Transmission Fluid Change

[Paddy Mallon]

Hi All,
Just did the transmission flush and renew, the instructions I got were much the same as the link above. I did a lot of research before hand on the fluid type and quantity. I got the following from a long serving Volvo Master Technician. DO NOT USE ANY OTHER SPEC ATF The fluid was developed by Mobil for Toyota ( for the AISIN gearbox range) the Mobil 3309 the Toyota Type IV (type 4) and the Volvo fluid are identical,( probably all made by Mobil) other manufacturers produce 3309 spec fluid also but why go there when this is an infrequent fluid change. I was advised to use 10 Litres of fluid (2.5 Gal US), using more is of little benefit and any less will not suffice. Our Mobil distribution is not great in Ireland so I was left with Volvo or Toyota. Volvo fluid cost 4 times as much and would take two weeks to get it in, Toyota had it on the shelf.
I took my time doing the job and kept everything very clean, the car runs much smoother now, and I will definately do this again in two to three years.
the master tech said not to bother too much with the clarity of the fluid as a guide to progress just keep going till you have flushed 9.5 litres take it for a run and top up if necessary, do not overfill.

[George Follett]

The transmission fluid compatible with the Volvo XC90 T5 (2.5L) A/T is the JWS 3309 fluid. If you have selected any other transmission fluid then it MUST read specifications on the label clearly stating that it is compatible with AW 55-50 or AW 55-51 vehicles (sometimes labeled AW 55-50/51). This information may be found in the owner's manual under the heading "Specifications." I had a difficult time finding it at any regular auto retail specialist stores, so I went to a company called CarQuest to find it. Any store specializing in imports will likely have it. Also, transmission centers can likely point you in the right direction to find these types of rare products. CAUTION-This transmission fluid is expensive. I paid just under $22 per quart/liter and they are usually the only game in town; otherwise, I have heard that it can be ordered online for about half the cost. Good Luck and take lots of pictures for the rest of us.

[Wifescar]

this here is the link for all what ails ya http://www.volvoxc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12169

Yo paper toast,

I know it has been a while since you posted this link, but the original question was regarding a 2007 XC90 V8. The Gibbons write-up is clearly about a XC70. Has anyone used this method on the XC90? Why is there no dipstick on the XC90? I guess for lifetime fluids there is no need to check?