S-70 AWD transmission

[davvver]

I found this; its from a saab forum. Apparently it was a saab tech bulletin in 2006:

"The fluid used in this transmission system is a completely new type due to the increased stress caused by the slipping lock-up. The fluid is designated JWS 3309, (Aisin-AW spec). JWS 3309 is a mineral-based ATF with unique additives, high coefficient of friction and very high resistance to thermal oxidation. This fluid is factory standard on model -02 cars and applies also to 9-3 (4-speed aut.). JWS 3309 will mix with Dexron II and III. (JWS 3309 is therefore "backwards compatible" but will not provide any advantages over standard fluid in earlier 4-speed automatic transmissions. However, only JWS 3309 is to be used in Aisin AW 33/5 and no other fluid.)"

I think ill play it safe and pick up the 5l jug of Dexron VI. That is compatible for sure and seems like 3309 would not do much extra protection for the 4 speeds anyways...

I find the tranny shops up here (Timmins Ontario) do not have much experience yet with higher end tranny's. Timmins doesnt even have a Volvo dealer.

[jimmy57]

The JWS 3309 fluid is required in 5 and 6 speed auto transmissions 2000-2010. 6 speeds have a new fluid for 2011 up. There wa not text referring to 5 speeds still being fitted in production.
4 speeds were always Dexron fluid. The JWS3309 fluid was used for lock TC chatter and for another scrubbing noise in diff on tight turns.
The above info is for Volvo.
The questions arise in that Volvo recently has had publications mentioning part numbers for the various quantities offered in the previously named JWS3309 fluids. The recent info seems to have dropped JWS 3309 as a description.
There are several companies, very reputable oil manufacturers, that have fluids they list as compatible for Volvos with those gearboxes. Usually the fluid is a broad coverage fluid and it will list applications meeting the requirements for Toyota/Lexus products that use JWS3309 spec fluid that Toyota/Lexus have called T-IV for several years.
I have not personally seen any reports of these fluids doing harm. Some cases throw some blame on these fluids but when reading the posts the gearbox had a problem and these fluids did not fix the problem so blame on the fluid is in question.
The Original JWS3309 fluid from Volvo is NOT SYNTHETIC but costs more than synthetic so internet and other rumors persist in referring to it as synthetic.

[davvver]

Well I did a drain and fill today with mobil dexron VI... I took out 3.75 litres and started by putting 3.25 back in. Right now it is sitting just above the cold mark but I havent warmed it right up yet. Once I go for a good ride I will top up accordingly.

I plan to do a drain and fill on the next oil change again and then one every other oil change for the remainder. The fluid had about 30k miles on it (50 oookm) it still looked dark red and did not smell burnt.