960 autobox oil change

Oct 19th, 2005, 21:34

I have a 1996 960 now done 130k. As far as I can tell the autobox oil has never been changed. Last Volvo service recommended a change and I've been quoted £86. However, I suspect they are proposing to drain and refill without flushing; which I understand is necessary for a complete change of oil.

Have read through VOC about a flush of the system, it seems to be a reasonably easy DIY job.

The problem I have is which oil to use. On the net I keep reading that I should use Mobil 1, but this seems to be dexron III whereas my manual recommends dexron II and I have been told not to mix the two. Further I cannot find Mobil 1 ATF in my locale. I can get Comma which I am told is what 90% of the trade use.

I can get Oil from my local Volvo garage (don't know what make) but they want £33 for 4ltrs whereas the Comma is only £14 for 5ltrs.

My dilemma is, what oil do I use? I assume the volvo stuff will be the correct grade but I do not want to pay over the odds, especially if I might actually be able to get something better. Can anyone help please?

Oct 20th, 2005, 20:06

In my experience, Dextron II is the one to use in all older auto gearboxes. Certain garages do a 'megaflush' which pumps new oil in for the equivalent of 3 full capacities in order to make sure that all the old oil is out. This is done whilst the engine is running and they move in and out of gear. I was charged £150 for this including a new oil filter. Seemed the best bet when it needs doing so infrequently - you may as well do it properly. Normal oil drains and changes are ok if they are kept up to but if you've missed servicing the gearbox I'd do a biggie. Just my ten penneth.

Peter Milnes · Oct 22nd, 2005, 00:29

The oil used must be fully synthetic ATF and to the same spec as that which Volvo use. This spec should be listed in the owners handbook for the car. If the Comma oil has the same spec then it is fine to use it. You are right to consider a complete oil change with flush as flushing is the only way to get all the old oil out. Although Volvo themselves recommend that the oil should not need changing, I recommend a change every 100,000 miles, for this automatic gearbox (AW30-40), as part of my register's policy.

All the best, Peter.

Oct 23rd, 2005, 22:25

Many thanks for the advice, very useful

Rob :)

Oct 19th, 2005, 21:34	#1
eagleswings Guest Location:	960 autobox oil change I have a 1996 960 now done 130k. As far as I can tell the autobox oil has never been changed. Last Volvo service recommended a change and I've been quoted £86. However, I suspect they are proposing to drain and refill without flushing; which I understand is necessary for a complete change of oil. Have read through VOC about a flush of the system, it seems to be a reasonably easy DIY job. The problem I have is which oil to use. On the net I keep reading that I should use Mobil 1, but this seems to be dexron III whereas my manual recommends dexron II and I have been told not to mix the two. Further I cannot find Mobil 1 ATF in my locale. I can get Comma which I am told is what 90% of the trade use. I can get Oil from my local Volvo garage (don't know what make) but they want £33 for 4ltrs whereas the Comma is only £14 for 5ltrs. My dilemma is, what oil do I use? I assume the volvo stuff will be the correct grade but I do not want to pay over the odds, especially if I might actually be able to get something better. Can anyone help please?

Oct 20th, 2005, 20:06	#2
sunking101 Guest Location:	RE: 960 autobox oil change In my experience, Dextron II is the one to use in all older auto gearboxes. Certain garages do a 'megaflush' which pumps new oil in for the equivalent of 3 full capacities in order to make sure that all the old oil is out. This is done whilst the engine is running and they move in and out of gear. I was charged £150 for this including a new oil filter. Seemed the best bet when it needs doing so infrequently - you may as well do it properly. Normal oil drains and changes are ok if they are kept up to but if you've missed servicing the gearbox I'd do a biggie. Just my ten penneth.

Oct 22nd, 2005, 00:29	#3
Peter Milnes Premier Member Last Online: Apr 10th, 2014 00:01 Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tonyrefail	RE: 960 autobox oil change The oil used must be fully synthetic ATF and to the same spec as that which Volvo use. This spec should be listed in the owners handbook for the car. If the Comma oil has the same spec then it is fine to use it. You are right to consider a complete oil change with flush as flushing is the only way to get all the old oil out. Although Volvo themselves recommend that the oil should not need changing, I recommend a change every 100,000 miles, for this automatic gearbox (AW30-40), as part of my register's policy. All the best, Peter.

Oct 23rd, 2005, 22:25	#4
eagleswings Guest Location:	RE: 960 autobox oil change Many thanks for the advice, very useful Rob :)

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