5 speed auto trany fluid

dozzy · Post by **dozzy** » 26 Feb 2011, 17:57

i have a 2000 s70 with the 5 speed automatic. i wanted to change the fluid because of it being dark in color so i called the local dealership to ask what fluid is recommended and to my luck it was the volvo specific oil that is $25 a quart! but the service manager hooked me up with a cheaper alternative. Valvoline max life DEX-MERC is compatible with the "SPECIAL" fluid requirements. the max life fluid sells for $4-$6 a qt. much cheaper than the volvo fluid. according to the dealer if your trans dip stick is short and a "B" to get to then you need the special fluid. if its regular length and easy to get to then u can use regular tranny fluid. just wanted to put this out there with hopes that it will ease the stress on pocket books when it comes time to change yours

Post by **JRL** » 26 Feb 2011, 20:39

WRONG FLUID
Just go to your neighborhood Toyota dealer and buy a case of Toyota Type IV fluid
Same stuff as the Volvo fluid (Mobil 3309) for about 5-6 bucks a quart

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 27 Feb 2011, 09:17

+1

Please tell me you did not put that fluid in your car. If you did, flush it out ASAP. That stuff will only work on the older 850 auto transmissions. The newer S70 uses the fluid that JRL mentioned above.

Post by **jimmy57** » 27 Feb 2011, 10:27

Valvoline lists this as a Toyota T-IV and JWS 3309 fluid.
Valvoline says it works.
Volvo only did the approval on their own branded JWS 3309.
Technically Volvo does not condone use of Toyota T-IV fluids.
Who the hell REALLY knows whether it is OK or not?
Valvoline lists it as approved for a number of uses but so does Amsoil for their synthetic.
Many dealers using flush equipment are using the flush machine company's proprietary fluid with a bottle of juice added to that is supposed to be the specific additives and it is working.
I'm not too cool with ATF's that cover broad applications of fluids purportedly to be so different.
The JWS 3309 is a lower viscosity fluid and it's required additive package has a huge focus on letting the slipping lock-up torque converter function and also the previously employed neutral control work with fewer side effects. SO much for the neutral control thing.....

That service manger is probably a dealer using flush equipment that uses Valvoline's product they spec for Volvo 5 Speeds.

Oh, by the way, Volvo now has a new fluid for the 6 speeds effective 2011.

dozzy · Post by **dozzy** » 01 Mar 2011, 18:22

i did put the fluid in my car and have yet to see any problems. the spec. numbers on the back of the bottle matched that of the one listed in my owners manual so......... i don't see the big deal? whats all this about the JWS 3309? I have yet to come across those #'s anywhere in my manual. someone please give me the "RIGHT" answer to all this. everyones help is greatly appreciated

dozzy · Post by **dozzy** » 01 Mar 2011, 19:16

i have the aw50-50 5 speed and the manual says to use fluids meeting spec.1161540-8 and on the bottle of max life it shows that it meets the requirements of volvo 1161540. seems like it should be ok to me. just trying to get to the bottom of all this

cdnbluez · Post by **cdnbluez** » 01 Mar 2011, 21:48

Its simple, you need 3309 compatible, and nothing else.

Post by **JRL** » 02 Mar 2011, 07:42

dozzy wrote:i have the aw50-50 5 speed and the manual says to use fluids meeting spec.1161540-8 and on the bottle of max life it shows that it meets the requirements of volvo 1161540. seems like it should be ok to me. just trying to get to the bottom of all this

BTW another reason why you're reading that, 3309 was not developed in 2001-2003 which is another reason for so many failures in early 5 speeds

Post by **precopster** » 07 Mar 2011, 06:08

I've been a member of this forum for about six months. During that time I've learned one thing:

LISTEN TO JRL

He knows his Volvos (and transmissions)

Get that fluid out of there and either put in the factory stuff or the Toyota spec stuff JRL advised on.

wadew2lt · Post by **wadew2lt** » 10 Mar 2012, 15:55

cdnbluez wrote:Its simple, you need 3309 compatible, and nothing else.

So the Mobil 3309 OR the Toyota T-IV will work for my 04 S60 2.5T AWD (Calling for 1161540-8)?

I have a spec sheet from Mobiloil.com stating Mobil ATF 3309 is approved for Type T-IV, JWS 3309, GM 9986195 leading me to believe that all these will work. Am I confused?