S-70 AWD transmission

harrych · Post by **harrych** » 13 Apr 2006, 18:47

I read it further up that Volvo fluid is Mobil. I assume it is the same stuff I put last week. As I said I am thinking of flushing the transmission again maybe even on the next engine oil change which is in 3000miles. The local Napa store can order the Mobil3309 and I want to make sure it is exactly the same thing that Volvo sells. Regarding the transmission operation it is as smooth as it can be. I noticed when I was with Dexron that somehow I did not have the kick down so on overtaking maneuvers the engine alone was doing the job. Now after the change the kick down is back and when I step on the gas the tranny changes down then the engine is pulling and it feels like you sit inside a rocket launcher. Just bear in mind I have IPD ECU upgrade, this is not the ordinary S70AWD.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 13 Apr 2006, 21:22

Yes, the Mobil-3309 ATF is the same as Volvo's super expensive synthetic ATF. I've read this on all of the Volvo Forums now and from those who have done the flush with it. Glad to hear your report that it's working out for you.

I too have an IPD upgraded ECU. Just be aware that the dealer will try to upgrade your ETM software if you take your car to them for service. They have done this to others who had just taken theirs in for a simple oil change and told them they had done the upgrade after the service was complete. Let the dealer know that YOU REFUSE the ETM SOFTWARE UPGRADE from the onset. The reason? It will wipe out your IPD ECU upgrade. Just thought I would throw this in.

Keep us posted. I am still running Mobil Synthetic ATF (not the 3309) and my car runs beautifully so I see no reason to try to switch to the #3309 ATF without confirmation from others that it's okay for my car. Remember that mine is FWD and 4 speed Automatic.

White850Turbo · Post by **White850Turbo** » 14 Apr 2006, 19:13

There was some talk about the ETM dealer flash in the '99 & later forum at VS. IPD supposedly will reflash the ECU for free if it gets wiped by the dealer flash. I'd say that it'd be wise to call IPD up before you ever go to the dealer and tell them that you're planning on going and getting the ETM update and that you'll need your IPD ECU reflashed.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 14 Apr 2006, 19:30

I don't see the point...wait until IPD gets the latest ETM mapping figured out in their upgrade and let them reflash it then. Think about it:

1. You go to the dealer so he can flash your ECU to upgrade ETM functionality.
2. You get home, take your ECU out and send it to IPD for them to reflash your it to get rid of the ETM upgrade. In the meantime you are without your ECU so you can't drive your car.
3. Finally the ECU comes back. Now it is like it was before you took it to the dealer to have it flashed for the ETM upgrade. In otherwords, you don't have the ETM upgrade anymore and you just wasted postage and a bunch of time, not to mention the aggrivation.

Post by **JRL** » 14 Apr 2006, 21:23

You have to wait for ipd (and others) to get a car with the new Volvo flash so they can do a correct flash that will include the new upgrade. To date they cannot and will not be able to for a while

harrych · Post by **harrych** » 15 Apr 2006, 16:52

I am aware about this ETM problem but so far thanks God I haven't had any trouble. Regarding going to the dealer for good or for bad I live on an island and the nearest dealer is 40 miles in the mailand. It is I big hassle to go off island and I have not taken the car yet to the dealer and I hope I will not soon. I do all the maintenace myself. Thanks for the advice though. I will keep an eye on IPD and I'll see when they get the ETM upgrade and deal with them not the dealer. By the way with the IPD upgrade my S70AWD is a wolf in sheep's skin. I even played with 2002 M3 once. It beat me of course but you had to see the surprise on the drvers face that an edgy Volvo can keep up with its pace or at least for most of the time. Thank you IPD.

KEWROCK · Post by **KEWROCK** » 25 Sep 2007, 12:03

White850Turbo wrote:In this case, your dealer is right and the transmission shop needs to fess up and do what's right. Starting in 1999, the clutch materials in the Aisin Warner tranny used in the S70's were changed. For proper operation, they require a special type of fluid with proprietary friction modifiers, which can only be found in Mobil type 3309 fluid or the Volvo fluid made for the car, which will run you $18/quart. Normal Dexron III / Mercon fluid will lead to transmission failure. The special type of fluid is supplied in these cars from the factory and should be the only fluid ever run in them. The dealer is right about the service bulletin also. The transmission shop should've used the Type 3309 fluid. They are giving you the run-around and doctoring Volvo's service bulletin. Here is a copy of the service bulletin:

And here is a link to Mobil's page concerning the type 3309 fluid. Good luck getting the problem situated and please do keep us all updated and less us know if you have any more problems or questions.

hello forum,
I just bought a '99 Volvo V70R AWD. I've noticed transmission has a slight clunk going into overdrive, but the real problem is the chattering when accelerating out of overdrive. It only occasionaly chatters with a slight acceleration, if i pound it, it's fine every time. From previous experience (my old Lincoln) this problem was easily and permanantly cured with a partial fluid change and a bottle of Trans-medic brand additive.
I found this site just looking for time saving tips, as I am totally unfamiliar with Vovlo when i found this fluid issue. Now I'm very confused.
My vin# is YVILV62DXX2557119 Build date is 09/98 My selector says L3DNRP (4 speed??) The owner's manual says mercon/dextron, but now I'm reading here that there's a misprint. Volvo was no help, which leads me to believe I'd have a 50/50 chance getting the right fluid from them.
I only plan on changing the pan fluid, so I don't want any compatability problems either.
The bulletin posted above has 2000 in the blue heading. Is that model year covered or bulletin date?

Post by **JRL** » 25 Sep 2007, 12:07

The correct fluid is Dextron 3
(or Mobil 1 syn trans fluid)
You can put the 3309 in but I would just flush with Dex 3 first as 3309 is very expensive and usually not necessary on these 4 speeds
I would NOT use that trans RX stuff on these just yet.
Do a complete flush first

KEWROCK · Post by **KEWROCK** » 25 Sep 2007, 12:36

JRL wrote:The correct fluid is Dextron 3
(or Mobil 1 syn trans fluid)
You can put the 3309 in but I would just flush with Dex 3 first as 3309 is very expensive and usually not necessary on these 4 speeds
I would NOT use that trans RX stuff on these just yet.
Do a complete flush first

Thanks JRL,
that's kind of what i figured from reading the posts. But what about the service bulletin above, my car falls under those vin#'s. Unless the 2000 in the blue heading is model year, not bulletin date.
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Post by **MadeInJapan** » 25 Sep 2007, 15:13

Remember that the bulletin is for AWD only when it comes to the (up-to 2000) older cars. If yours is a FWD and not AWD, still stay with Dex. 3. or Mobil Synth ATF unless your car is a 5 speed auto, then it WILL take the newer Volvo or #3309 ATF anyway.