What is the Best transmission fluid for Volvo's?

[oragex]

To my opinion, despite both having the 3309 spec, Mobil 3309 and Toyota IV are not the same quality of fluid.

When I got my Volvo (100K miles), I did at first a 2qt fluid change with Toyota IV and immediately noticed a shifting similar to that in a new car. Then I did a 3qt change this time with the Mobil 3309 and the transmission started having hard shifting. Granted, both Mobil 3309 and Toyota IV have the 3309 specs, but I doubt it's the same quality of lubricant. I will flush as much fluid as I can and replace it with the Toyota brand.

I also found another guy who had a similar experience. Quoted below.

"I found out the hard way on this venture, here is what I want to let everyone who is questioning changing transmission fluid.
First off, DO NOT use Mobil 1 synthetic. Even though it is recommended for JWS 3309 and T-IV it will not work well at all, None of the gears engaged properly until it was hot, even then it still didn't seem to work like it should, so I ditched that went to the local 'yota dealership bought a case of T-IV (make sure it's not ws) Followed Vadis on changing procedures and all is well =D I've never had the car shift so smoothly!"

[instarx]

To my opinion, despite both having the 3309 spec, Mobil 3309 and Toyota IV are not the same quality of fluid.

When I got my Volvo (100K miles), I did at first a 2qt fluid change with Toyota IV and immediately noticed a shifting similar to that in a new car. Then I did a 3qt change this time with the Mobil 3309 and the transmission started having hard shifting.

Well there is your problem - you mixed 3309 and dex. You can't do that.

Last year, confused by all the conflicting opinions on ATFs. I called Mobil Tech Support and just asked them. They said with no uncertainty that 3309 oils and Dex oils cannot be mixed. They didn't even say they didn't recommend mixing them, they said they can't be mixed. So to change to a 3309 type ATF from Dex you have to change it all at once.

I'm not surprised you started having trouble when you got close to a 50/50 mix, but I suspect if you had added three quarts of the Toyota 3309 instead of Mobil you would have had the exact same problem.

[jblackburn]

To my opinion, despite both having the 3309 spec, Mobil 3309 and Toyota IV are not the same quality of fluid.

When I got my Volvo (100K miles), I did at first a 2qt fluid change with Toyota IV and immediately noticed a shifting similar to that in a new car. Then I did a 3qt change this time with the Mobil 3309 and the transmission started having hard shifting.

Well there is your problem - you mixed 3309 and dex. You can't do that.

Last year, confused by all the conflicting opinions on ATFs. I called Mobil Tech Support and just asked them. They said with no uncertainty that 3309 oils and Dex oils cannot be mixed. They didn't even say they didn't recommend mixing them, they said they can't be mixed. So to change to a 3309 type ATF from Dex you have to change it all at once.

I'm not surprised you started having trouble when you got close to a 50/50 mix, but I suspect if you had added three quarts of the Toyota 3309 instead of Mobil you would have had the exact same problem.

The S60 in his sig should have had 3309 in the first place, not Dex.

[instarx]

Ah, a 2003 - I didn't check his model year since this is the 1992-2000 forum. Oh well. Still useful info for would-be changers.

[oragex]

To my opinion, despite both having the 3309 spec, Mobil 3309 and Toyota IV are not the same quality of fluid.

When I got my Volvo (100K miles), I did at first a 2qt fluid change with Toyota IV and immediately noticed a shifting similar to that in a new car. Then I did a 3qt change this time with the Mobil 3309 and the transmission started having hard shifting.

Well there is your problem - you mixed 3309 and dex. You can't do that.

Last year, confused by all the conflicting opinions on ATFs. I called Mobil Tech Support and just asked them. They said with no uncertainty that 3309 oils and Dex oils cannot be mixed. They didn't even say they didn't recommend mixing them, they said they can't be mixed. So to change to a 3309 type ATF from Dex you have to change it all at once.

I'm not surprised you started having trouble when you got close to a 50/50 mix, but I suspect if you had added three quarts of the Toyota 3309 instead of Mobil you would have had the exact same problem.

When you say Dex fluids, you mean there was Dex already in the transmission? It's a 5 speed 2003 S60, I suppose it was the original fluid never changed before. Doesn't the 5 speed originally had the 3309?

[jblackburn]

When you say Dex fluids, you mean there was Dex already in the transmission? It's a 5 speed 2003 S60, I suppose it was the original fluid never changed before. Doesn't the 5 speed originally had the 3309?

Yes, you originally had the 3309. No need to worry.

[instarx]

Yes, I made a mistake. I thought your car was in the 1992-2000 year range, which had Dexron fluids, not 3309 fluid that came in your transmission.

[1999S70B]

I have a 1999 S70 with the AW 50-42. On FCP Euro, the Volvo brand ATF, p/n 1161540 says this in the description:
"Genuine Volvo replacement transmission fluid

The only oil approved for the 5 and 6 speed automatic transmissions is JWS 3309. None of the other fluids available on the market have been evaluated by Volvo to meet the requirements of these specific transmissions regarding: shift quality, slipping lock-up functionality and transmission durability. This fluid is also recommended to address two complaints on the AW 50-42; Harsh Lock-Up engagement/disengagement and squeaking noise during low speed turns."(Italics mine)

Has anyone tried this upgrade? Is there any possible long-term negative side effects?
At 108k miles I am thinking of changing the fluid soon and am looking for the best option.

[hollan62]

Ive been using Valvoline import multi vehicle full synthetic for a year, seems fine

[Bogdan]

'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.

On my 2003 S60 2.4 that was flaring from 3rd gear when hot, I did 3 drains and fills with Toyota T-IV made in Markham-ON, with no success in eliminating the flaring.
Then I replaced my B4 servo cover, with no success. I was considering valve replacing vs. scrapping the car, inclining towards latest.
Then I did 3 drains and fills on my wife's 2006 S60, for she was feeling flares to the 3rd gear, which did nothing.
Then I changed my T-IV atf with CASTROL TRANSMAX Full Synthetic Multi-vehicle (3 drains) and the flares were gone.
Then my wife's with the same Castrol and the flares are gone. I suspect the T-IV batch was wrong so guys around here in Ontario, don't scrap your Volvo (yet) like I almost did, do a final try with this atf.