Genuine Volvo ATF is NOT Mobil 3309...

Post by **vtl** » 07 Dec 2016, 21:11

... as proved by a complicated viscosity test

Not yet in my transmission, but that will be addressed pretty soon.

What I basically have is a slight jolts during upshifts. More pronounced when hot, less when cold. Tried too many JWS3309-compatible fluids: Mobil 3309, Idemitsu Type-TLS*, Valvoline MaxLive, Aisin 0T4, all kicks my back. The only exception, if memory does not lie, was Amsoil: with Amsoil transmission shifted too quick, it felt like somebody was stepping on car's tail.

[*] Idemitsu worked great in my other P2 wagon after I replaced the valve body. Though the engine was weaker than in XC70, way weaker.

Post by **oragex** » 08 Dec 2016, 04:07

vtl, can you do this test again and include the Toyota type-IV ? It would be interesting.
As for MaxLive no more for me, the fluid shrinks too much with temperature and in cold weather it just didn't behave like the mobil or toyota one.

Post by **vtl** » 08 Dec 2016, 08:42

oragex wrote:vtl, can you do this test again and include the Toyota type-IV ? It would be interesting.
As for MaxLive no more for me, the fluid shrinks too much with temperature and in cold weather it just didn't behave like the mobil or toyota one.

That was my feeling too: worked great during summer being mixed 50/50 with Mobil, but started misbehaving with the colds.

I'll grab a quart of T-IV.

Here's an earlier test (if that can be called a test

) for Aisin 0T4 and Mobil 3309:

keaunym · Post by **keaunym** » 08 Dec 2016, 09:31

I'm about to drain and fill my transmission. Transmission shifts beautifully and the fluid looks healthy red. It may or may not have been changed before--not sure the service history--just got it and it has 84,000 miles now.

What is the verdict? 12 quarts of Mobil 3309 was what I was about to order off of Amazon. What fluid should I use instead?

Post by **vtl** » 08 Dec 2016, 10:32

Mine did not ever shift properly since I started to play with aftermarket fluids at 79k. I'll try to find time this weekend and flush with OE ATF, will share experience.

keaunym · Post by **keaunym** » 08 Dec 2016, 11:20

What is the best source for Volvo fluid (lowest price per quart)?

Post by **vtl** » 08 Dec 2016, 11:43

I've got three 4 liters jugs for $172.69 (after 5% discount applied) from FCP, including free shipping. That is $14.39/liter.

Post by **JRL** » 08 Dec 2016, 12:30

Just because one person is stating something different after 15 years does not mean everyone should change their fluid practices
Mobil 3309 from Amazon is just fine (plus I believe vtl is incorrect but we can save that conversation for another day).

Post by **vtl** » 08 Dec 2016, 12:43

http://forums.swedespeed.com/showthread ... ost2371650

I saw same higher cSt in Volvo tech.manual for EU market found at one of UK sites.

You can continue using Mobil 3309 as long as it fit your needs. Mobil does not work well for me. Never worked.

Post by **vtl** » 10 Dec 2016, 07:55

Went through 11 litres. 2-3 upshift, which annoyed me most, is next to none now. Also car pulls much stronger.