Transmission fluid choice - '00 S70

[Rocambolesque]

I have a 2000 S70 with about 168k miles. I don't know when the last time the trans fluid was changed. It doesn't shift bad, but it doesn't shift good either. Usually when cold, the first shift is wierd; it's like if the car braked in the middle of the 2 gears... Anyways, I think a trans fluid flush is in order. I got 15 quarts and will do the method described on various Volvo sites where you pump out 2 quarts and add 2 other quarts.

I know that Toyota T-IV, Mobil 3309 and Valvoline Maxlife are ok for those AW transmissions. I couldn't find any locally. I went to Canadian Tire and found this:



I saw a forum post a while ago about a guy who used Motomaster fluid with success, but it was an earlier version of this which seemed to be full synthetic. Now it's replaced by this as the links he provided to CT site led to this product. It says it's good for Toyota T-IV and Volvo, but doesn't mention JSW3309. I think the Nissan specs mentioned are equivalent too. What do you think? Did any of you use this fluid before? All posts I can find about it are people who want to know from which refinery it comes from, I don't really care about that, as long as it meets the requirements for the transmission in the car...

[jtp]

In general local part availability isn’t a great requirement for what to use on these cars in my opinion.

I’d just order some of the known good fluid online. I’m no expert on the 3309’spec as my 99 is a 4 speed but if you want a synthetic spec fluid I’m pretty sure the actual Volvo branded fluid for your car is full synthetic. If dino is fine with you you probably can’t go wrong with the Mobil 3309.

Given you’ve got less than perfect shifting already I’d recommend gradually introducing the new fluid by spacing the drain and fills 1500 miles apart at least.

[Rocambolesque]

I returned the Motomaster fluid and got some genuine Aisin fluid instead. It was about the same price and now I'm sure it's the right stuff.