ATF for power steering fluid

[Danonly55]

My owners Manuel says to use ATF for my power steering fluid. Is this a type "O" ?

[misha]

Yes...atf.It is Dexron II or III.

[FLXC90]

Not a typo-prior to 99 (I believe) they used ATF, check the owner's manual online for spec. Later models used power steering fluid (the green stuff) Don't mix the two.

[FlyingVolvo]

ATF or regular PS fluid (Pentosin) works fine. Like FLXC90 said though, don't mix the two. Therefore, if you're not sure what's in there now and need to top up, I'd flush the whole system.

I've been using Mobil 1 Syn ATF in my PS system for about 8 years now.

[SuperHerman]

What does your current fluid look like? Is it reddish to brown or greenish to brown? Both fluids will go towards brownish as they get dirty and old, but the base color is different. If reddish than you have ATF and if greenish then you have PS fluid. This assumes no prior incorrect service.

I think I read somewhere that some of the owner's manuals were incorrect so the suggestion to check on-line is smart as the proper fluid was updated in the on-line version.

[Danonly55]

Thanks everybody for your input, My fluid is a reddish brown so I will top off with ATF. The flush will have to wait until next month.

[erikv11]

... I've been using Mobil 1 Syn ATF in my PS system for about 8 years now.

Me too! In all of my P80 cars.

[abscate]

I’ve used ATF , generic PS fluid, and finally Pentosin in my 1999, to reduce the count of fleet PS fluid bottles

[misha]

...The flush will have to wait until next month.

You don't need to flush power steering system.
All you need to do is to remove old atf from a tank with a big syringe and put in a new atf fluid.
1 liter is enough,do not overfill.

[Danonly55]

Thanks Misha, I like that idea better but what about the lines and rack system there should be a fair amount of fluid in those areas?