Auto Transmission Fluid - AW-1 Equivalents?

[pierremcalpine]

I'm on a quest to find a cheaper version of Volvo's latest AWF rec'd auto transmission fluid for my 2010 V70 3.2L with Aisin Warner transmission TF-80SC.

It appears that Volvo has changed the spec on AWF for this engine at least twice.

They started off rec'ing a 3309 variant (part $#1161640) but then switched to something referred to as BOT341 for the 2010 year (which I referenced in my own owner's manual). The corresponding part # for Volvo on this one was 1161838. This one was recently discontinued and replaced with Volvo AW-1 (part #31256774).

I was able to confirm that Ford carries an ATF (part #XT-11-QDC) which is also BOT341 but I have not been able to confirm that it lines up with AW-1.

Has anyone done any research on this? I called my local dealer and he was of limited assistance pointing me back to the 3309 stuff (incorrect!). He also of course added that this fluid is "lifetime" and does not require replacement. Not buying this either given the significant shifting improvement I got on my V40 when I replaced its ATF (also considered to be "lifetime").

Has anyone done any research and found an equivalent to AW-1?

[MartinK]

The IPD site recommends AW1, Volvo Part 31256774 (as you say)



They also list Automatic Transmission Fluid Type WS (ATF-WS) JWS3324 for Aisin-Warner Transmissions as an alternative



IPD list this as an alternative to:

31256774, 31256775, 3324, atf0ws, AW-1 ATF-WS, 31256774, 31256775, 04954514999960

That sounds like Mobil JWS 3324 is the one to look at...A quick look on a search engine looks like it's used in Toyota & Lexus as well, so it does have a Toyota equivalent (like the "old" 3309 used to)....

[I-S]

Not cheaper, but possibly "better", Amsoil OTL is cross referenced to AW-1 and Volvo 97342.

I had Amsoil ATF in my Mitsubishi (notoriously picky about gearbox fluid) and it was fantastic, and lasted way better than standard fluid also.

I'm considering switching the v70 over to OTL, although I had the dealer "change" (I'm pretty sure it was just sump drop and refill) the fluid at last service.

[pierremcalpine]

Originally Posted by MartinK

The IPD site recommends AW1, Volvo Part 31256774 (as you say)



They also list Automatic Transmission Fluid Type WS (ATF-WS) JWS3324 for Aisin-Warner Transmissions as an alternative



IPD list this as an alternative to:



That sounds like Mobil JWS 3324 is the one to look at...A quick look on a search engine looks like it's used in Toyota & Lexus as well, so it does have a Toyota equivalent (like the "old" 3309 used to)....

Yep, I think you are on to something. I looked at the Ravenol website (see link below) and what it leads me to believe is that 1) RAVENOL ATF T-WS will do (not available in North America though), and that the Ravenol product also meets the specs for Toyota ATF-WS and Volvo 31256774. It also specifically mentions the Aisin Warner transmission TF-80SC...

I called Toyota here in Toronto and they indicated that they only carry two ATF's: Toyota IV and Toyota ATF-WS. All their vehicles use one or the other. Price was (not surprisingly WAAAAY cheaper than at Volvo dealership). I'm tempted...

http://www.ravenol.de/en/products/us...-lifetime.html

[MartinK]

Yes - that Ravenol looks (and says) it's equivalent.

Also see here:
http://www.granvilleoil.com/download...sion-Fluid.pdf

ATF Dexron® VI meets JWS 3324 and Aisin Warner: AW-1 standards...

However, as you're on "that side of the pond", can you get the Aisin oil from IPD?
http://www.ipdusa.com/products/10578...-transmissions
$9.95 per quart loos like a good price???

[pierremcalpine]

Originally Posted by MartinK

Yes - that Ravenol looks (and says) it's equivalent.

Also see here:
http://www.granvilleoil.com/download...sion-Fluid.pdf

ATF Dexron® VI meets JWS 3324 and Aisin Warner: AW-1 standards...

However, as you're on "that side of the pond", can you get the Aisin oil from IPD?
http://www.ipdusa.com/products/10578...-transmissions
$9.95 per quart loos like a good price???

I can but I'd have to throw in some other stuff to justify the shipping costs and 45min of travel down to the US border (if you get the stuff shipped to Canada the shipping costs and duty become very prohibitive). I think I'll go with the Toyota stuff - it's $40CAD for 4L AND local so not too bad at all. The local Volvo dealership wants $103CAD for the same amount. Wow.

[MartinK]

This is interesting (for me anyway).

Someone on a Toyota Tacoma Forum (AW-1 Fluid, same stuff) had their oil analyzed after 61000 miles:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/att...eport_edit.pdf

After 61000 miles they say:

The viscosity was normal for ATF, and no moisture was present. The trace of insolubles is a very small amount of solid particles and not a problem

Also, checked that "old" 3309, and "new" AW-1 shouldn't be mixed, so I'll be sticking with JWS3309.

[pierremcalpine]

Originally Posted by MartinK

This is interesting (for me anyway).

Someone on a Toyota Tacoma Forum (AW-1 Fluid, same stuff) had their oil analyzed after 61000 miles:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/att...eport_edit.pdf

After 61000 miles they say:



Also, checked that "old" 3309, and "new" AW-1 shouldn't be mixed, so I'll be sticking with JWS3309.

That IS interesting...mine is a 2010 so I'm guessing I've got BOT341 in there (at least that's what my owner's manual stipulates)...I'm also guessing that that one would be compatible with the AW-1 but you really do need to be careful, don't you?