Do any of you Volvo mechanics know if Volvo uses synthetic Transmission fluid? I can't figure out how they run without service if they dont?
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Sam
 

I am not a mechanic but I don't believe that the car is delivered with synthetic transmission fluid. I had synthetic put in by the dealer at an exhorbitant cost. I was told that the Volvo synthetic available to them is very costly and they were looking into an alternative source. What with the price and the amount needed for flushing etc. it is not a cheap thing to do and not comparabale to swithing to synthetic engine oil. but my XC is a keeper and I hope the switch is a good long term investment.
 

The AW 55-50SN Automatic (5 speed)uses a Volvo synthetic, ALL others use Dexron IIIG.
If you have the 5 speed make sure you use the Volvo Stuff.
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Rich K.

Volvospeed.com/bay13
 

Rich K.,
I didn't know that the recommended Volvo transmission fluid for the 5 speed was synthetic.
I bought a bottle for topping up if I ever needed it and it was very expensive. My question is if you could use Mobil 1 ATF which is a synthetic instead.
Eddie W. in FL
2001 S60 2.4T, Geartronic, 17" tethys wheels
 

Right now Volvo is not allowing any fluid except theirs, if your car is still in warranty then I'd stick with what Volvo recommends, after your out of warranty, then switching to a synthetic mobil 1 or Amsoil might be OK but I really don't know.
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Rich K.

Volvospeed.com/bay13
 

I assume that you are a Volvo tech, so I will ask a follow up. I too want to insure I am using synthetic ATF, as it is far more durable, especially with the heat in Scottsdale, AZ in summar time. I prefer Amsoil products and only use their 0W-30 for motor oil, however If you think the Volvo stuff is good, I'll save the expense of a very expensive transmission flush and refil (amsoil is about 8 bucks a quart, and I need min of 8).

Also, is the geartronic in the 2001, that AW55-50 that you are talking about? or is that the regular 5 spd, without the GT?

thanks

Sam
A strong believer in synth lube
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Sam
 

I'm going to quote a message we have on the 5 speed automatic transmission.

"The five-speed automatic transmission AW 55-50SN that was introduced on some models beginning MY00, requires transmission fluid type JWS-3309, currently available as Volvo part No. 1161540.

Do Not Use Any Other Fluid For This Transmission

(DexronIII/Mercon type ATF is NOT approved)

Failure to use correct transmission fluid may result in problems with lock-up function and shift quality.

Failure to use the correct/specified transmission fluid may result in repairs NOT covered under warranty."

The Geartronic in the S-80 is made by GM and uses Dexron IIIG, The Geartronic in all the other Volvo lines is Aisin Warner and uses the JWS-3309 transmission fluid. The cost of the Volvo fluid will make the Amsoil fluid look like a deal. I think it's $15-$20 a quart.
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Rich K.

Volvospeed.com/bay13
 

VCNA switched mine TO synthetic to try and fix my GT problems. But after the smell of burning oil finally went away, there was no other difference noticed. It was implied that this was a very expensive operation (flush, and refill with synthetic) but it was done under warranty for my 2001 V70GT
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- Darell, Previous V70 T5 owner

2001 V70 goodies for sale
 

So from that answer, I can infer that

a) the 2001 GT Automatic 5 spd is part of the AW55 family and

b)Volvo fluid is very unque and not the same as Amsoil or Mobil ATF.....

Thanks for that time/money saving bit of info.

Sam

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Sam
 

So if I understand you correctly, your 2001 GT (an early production car, I know form other converstations with you) did NOT come with a synthetic transmission oil??? Cause from what Rich has been saying, it is supposed to and the stuff costs 3 times as much as Amsoil.... I wonder if that was at the root of a lot of your GT problems?
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Sam
 

Sort of a grey area, unfortunately. I was told that sub-standard trans oil was found in a few transmissions that were acting up, so they decided to flush mine, and put the good stuff in. It may very well have had the good stuff already, since there was no difference after the expensive operation.

I see that I implied that my trans started with non-synthetic. But in truth, nobody really knows what was in there to begin with. Sorry about that.
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- Darell, Previous V70 T5 owner

2001 V70 goodies for sale