Ford power steering fluid?

[qwertyjjj]

Can I use ford/gm power steering fluid in a v70 2004?
The bottle has no other markings but days entry it works for 'European Cars'.
The only other bottle I can find for Volvo is fairly expensive.
What's the difference? I thought the fluid was all the same

[MoVolvos]

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Should use DEX III which mean everything but Ford Type F products.
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https://www.amazon.com/Castrol-06820-TR ... 3JV9VX4XF7
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https://www.amazon.com/Valvoline-VV324- ... 3JV9VX4XF7

[Katten]

Volvo P2 cars dont use Dexron III as far as I know. Dexron is red, all P2 cars Ive seen has green PS fluid.

CHF 202 is the correct stuff if memory serves correct.
Specification needs to meet FORD WSS-M2C204-A2

But as always if you get original Volvo you wont have to worry . I run FORD WSS-M2C204-A in my car and it seems to work, tho if I where to replace it Id get the CHF 202 with FORD WSS-M2C204-A2 specification.

[erikv11]

I definitely wouldn't just add ATF.

Your 2004 V70 came from the factory with Pentosin CHF-11S for power steering fluid. This is a green colored fluid, turns green brown when it gets old.

That said, DexIII ATF will also work just fine in your 04 V70 and it is possible someone has switched it to Dex III somewhere along the way. Dex is a red fluid, turns to red brown when it gets old.

You can use either one but it is best that you don't mix them, so I would first figure out what you have in there now.

Pull the dipstick from the PS reservoir, dab a little bit on a white paper towel and check the color. The you can add the matching fluid. If you're unsure which one it is then post up a pic and we'll help you figure it out.

If you need green CHF-11S type fluid, a cheap and reliable way to go is "Prestone European power steering fluid" about 7 bucks for a small bottle. Or you can buy a larger can of Pentosin CHF-11S at the auto parts store etc, more like 20 bucks. If you need red ATF then those ones suggested by MoVolvos are fine.

[Katten]

To tie erikv11s post to mine, the CHF-11S is FORD WSS-M2C204-A specified which I run currently .

[vtl]

FYI, ATF was foaming in my 02 V70, pump was grinding heavily.

[jimmy57]

Volvo changed to Pentosin in late 90's due to steering shudder and pipe rattling noise from power steering lines. ATF and regular power steering fluid can get dissolved gas (aerated, entrained air, choose your terms) and the hydraulic hammer that this leads to causes shock waves as pressure limiter valve on pump pops open at full lock and when steering effort is high. The air in fluid also makes pump noisy. The Pentosin CHF 11S was the first used, 98-2002 and they switched to CHF 202 since then. This is almosy universal with European brands. It is not supposed to be mixed with ATF as that increases the foaming tendency but it is not harmful to seals or pump, etc. There is also an orifice fitted to return line since late 90's to help with the growling pump and the thumping in lines.

[erikv11]

... It is not supposed to be mixed with ATF as that increases the foaming tendency but it is not harmful to seals or pump, etc. ...

I have long wondered why they are not supposed to be mixed, super useful to know thank you.

It is no problem at all mixing CHF-11S and CHF-202 so OP you could also just go to the CHF-202 if your car currently has green.

[MoVolvos]

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Trust Me the Red ATF III or anything exceeding or compatible will work. JS3309 Multi-Vehicle Trans-Fluid will work.

Experience: 20+ yrs volvo technician, Ase A1-A8, L1, A/C certified
Volvo Mechanic: Mike, volvo Tech

"you should use the volvo power steering fluid, but if I recall correctly in your owners manual it still state you can use ATF dexron III. I will double check and get back to you in a couple of minutes. thanks Mike

Yes you can still use ATF dexron III in the power steering system."
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https://www.justanswer.com/volvo/1kasy- ... d-use.html

From the Volvo 2004 V70 Owner's Manual - Does not state Dextron III but generic ATF so it's used in the shops. Trans-fluid has improved so much over the years the additive package exceeds most OEM fluids

Power steering fluid
ATF fluid
Volume: 0.95 US qts (0.9 liters)

https://volvo.custhelp.com/app/manuals/ ... /om_id/616

[erikv11]

Yeah well, I definitely wouldn't just add ATF, as stated.

And the owner's manual is well known to be wrong about ATF in the power steering reservoir for the 01-04 P2 cars, do some searching.