Alternate tranny fluid for 2002 S60?

[850TurboTurtle]

Hi. My radiator blew out (on Mt. Rainier no less!) and I just put in a new one.

Now my warning light is on and a low transmission fluid message. What transmission fluids are usable besides the volvo branded, since I don't have that nearby?

I hear Toyota T-IV is ok? Anything else? The newer multi vehicle Mercons??

Thanks.

2002 S60 T5 with the Aisin 55-50SN transmission.

[Blacklab467]

You're looking for 3309 spec. Mobil makes it as do most other oil providers, Toyota would be able to sell you something that satisfies that spec at the dealership parts counter, also probably Nissan if you're in a bind.

[ignatz]

Auto Zone type stores should have it. Look where the trans dip stick is, for what kind of funnel you will need.

[vtl]

Volvo ATF is loaded with extra slip modifiers. Toyota T-IV or Mobil 3309 will degrade shifts quality. That can be fixed with Lubegard HFM, 1-2 oz is usually enough.

Others say they see no difference, but I was in a lengthy search for Volvo ATF replacement when it was very expensive and went through the most popular alternatives. They all were worse. When I rebuilt my transmission, I soaked friction plates in Volvo ATF, but filled it with T-IV. In about 3 days I noticed a severe shift quality degradation - that's Volvo slip modifiers wore out from frictions. Drained T-IV and filled with Volvo, much better now. Will keep using Volvo ATF, since it's not expensive anymore and the transmission just likes it the best.

[02V70]

Does this Aisin fluid have the extra slip modifiers? It says it is the OE equivelent of the volvo fluid and is almost half the price. https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... 1161540kt2

[vtl]

Does this Aisin fluid have the extra slip modifiers? It says it is the OE equivelent of the volvo fluid and is almost half the price. https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... 1161540kt2

It is very thin. Thinner than T-IV and 3309.

[02V70]

So then it's not actually OE to the Volvo fluid? Does it cause problems because it is thin?

[vtl]

So then it's not actually OE to the Volvo fluid? Does it cause problems because it is thin?

It is not OE. AW55 Volvo put in its cars had some mods done in TCM software to let it slip more for comfort, so Volvo formulated its own fluid with boosted additives (asked to formulate).

Worn valve body generally does not like thin fluid. It can be okay if the wear is minimal, but old worn valve body may experience pressure loss problems when hot, though it still may work perfectly when the fluid is cold and thick.

I'm sure there are aftermarket fluids that match or exceed Volvo ATF, but I've tried all of fluids mentioned here in the tread and they were worse for my transmission. Was especially annoying in summer in city driving.

[dikidera]

Interesting about LubeGuard. As for Volvo fluid, I might give it a spin IF my transmission is not thrashed because of the coolant inside the fluid. Unfortunately I cannot change it for at least the next few days AS I need a new rad and new fluid. And maybe...new transmission.

For the flush of the slurry that has occurred(it looks like a cherry milkshake) I plan to use Mannol ATF 3309, it's cheap enough and I am almost positive it will be better than the state it's at now.

Later on, I will try to give it some nice Volvo fluid, although perhaps a new valve body is in order.

Anyway VTL might be right for the fluids. I have tried Mobil, Ravenol, Aisin Warner fluid and generally saw no improvement. But, even LubeGuard couldn't help with all these issues cropping up

[vtl]

HFM is a slip modifier, it does not cure existing problems with valve body or mechanics. I used it when I drove a lot and my Volvo ATF has becoming dull (no more modifiers) quicker than dirtying with friction wear byproducts. The better cure is to drain and fill with fresh ATF full of modifiers, but adding 2 oz of HFM is literally 1 minute.