2003 xc70 transmission fluid

johnrash · Post by **johnrash** » 16 Jul 2009, 06:02

So I have decided to change the transmission fluid in my 2004(dealer says it is a 2003 with a 2004 title) xc70. I have read as much as I can find on the site and feel pretty comfortable doing it except for the type of fluid. The dipstick says special fluid see owners manual, the owners manual lists 3 types of transmissions in the operations portion, however in the transmission specification it only list 2 types-manual(m56lk) and the automatic(aw55-50) which is also referred to as the A5. In the fluid spec. section it tells me to use only volvo #1161540-8 fluid in the A5.
My problem is that my car has a geartronic transmission in it which is clearly labeled as different from the A5 according to the owners manual. (operation section) What type of fluid is correct for this application?
To give you a little vehicle background a couple of times the car will rev a tiny bit when it shifts from 1st to 2nd. The fluid is a red/brown and seems to be slightly overfilled when warm. It has 125,xxx on it, we drive it every day and rarely does it slip.
John

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 16 Jul 2009, 06:14

John,
Geartronic or not, it has an AW 5 speed automatic so your fluid is the same- either the Volvo fluid (part number you mention) or Mobil-3309 or Toyota Type IV. Go with the cheapest you can find out there- you can order the Mobil-3309 from online (what I do), but others have gotten away spending less by going to the Toyota dealer. Good luck and let us know what you do and how it goes.

johnrash · Post by **johnrash** » 20 Jul 2009, 18:01

OK, everything went well and it shifts a little stronger now. It was a very easy procedure and the only note that I have is that on my 2003 XC-70 there is a plastic lower engine/transmission cover that must be removed to access the drain plug. It was easy to take off just remove 6-12mm bolts and it drops right off.
My next question is how to check the transmission fluid level. Everything on the site that I have found says to check the owners manual but mine doesn't address the transmission fluid. Do you check the level with the vehicle off, or running? If so in park or neutral?
Thanks, John

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 21 Jul 2009, 10:45

The most accurate way is after you have driven the car for 20~30 mins on the highway... always go through all gears for 10 seconds or so and stop at P and with engine running, pull the dipstick (I know it's hot down in there- wear long sleeves and a glove), and check the hot side- it's a bit tedious to get this right but you need to.