15 replies to this topic

[josehb]

I have a 2000 Volvo S70 with 60,000 miles. I checked the ATF and it looked very brown, so I would like to change it. My question is, is it OK to use the new Mobil ATF 3309 fluid which meets the volvo fluid JWS3309 specs. for this Aisin AW transmission.
The volvo dealer sells this ATF which is synthetic for $18.00/QT and I found the Mobil ATF 3309 for $4.50/Qt, big different !!

The only different is that the Mobil ATF 3309 is not synthetic, would this matter given that the specs are the same?

I would really appriciate an experts oppinion, since the diferennce in price is very significant.

Thanks
Jose

[Gregg]

from your owner's manual:

Automatic transmission fluid

Quality:
AW4: ATF Dexron III and Mercon.
Capacity: 8 US qts. (7.6 liters)

AW5: Only Volvo gearbox oil (1161540-8). Do not mix with other oils.
Capacity: 8 US qts. (7.5 liters


As long as it meets the proper specs, it should be fine.

Edited by gmischenko, 10 March 2005 - 06:22 PM.

[josehb]

Thanks, from what I understand as long as it meets the specs it should be Ok and the only diference between synthetic and non synthetic is durability: but I'm not sure.

[Gregg]

My suggestion is if you are unsure, just go with the Volvo ATF. You don't want to fubar the transmission by using the wrong fluid. Sure, it seems like a lot more money now, but it is nothing compared to the cost of a new transmission.

[josehb]

I just called Mobil at 1-800-662-4525, which is there lubricant division in Virginia. They claimed that it meets the volvo specs. and it does not matter if is synthetic or not. So I'm going to go and use the Mobil ATF 3309 fluid.

Thanks

[Joe_m]

I have a 2000 Volvo S70 with 60,000 miles. I checked the ATF and it looked very brown, so I would like to change it. My question is, is it OK to use the new Mobil ATF 3309 fluid which meets the volvo fluid  JWS3309 specs. for this Aisin AW transmission.
The volvo dealer sells this ATF which is synthetic for $18.00/QT and I found the Mobil ATF 3309 for $4.50/Qt, big different !!

The only different is that the Mobil ATF 3309 is not synthetic, would this matter given that the specs are the same?

I would really appriciate an experts oppinion, since the diferennce in price is very significant.

Thanks
Jose

Is yours a NA with the 5 spd auto? Just trying to compare yours to mine...

[MrWinkey]

It's your car my friend ..but I would use full syn. your crazy if you don't ? Now that's just my opinion....someday I hope to get out of McDonalds and become a Volvo technician

[Bay13]

I think he means it doesn't matter if his transmission is using synthetic or dexron, the mobil 1 synthetic will cover the bases.

[spottieottie]

Use Mobil 1 sythetic and call it a day.

[KLS]

Mobil 3309 is not a Dexron-III ATF and not suitable where a Dexron-III ATF is called for. It is rated to replace the special Volvo JWS3309 ATF.

Mobil 1 ATF is a Dexron-III ATF, but not suitable for the Volvo transmissions that require the special Volvo fluid.

I prefer a synthetic ATF for longer fluid life and higher film strength (if it is a PAO base fluid). Redline D4 ATF is my choice if the Volvo JWS3309 fluid is required. If Dexron-III ATF is required, I like the Redline, Mobil 1, Amsoil, or Schaeffer.

Dexron-III, Mercon, JWS3309, and other ATF specs are performance specs, especially relating to the friction characteristics. The friction modifier properties must meet the properties of the clutch materials.

Synthetic or conventional ATF relates to the ingredients used to make the ATF, not the friction performance.


Ken

[Bay13]

Mobil 3309 is not a Dexron-III ATF and not suitable where a Dexron-III ATF is called for. It is rated to replace the special Volvo JWS3309 ATF.

Mobil 1 ATF is a Dexron-III ATF, but not suitable for the Volvo transmissions that require the special Volvo fluid.

I prefer a synthetic ATF for longer fluid life and higher film strength (if it is a PAO base fluid). Redline D4 ATF is my choice if the Volvo JWS3309 fluid is required. If Dexron-III ATF is required, I like the Redline, Mobil 1, Amsoil, or Schaeffer.

Dexron-III, Mercon, JWS3309, and other ATF specs are performance specs, especially relating to the friction characteristics. The friction modifier properties must meet the properties of the clutch materials.

Synthetic or conventional ATF relates to the ingredients used to make the ATF, not the friction performance.

Thank You

[josehb]

Thank You, Ken for that explenation, I will also consider the Redline d4.

[josehb]

Well, I just checked the specs for Redline D4 it it looks like it does not meet the Volvo JWS3309 specs. I wil still stick to the Mobil 3309, if it ruins my transmission I should be able to sue them, since they claime it meets the Volvo fluid rigth on the bottle.

Thanks

[Joe_m]

The transmision is the AW5 5 speed automatic, made in Japan by the Aisin Wagner Company and from what I undestand they make among the best transmissions on the Planet.

However, this transmission requires a special  ATF meeting the JWS 3309 specs.

Where did you find the reference to the JWS 3309 specs? I am trying to verify and see nothing of it in the manual.