ATF Change

Finbo · Feb 5th, 2009, 10:59

Following on from the various posts about changing the ATF at regular intervals (48k), I spoke to a Volvo main dealer yesterday.

They said it's not recommended by Volvo (I know this has been said many times before), but their dealership did recommend changing at around 100k for preventative measures or earlier if the car's regularly towing, or is a taxi, etc.

My ATF is brown in colour rather than red, but doesn't smell burnt and I was told this is normal and to bring the car in for it to be double checked if I was concerned.

The cost for a full flush was around £325 and I was told the Volvo ATF is now around £23 per litre!!

Plus, I was told that the Volvo ATF is fully synthetic. I thought it was mineral based??

The Service Manager also spoke to the Master Techician and he reiterated the above. But also said that if I was concerned about the ATF they could do a drain and top-up (approx 3 litres of new fluid) instead of a full flush for around £135 if that would give me peace of mind.

Also for info, the dealership said they've only had to replace 2 gearboxes in the past year or so and are not aware of any major concerns with the Aisin Warner box.

So, from what I've been told it seems I could wait awhile before changing the ATF as my D5 has only covered 50k.

I don't know if the above info helps or confuses the matter even more!

Cheers,

Finbo

jtaw45 · Feb 5th, 2009, 11:12

I'm currently mulling over the same dillema finbo. I do a lot of towing and am currently on 83k miles,I've only had the car for the last 10k. Now i'm gonna get the timing belt done in the next month or so and am gonna ask my local independant about a transmission flush. I have done it on my 99 S80 auto and the difference was instantly recognisable. If the procedure is the same for the XC90 then i may do it myself, much depends on what the independant says really as to who changes it but it will definately be getting done.

From recomendation on here and other sites i intend to use amsoil ATF which IS fully synthetic and exceeds JWS3009 which is the volvo spec. The price is cheaper than the volvo stuff as well. I am a massive beleiver in preventative maintenance and need this car to last a long time.

Finbo · Feb 5th, 2009, 11:45

I think if I did a lot of towing then I would definately change it regularly at around the 48k intervals.

From my post above, I was told by Volvo that their ATF is also synthetic. But I thought from previous posts on here that it was semi-synthetic.

Hopefully, someone can give a definative answer to this one.

Finbo

oilburner · Feb 5th, 2009, 12:32

Use JWS3309 spec for these boxes (not the GM ones though), nothing else. Don't be so daft to risk Amsoil, just buy the 3309 stuff from Vauxhall/Saab or Toyota (Type IV there).

Find the cheapest out of that bunch and stick to it, the savings of a few quid with Amsoil (if you did save) really isn't worth the risk on these sensitive boxes.

IMHO.

jtaw45 · Feb 5th, 2009, 14:13

I'd buy amsoil cos it exceeds the jws3309 spec,i'm not doing it to save a few quid.

oilburner · Feb 5th, 2009, 16:25

You don't need to exceed 3309 spec, it works perfectly well.

Beside which, it is extremely doubtful whether Amsoil contains the correct friction modifiers for these boxes, whether it exceeds the lubrication requirements or not.

Why take the risk?

Still it's your money...

RoyMacDonald · Feb 6th, 2009, 12:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finbo

I think if I did a lot of towing then I would definately change it regularly at around the 48k intervals.

From my post above, I was told by Volvo that their ATF is also synthetic. But I thought from previous posts on here that it was semi-synthetic.

Hopefully, someone can give a definative answer to this one.

Finbo

Unless Volvo have changed the spec within the last couple of years it's mineral based.

I'd recommend reading this thread before you make your mind up. That pice is way over the top for an ATF change. Also no way should your ATF be brown. http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=62772

EDIT: See you already have so you know I paid £59+vat for a full flush plus about £80 for the Amsoil.

Roy

Finbo · Feb 7th, 2009, 08:12

Jtaw45,

The price you're quoting for the Comma JWS 3309 spec ATF is very cheap, where are you sourcing it from at that price??

I presume that as it meets the right spec then it's OK to use??

Cheers,

Finbo

jtaw45 · Feb 7th, 2009, 09:26

I own a motorist shop and it's through Andrew Page, but a quick search online and you'll find it retail for £7 ish.

Feb 5th, 2009, 10:59	#1
Finbo Member Last Online: Apr 5th, 2024 19:29 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Somerset	ATF Change Following on from the various posts about changing the ATF at regular intervals (48k), I spoke to a Volvo main dealer yesterday. They said it's not recommended by Volvo (I know this has been said many times before), but their dealership did recommend changing at around 100k for preventative measures or earlier if the car's regularly towing, or is a taxi, etc. My ATF is brown in colour rather than red, but doesn't smell burnt and I was told this is normal and to bring the car in for it to be double checked if I was concerned. The cost for a full flush was around £325 and I was told the Volvo ATF is now around £23 per litre!! Plus, I was told that the Volvo ATF is fully synthetic. I thought it was mineral based?? The Service Manager also spoke to the Master Techician and he reiterated the above. But also said that if I was concerned about the ATF they could do a drain and top-up (approx 3 litres of new fluid) instead of a full flush for around £135 if that would give me peace of mind. Also for info, the dealership said they've only had to replace 2 gearboxes in the past year or so and are not aware of any major concerns with the Aisin Warner box. So, from what I've been told it seems I could wait awhile before changing the ATF as my D5 has only covered 50k. I don't know if the above info helps or confuses the matter even more! Cheers, Finbo

Feb 5th, 2009, 12:32	#4
oilburner Volvo är stor! Last Online: Apr 21st, 2024 21:38 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bromsgrove	Use JWS3309 spec for these boxes (not the GM ones though), nothing else. Don't be so daft to risk Amsoil, just buy the 3309 stuff from Vauxhall/Saab or Toyota (Type IV there). Find the cheapest out of that bunch and stick to it, the savings of a few quid with Amsoil (if you did save) really isn't worth the risk on these sensitive boxes. IMHO. __________________ Pete Richardson 2019 V90 T4 (me) & 2017 Volvo XC60 D4 AWD (other half) Gone but not forgotten: 2016 V60 CC AWD, 2015 V70 D4, 2005 S80 D5 and 2001 V70 2.4

Feb 5th, 2009, 16:25	#6
oilburner Volvo är stor! Last Online: Apr 21st, 2024 21:38 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bromsgrove	You don't need to exceed 3309 spec, it works perfectly well. Beside which, it is extremely doubtful whether Amsoil contains the correct friction modifiers for these boxes, whether it exceeds the lubrication requirements or not. Why take the risk? Still it's your money... __________________ Pete Richardson 2019 V90 T4 (me) & 2017 Volvo XC60 D4 AWD (other half) Gone but not forgotten: 2016 V60 CC AWD, 2015 V70 D4, 2005 S80 D5 and 2001 V70 2.4

Feb 5th, 2009, 11:12	#2
jtaw45 Senior Member Last Online: Feb 13th, 2024 10:42 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hull	I'm currently mulling over the same dillema finbo. I do a lot of towing and am currently on 83k miles,I've only had the car for the last 10k. Now i'm gonna get the timing belt done in the next month or so and am gonna ask my local independant about a transmission flush. I have done it on my 99 S80 auto and the difference was instantly recognisable. If the procedure is the same for the XC90 then i may do it myself, much depends on what the independant says really as to who changes it but it will definately be getting done. From recomendation on here and other sites i intend to use amsoil ATF which IS fully synthetic and exceeds JWS3009 which is the volvo spec. The price is cheaper than the volvo stuff as well. I am a massive beleiver in preventative maintenance and need this car to last a long time.

Feb 5th, 2009, 11:45	#3
Finbo Member Last Online: Apr 5th, 2024 19:29 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Somerset	I think if I did a lot of towing then I would definately change it regularly at around the 48k intervals. From my post above, I was told by Volvo that their ATF is also synthetic. But I thought from previous posts on here that it was semi-synthetic. Hopefully, someone can give a definative answer to this one. Finbo

Feb 5th, 2009, 14:13	#5
jtaw45 Senior Member Last Online: Feb 13th, 2024 10:42 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hull	I'd buy amsoil cos it exceeds the jws3309 spec,i'm not doing it to save a few quid.

Feb 7th, 2009, 08:12	#8
Finbo Member Last Online: Apr 5th, 2024 19:29 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Somerset	Jtaw45, The price you're quoting for the Comma JWS 3309 spec ATF is very cheap, where are you sourcing it from at that price?? I presume that as it meets the right spec then it's OK to use?? Cheers, Finbo

Feb 7th, 2009, 09:26	#9
jtaw45 Senior Member Last Online: Feb 13th, 2024 10:42 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hull	I own a motorist shop and it's through Andrew Page, but a quick search online and you'll find it retail for £7 ish.

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