S60 G/box: 2WD: ATF Fluid - which one?

[wg53]

I have done the ATF fluid check on my V70, and the fluid is brown!!! So I have downloaded the DIY ATF change procedure, all I need to get now is the fluid.
I have seen the various comments about using Volvo only fluid, but I have also seen comments about using Toyota or Saab ATF (same gearbox = same fluid as the volvo). Can anyone recommend which of the 3 I should use.

Many thanks

Richard

[DaveMitch]

You need spec Mobil JWS 3309; which is Saab 3309/Toyota T-IV/Volvos own; its just a matter of cost; they are 'the same' fluid , so find the cheapest you can.
Saab 'used' to be £4-00/ltr, T4 about £8-00/ltr & Volvo about £17/ltr. Saab seems to have cottened on to thing s & now charge the same as toyota BUT still 1/2 the price of volvo fluid.
Hope this is clear.
Cheers
Dave

[DownundeR]

Originally Posted by DaveMitch

You need spec Mobil JWS 3309; which is Saab 3309/Toyota T-IV/Volvos own; its just a matter of cost; they are 'the same' fluid , so find the cheapest you can.
Saab 'used' to be £4-00/ltr, T4 about £8-00/ltr & Volvo about £17/ltr. Saab seems to have cottened on to thing s & now charge the same as toyota BUT still 1/2 the price of volvo fluid.

+1 on this.
Firstly understand what is required - as there has been A LOT of discussion on what is the correct fluid here and in the US:
http://forums.swedespeed.com/zerothread?id=59321

Then shop around.
The prices are hugely different!

[wg53]

thanks for above, yep this ATF is way way overpriced over here. Volvo dealer today wanted £13 + vat, makes the whole flush process expensive - have not checked the Toyota dealers.

Although through the power of google, I have seen the toyota T-IV (same stuff) at $5 per quart (near enough a ltr). At todays exchange rate that is £2.50 per ltr + shipping. Has anyone bought the stuff from the US????

regards richard

[chopper_harris]

You can buy the correct fluid from any decent trade motor factors - I use Andrew Page, branches across UK.

Mobil ATF 3309 as mentioned below, or
Esso JWS 3309

I'm happy to look into a group buy, if anyone is interested

[amsoil]

The most readily available ATF is Dextron III ; it is suitable for older gearboxes only really, it is cheap as so beloved by dealers who make a nice profit. The trouble is that most of it really is cheap; it has wide variation of frictional values according to temperature and so in a box requiring a higher spec will allow the clutches to slip when the frictional values are different to what the box requires because of the temperature, slip = wear and fluid contamination which just makes the situation worse. High temperature also breaks down the fluid because it is mineral based which further exasperates the problem.
More modern gearboxes require a fluid with tighter control of the frictional values, the common ones are 3309, T4 & SP 2/3 for cars from Volvo to Toyota to Mitsubishi etc. The standard ATF for these cars is mineral and does a good job until it starts to drop out of spec. This is shown by the fluid loosing its bright colour, perhaps a detectable slip in changing gear and maybe a burnt smell from the fluid on the dip stick (if indeed fitted!) Bad cases will have brown fluid or even black (as in the black death to the gearbox) Being mineral all these fluid in time produce sludge and varnish inside the box. This can gradually impede the working of the mechanisms.
New fluid will revitalise the box, and do make sure that you flush / pump the old fluid completely away as just dumping of the sump contents as beloved by garages only gets rid of 1/2 the old contaminated fluid. Or to but it another way, you think you are paying for the ATf to be properly changed but they only do 1/2 the job and the easy 1/2 at that whist mixing up the new fluid with just as much contaminated fluid. Service is what they call this (and it may be main dealers too) you be the judge; still better than nowt though.
There are real synthetic ATF's about. They are not at all common because they are a lot more expensive, in the same way real synthetic oil is. For a service centre or dealer to advertise such prices would chase customers away, everyones guilty, phoning or looking / surfing about for the 'best' price. Trouble is the 'best' price is likely to be with the poorest product.
In the USA you have a choice of synthetic ATF, in the UK I believe you have but one choice Amsoil. It is expensive when compared to cheap mineral ATF but still manages to be cheaper than Volvos own mineral ATF. Considering it has to come from the Great Lakes via Canada with all the associated transport, duties, vat, landing costs, etc etc this is going some. It is a proven product exceeding 3309 by some distance and will last many times longer than any mineral ATF of even 3309 spec. Not only this but being a real synthetic it will take 100 degrees more heat, because it is nearly totally stable in use it will give better changes over all temperatures which means less wear and even less contamination; doesn't stop here though. Its properties are such that it will actually clean the sludges and varnishes inside of the box deposited by previous mineral ATF. A vastly superior fluid.
Not realistic for everyone however. If you are not planning on keeping your car for a year then you may not recoup the initial outlay.
If you are likely to give your car ‘wellie’ or tow or track it then I would suggest its a necessity.
Its available here and there is a club discount http://performanceoilsltd.co.uk/auto...ion_fluid.html
But hey don't believe me do your own checking

[Toolman_Johnny]

Originally Posted by wg53

.... So I have downloaded the DIY ATF change procedure

Where is this DIY ATF change procedure. Sorry, I've looked but haven't found it. Thanks for the help.

[wg53]

The Saab version for the stuff is £7.59 per litre +vat or Vauxhall is £6.05 per litre +vat. Pt no 93160393

[stef1957]

Hi, ATF fluid is a mysterious thing for Volvo, Aisin Warner 55-50, 5 speed. Mobil 3309 is okay people say but not to get in the UK, use SAAB fluid I was told so called and asked for their 3309 & was told that they sold GMs fluid for the newer 5 speed boxes & which one did I want, haven't got 3309? But they got two types, one Mineral based part no; 93165147 & One semi/fully synthetic but didn't know which type with part no; 93160393. Mineral based one was the most expensive???? So which one to use????

stef

[TheRon]

Well according to this 3309 stuff is part no. 93160393 :

http://www.partsforsaabs.com/product...oducts_id=3454