Castrol Transmax High mileage ATF

wlkstout · Post by **wlkstout** » 31 Jan 2018, 20:43

Started doing the drain and fills in the 98 v70 the other day. Used 2 qrts of Castrol HM and the rest was Supertech High mileage atf. Walmart was out of the Castrol Hm. This was the 1st time using Castrol ATF, usually use Maxlife but my local Walmart switched to Castrol ATF's. I can get Maxlife at the parts store but it's $10 more/gal. I have used the ST High mileage before in my truck and Oldsmobiles and have had no issues with it but wanted to use a full synthetic atf. And the ST HM is not synthetic but maybe I might just use it and change it more often.

Has anyone used and had issues with the Castrol HM or has it been ok for you?

Post by **erikv11** » 01 Feb 2018, 09:49

I use the regular, cheapest Supertech on all of my 95-98 Volvos, including the high mileage one. After a full change to bright pink (14 quarts via the hose) when I first get the car, I do the ~4 quart drain-and-fill every 30k.

Post by **ZionXIX** » 01 Feb 2018, 17:38

I just saw transmission fluid for sale on the ipd site for $5.27/quart. Its branded with "AISIN", has anyone ever used it? https://www.ipdusa.com/products/10543/1 ... nsmissions

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 02 Feb 2018, 16:07

I just topped off my transmission today with Castrol Transmax Dex/Merc. I did a 3x drain and fill probably 3-4 months ago and I have had no problem. Fluid cleared up quite nicely from each change.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 02 Feb 2018, 16:08

ZionXIX wrote: ↑01 Feb 2018, 17:38 I just saw transmission fluid for sale on the ipd site for $5.27/quart. Its branded with "AISIN", has anyone ever used it? https://www.ipdusa.com/products/10543/1 ... nsmissions

I find it odd that it says it's for the AW50-42. I thought the AW55 used a special fluid (this one, I guess) that the 50-42 didn't take? I could be wrong...

Post by **ZionXIX** » 02 Feb 2018, 16:26

bmdubya1198 wrote: ↑02 Feb 2018, 16:08
I find it odd that it says it's for the AW50-42. I thought the AW55 used a special fluid (this one, I guess) that the 50-42 didn't take? I could be wrong...

Its weird right? The only independent reference I could find is this site --> http://www.aisinaftermarket.com/English ... duct_id=23 The name "Aisin aftermarket" doesn't inspire me with confidence. If this is transmission fluid endorsed by aisin, would it not be the correct fluid to use? Im only exploring options because I plan on doing a fluid exchange and this seemed cost effective but so is Mobil 3309 @5.19/quart on Amazon -->
https://www.amazon.com/Mobil-55221-Auto ... dpSrc=srch

Personally my Volvo is a forever car. I will probably die in that car, and so I would like to use the best stuff I can get that will be of most benefit.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 02 Feb 2018, 16:45

ZionXIX wrote: ↑02 Feb 2018, 16:26
bmdubya1198 wrote: ↑02 Feb 2018, 16:08
I find it odd that it says it's for the AW50-42. I thought the AW55 used a special fluid (this one, I guess) that the 50-42 didn't take? I could be wrong...
Its weird right? The only independent reference I could find is this site --> http://www.aisinaftermarket.com/English ... duct_id=23 The name "Aisin aftermarket" doesn't inspire me with confidence. If this is transmission fluid endorsed by aisin, would it not be the correct fluid to use? Im only exploring options because I plan on doing a fluid exchange and this seemed cost effective but so is Mobil 3309 @5.19/quart on Amazon -->

https://www.amazon.com/Mobil-55221-Auto ... dpSrc=srch

Personally my Volvo is a forever car. I will probably die in that car, and so I would like to use the best stuff I can get that will be of most benefit.

So apparently you CAN use the 3309 in the 50-42, but there's nothing wrong with Dexron III/Dex/Merc, which is what I thought was the specified type for the 4 speed.

viewtopic.php?t=49482

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 02 Feb 2018, 17:04

I've used the Transmax import synthetic which is also 3309 compatible... I'm wary of "high mileage" products for the simple fact that occasionally they have additives you may not yet need.
https://www.castrol.com/en_cc/ccsa/prod ... hicle.html
https://msdspds.castrol.com/bpglis/Fusi ... ASHVBS.pdf

Post by **erikv11** » 02 Feb 2018, 20:19

+1. Unless you are desperately trying to rescue a failing transmission, just use a standard trans fluid. The 4 speed is nearly bulletproof, DexIII specified is a good alternative.

wlkstout · Post by **wlkstout** » 02 Feb 2018, 20:58

Not trying to rescue it just clean it up some. Fluid was brown, no pink when i got it. And have had good luck with Maxlife before but that was replaced at Wal-Mart with the castrol stuff. Maybe I'll just use Supertech or Castrol Dex/Merc, whichever is cheaper and call it a day.