ATF Change

[RoyMacDonald]

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]

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]

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.

[Finbo]

Has anybody used the Comma AWS JWS 3309 spec ATF before??

It seems to be very good value, especially compared with Volvo's.

But, following a search on the forum, someone else changed their ATF with Comma (albeit diff gearbox, therefore different type of ATF) and had problems and had to do another fluid change with a more expensive oil for the gearbox to function properly.

I don't want to be a doom merchant, but with an expensive bit of kit like the XC90, you want to make sure it's OK.

I'm presuming that if it meets the 3309 spec then it should be alright to use or buy at these prices to use at a later date, etc

Finbo

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by Finbo

Has anybody used the Comma AWS JWS 3309 spec ATF before??

It seems to be very good value, especially compared with Volvo's.

But, following a search on the forum, someone else changed their ATF with Comma (albeit diff gearbox, therefore different type of ATF) and had problems and had to do another fluid change with a more expensive oil for the gearbox to function properly.

I don't want to be a doom merchant, but with an expensive bit of kit like the XC90, you want to make sure it's OK.

I'm presuming that if it meets the 3309 spec then it should be alright to use or buy at these prices to use at a later date, etc

Finbo

And you're still cosidering it? It's not good value if you have to change the ATF twice!

Not sure where Chelsham is but re my earlier post I had my ATF changed by Charlewood Volvo who are near Gatwick in Surrey. http://www.crvolvo.com/

I see they have an advert in the latest copy of the club magazine.

Roy

[Finbo]

In fairness the example I gave from another part of the forums (as I mentioned) was for a different Comma ATF in a different automatic gearbox.

Am I naive in thinking that as long as the Comma AWS meets JWS 3309 spec (which it says it does) then it should be OK?

It'll be interesting for jtw45 to post when he's changed his ATF with the Comma stuff to see if it works properly. As the owner of a motorists shop, I'm sure he wouldn't use the Comma ATF if he didn't know it was going to be alright, though I respect Roy's opinion.

At this stage I'm researching the topic before deciding what to do.

Roy, I was told by a Volvo main dealer, that brown ATF wasn't something to worry about unduly and only to be concerned if it was black in colour and/or had a putrid burnt smell or if there was a problem with the gearchange in the geartronic box itself - none of which I have at present.

Cheers,

Finbo

[jtaw45]

Just because i own a motorist shop doesn't mean i'm gonna take any risks. I'm exactly the same as you in the fact i want the best for my car and any hint of indecision on any product and i'll think twice. I stock the full range of comma oils and other products and have no reason to think there anything but superb other than the case you've quoted. However that is enough to put doubt in my mind, especially where three grands worth of my gearbox is concerned.
I tried yesterday to source the mobil stuff but it's not available. My other avenue to explore is the vauxhall stuff through the trade club which i know people have used with no problems. It's a big grey area and one that wouldn't be a problem if volvo didn't take the **** with their pricing.

[Finbo]

I know what you mean.

I wasn't insinuating that you would take a risk - quite the opposite in fact!

Maybe it is a brand thing, but I think I would be happier with the Mobil ATF 3309 when I decide to change.

But, as you say, it doesn't seem to be available in the UK yet. I'm sure somewhere else on the forum they said it's coming soon. But Mobil oil generally isn't cheap, so it will be interesting to see what price they put on it.

As you mentioned there's also the Vauxhall or Saab route.

Maybe all this 'grey area' information is designed to put doubt in our minds and play safe and stick with the Volvo stuff, but it is ridiculously overpriced compared to the others.

I think, if I have the time, I'll put a call or e-mail into Comma and see what response they come back with regarding their AWS (3309 spec) ATF.

Cheers,

Finbo

[Finbo]

I've just sent the following e-mail to Comma from an address on their website as there phone line wasn't responding.

Hopefully, you think it's appropriately worded. I let you know if and when I receive a reply.

Finbo


"Dear Sirs,

I wonder if you can help.

I own a 2004 registered (2005 spec) Volvo XC90 D5 geartronic which has the Aisin Warner 5 speed automatic gearbox. Volvo states that the only ATF that can be used when changing the oil must meet JWS 3309 specification.

I see from your website that your product Comma AWS Automatic Transmission Fluid states that it does indeed meet this spec, but it’s listed next to the Toyota Type IV gearbox listing. There is no mention of Volvo. What I’m trying to ascertain is whether your ATF is suitable for my Volvo XC90or not.

There is a lot of discussion about this subject on the Volvo Owners Club forums. We would appreciate it if you could clarify whether your ATF is indeed suitable and, more importantly, safe to use in this type of automatic gearbox and, if used, no problems would be generated, etc.

As you can hopefully appreciate a new gearbox for this vehicle is in the region of £3000, therefore anybody who uses your Comma AWS ATF would need to be 100% sure that it is safe to do so."

[jtaw45]

Just found this, seems a lot more reasonable.

http://nordicpartsdirect.co.uk/prod_details.asp?id=4732