid (31253) is an equivalent to the 3309. Im going to call volvo tomorrow and find out what and why!

chef · Post by **chef** » 25 Apr 2010, 14:07

Hi there, actaully the volvo dealership near my house also uses the BG fluid as well as the volks that my wife brings her car to..it seems to be a really good fluid actually, i had it flushed at my local garage that also uses the bg stuff and was a bit cheaper then the dealership. I wouldn't worry about it too much actaully, if volvo is using it then i think it should be okay and if there is a real problem with it, then it should be volvo's responsibility.
Secondly, i had the software up date too, not sure if it's the same as you, but it was to help with the "hard" tranny downshift i was getting, it did help a bit and in the end they did a valve body job (change out the solenoids) and not it shift very well. i would have them ccheck this out as well, and if your car is still under warrenty, they might do it for free..have it checked out..
g'luck
fab

Post by **matthew1** » 25 Apr 2010, 14:21

Here's a Repair Database item by E170_Driver that describes a transmission drain + fill tutorial on a 2001 Volvo V70. He used an equivalent fluid and saved money.

Post by **confused_al** » 25 Apr 2010, 14:22

2001VolvoXC70 wrote:Anyways how do I find the documentation that this is not the right fluid

You can find those on your owner manual (pg. 139 Oil/fluid specifications and volumes ). If you dont have one, here it is:
https://www.customers.volvocars.com/own ... .htm#pg139
from which you will find
"Automatic Transmission Fluid
AW5: Only Volvo gearbox oil (1161540-8). Do not mix with other oils.
Volume: 7.9 US qts (7.5 liters)"
That 1161540-8 is JWS 3309.

Post by **JRL** » 25 Apr 2010, 18:22

Which IS 3309 (Volvo fluid)

2001VolvoXC70 · Post by **2001VolvoXC70** » 26 Apr 2010, 01:16

Thanks for the link, as I don't actually have the manual I'm sure it will come in handy

I wonder if anyone else is using this BG synthetic and what there remarks are. I don't mind doing the drain and refill but the manual says don't mix the 3309 fluid. If the BG is synthetic and the Mobil 3309 isn't Im thinking that the drain and fill technique isn't going to work so well. WHAT do you think I should do in this situation?