96 850 R Mobil 1 synth ATF or Volvo Dex 3

Post by **Clemens** » 21 Sep 2015, 08:14

Hi!

So I recently purchased this 96 R with 190.000 mls on it where the PO claims the ATF had been changed within the last 10 years.

SInce it doesn´t shift supoer smooth (not bad, just not perfect) I´d like to change the ATF. Since in Europe ATF istn´t exactly cheap I would either
- do a drain and refill (3x) with Volfo ATF Dex 3 for 150$ or
- try to pump Mobil 1 synth ATF through the system by disconnecting the tranny fluid line from the radiator/cooler for free. ( I found the Mobil 1 synth ATF in my backyard - it had been stored outside in a factory sealed 6 gallon plastic container ever since I got it back when working for ExxonMobil in 2002 or 2003)

What would YOU do given both options?

Thanks, Clemens

Post by **abscate** » 21 Sep 2015, 10:07

If you change the title to Volvo DEX 3 vs 13-year-old Mobil 1 I think the responses will be clear

Post by **Clemens** » 21 Sep 2015, 10:23

You're probably right. Might be the wrong place to save.

Post by **JRL** » 21 Sep 2015, 16:37

Dex
NEVER use 10 year old transmission fluid, it's probably junk by now

Post by **mecheng** » 21 Sep 2015, 17:59

If you are concerned with cost change fluid once. I didn't notice much of a difference beyond the 2nd change but I did with the first. Unless the fluid is totally cooked (smells burnt) one fluid change is good especially if you use a decent quality brand. Clean drain plug from metal filings

Post by **RussB** » 21 Sep 2015, 18:02

I would buy 12 qts of inexpensive transmission fluid, Store brand (like NAPA in the US, I don't know what you have in Austria) is fine. Drain the sump, then let the tranny pump out the old oil, and add 2 qts until you've used up all 12 qts.

I've done that yearly for 13 years in my 850...it will have the smoothest shifting tranny in the junkyard!

ThommyKent · Post by **ThommyKent** » 21 Sep 2015, 18:18

Use the Mobil 1 from your backyard, its fine.

Post by **erikv11** » 21 Sep 2015, 20:44

Some fodder, this chemist from Mobil says 20 year old Mobil 1 checks out just fine: http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ub ... ost2539939

Post by **abscate** » 21 Sep 2015, 23:15

The chemist in me says the oil is fine. I would still throw it out and start fresh.

Post by **RussB** » 22 Sep 2015, 06:36

There are many cars running 10+ year old factory tranny fluid.

Not a problem to use fresh, old fluid