2001 S40 Transmission: What is the correct fluid?

drk5184 · Post by **drk5184** » 09 Jan 2009, 15:51

I've been exploring lots and lots of posts on this site about using the correct fluid in the Volvo transmissions but non specifically addressed a 2001 S40 and most posts said to check the manual. I have a discrepancy between the two manuals for my 2001 S40 with a 5 speed automatic transmission.

The car (glovebox) manual says that the transmission is the AW55-50 and that the fluid should be ATF Dexron III or Mercon oil.

My Haynes manual says that the AW55-50 (used 2001+) should use Volvo synthetic oil (JWS 3309).

I was reading another post on this site about an S70 owner whose tranmission was ruined after the wrong fluid was used and I'd rather not make that mistake.

Although my main goal here is to find out which is the correct fluid I am also interested to know what the story is. If my car uses the JWS 3309, why does the Volvo manual say otherwise?

Thanks very much.

Post by **JRL** » 09 Jan 2009, 15:53

AW 55=5 speed= 3309
It says otherwise because 3309 was not invented (and used)
about 2003 which is why 2003 and newer transmisions last a whole lot longer!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 09 Jan 2009, 18:02

Many companies sell this now:
Mobil has a 3309 ATF
Toyota Type IV is also the same- JWS-3309
Save yourself some money and drop by a Toyota dealer.

drk5184 · Post by **drk5184** » 11 Jan 2009, 19:54

I finally found the dipstick below the radiator hoses near the bottom of the engine and it turns out the fluid is low...so much for this not being a service item!

Thanks for your help, I'll get the 3309, give it a flush, and hope there is no leak.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 11 Jan 2009, 21:29

Low, it could be but ATF expands like crazy when it heats up. Did you check it cold? Did you see that there's a hot side and a cold side to the dip stick? The proper way to check your fluid is to do it after you've driven it for at least 20 minutes and when the engine is fully heated up...then with engine STILL RUNNING, sit in the driver's seat...go through all of your gears with your foot on the brake pedal for at least 6 or 7 seconds each and then finally put it in park (engine still running) and pull the dipstick...read the HOT side- that's the most accurate way. So, don't add fluid if you checked it cold and without the car running. Also, it's important that you don't wipe off the dipstick with something that would transfer lint into the transmission...use your best judgment, but a non-cotton cloth is best...in a pinch, I use a paper towel.