What is the Best transmission fluid for Volvo's?

KEWROCK · Post by **KEWROCK** » 16 Oct 2010, 12:03

'99 v70r awd 125k
Hey guys,
I've been using this ATF from Castrol. I've been doing the 50-75-87% procedure, only because my trans coolant lines are pretty rusty. I painted them down with rust converter a couple years ago. Now they're stable, I don't want to mess with them.

Anyway here's the specs:
CASTROL HIGH MILEAGE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID IS FOR USE IN MOST TRANSMISSIONS WITH OVER 75,000 MILES.
* Specially formulated for maximum transmission life in high mileage vehicles
o Additional seal conditioners help stop leaks
o Extra cleaning agents reduce varnish and sludge formation
o Protects against clutch wear and restores smooth shifting
* Newer cars will also benefit from Castrol High Mileage ATF

High Mileage ATF bottle
* Can be used in many vehicles including those that require:
o Ford MERCON® V (and prior)
o Chrysler ATF+3® (and prior)
o GM 2005 models and prior (not for use where DEXRON®-VI is required)
o Honda - ATF-Z1
o Hyundai
o Nissan - Matic-D, Matic-J, Matic-K
o Toyota - Type T, T-III, T-IV
o For a full list of applications, see the Product Data Sheet below.

It specifically states good up til DexIII but NOT DexIV compatible. But if you go to the Castrol DexIV page is says compatible with DexIII, but with no mention of their own DexIII high mileage version. My guess would be the DexIV is a synthetic blend. The synthetics might not be compatible with whatever additives the put in the high mileage version.

My opinion would be, if you don't know the service history stick with older type stuff. Or you could go with Mobil1 synthetic it's compatible with everything(double check the specs first). I knew my trans didn't have DexIV in it, so I felt safe using the High Mileage mix. A half of fluid change and some Lucas crap completely eliminated the the overdrive chattering.

Fabiano · Post by **Fabiano** » 17 Oct 2010, 12:49

I put this oil in my 1995 volvo 850 turbo? Sera will not give any problem?

http://www.ipdusa.com/version.asp?strPa ... V_ID=15196

Post by **Red-Arrow** » 18 Oct 2010, 12:51

No the 3309 spec is suppose to be a higher quality or rated oil so you have nothing to worry about. I just wish I could find it where I am locally!

Post by **jblackburn** » 18 Oct 2010, 18:38

Got a Toyota dealer nearby? The Type-IV Toyota fluid is the exact same stuff, and cheaper! They should know, Aisin is a division of Toyota that designed our transmissions.

BigRed · Post by **BigRed** » 19 Oct 2010, 07:09

jablackburn wrote:I did the 3 drain and fills with Dex-III, and then for the last one I used about 6 quarts of Dex-III and pumped it all out through the cooler hose til it started coughing. Then replaced, and for the last 6 I used the Mobil fluid...flushed through 3 (mostly old fluid), and then added the last 3 1/2. In terms of cost, I think the Mobil stuff was $8/qt, whereas the gallon jug of Dex-III was about $10.

If your car is shifting perfectly fine (mine wasn't) you don't need to use an expensive synthetic fluid. It helped mine out immensely though.

When you say 3 drain and fills, what procedure do you mean? After that you say all through the cooler hose, but was that just for the last 6 quarts?

Just this past weekend we have added another 850 Turbo to the family. This one a 1995 Sedan with 104K. The ATF is as black as motor oil, though does not smell burnt. It also does not smell like ATF, very weird. We do not know the service history, so lets assume it's never been done.

I am planning on doing the modified-modified-flush (forget who suggested it). Draining the pan through plug then replacing through dipstick opening with Dex/Merc. Then have it pump out through the cooler line and then start replacing it with Mobil 1 Synthetic.

I have gallon of Castrol Dex/Merc and 12 quarts of Mobil 1 Synthetic on hand. After the solenoid job I had to do in the '96 855 Turbo, I don't care what the cost for preventative maintenance on this one.

Post by **jblackburn** » 19 Oct 2010, 07:19

Sorry, I guess that wasn't entirely clear. I'll say things to students sometimes too and they just stare at me like...what?

For the drain and fills, use the transmission drain pan plug. I did 3 of those in sequence - about a week between each - I suggest you do at least 2 of these before changing out all of the fluid.

By then, the fluid looked pretty good at the stick, so I waited another 3 months (mostly just because I was busy) and then did a complete flush of 12 qts through the transmission cooler hose and switched the car to Mobil-1 fluid. I was having problems with my car dropping out of gear on hot days. There was still a bit of brown fluid in there, so it's something you should step up to once you think the transmission is ready for it.

BigRed · Post by **BigRed** » 19 Oct 2010, 07:47

jablackburn wrote:For the drain and fills, use the transmission drain pan plug. I did 3 of those in sequence - about a week between each - I suggest you do at least 2 of these before changing out all of the fluid.

I was wondering about slowly introducing it. So should I stick with Dex/Merc for the first 2 or 3 drains with driving in between? I'm assuming yes. What's the vote between Castrol Vs Valvoline Max Life High Mileage? I'm thinking the more generic Castrol since there may be modifiers/additives in the Max Life and I'll be switching over to Mobil 1 (hopefully!).

Post by **jblackburn** » 19 Oct 2010, 07:58

You're right on with all of that.

gadzhev79 · Post by **gadzhev79** » 25 Feb 2011, 19:14

Hi
help me please

I got 2001 Volvo V70 T5 and find this ATF

http://www.autobarn.net/oil25201.html

Guys check please that link and let me know if its a right one

Thank you

Post by **jblackburn** » 25 Feb 2011, 19:39

No. You need this for a 2001:

http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/Mot ... _3309.aspx

Or Toyota Type IV fluid.

What is the Best transmission fluid for Volvo's?

Re: What is the Best transmission fluid for Volvo's?