Idemitsu ATF?

[daver1100rt]

2003 XC70- I'm planning on doing a transmission fluid flush / change this weekend. Could I use Idemitsu Type TLS for my fluid change? I can buy it locally (NAPA) and is almost half the price of Mobil 1 ATF. Thanks, Dave

[pbierre]

Dave, did you search this site for the dozens of opinions on flushing the Geartronic transmission? I sense you are looking for validation of
a questionable decision. Search on "3309".

[daver1100rt]

Well I've been getting parts lately through Pelican Parts, and they show about 8 or 9 options for automatic transmission fluid. One of which is the Idemitsu TLS. Pelican Parts lists the Idemitsu TLS as "Volvo approval: 3309".

If I find ATF that says #3309 on the bottle does that mean it's OK to use? Or are some 3309 ATFs ok and others not? Dave

[bugeye]

If it meets the specification 3309, then it is the correct fluid. I sourced Mobil 3309 from Amazon. Case of 12 quarts is about $75.

[MacNoob]

FCP Euro has this to say: (It'll be fine)

Product Details

Mineral based automatic transmission fluid that meets JWS 3309 specifications

This Automatic Transmission Fluid is OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) in this application, meaning this part is made by the same company that made the part for your car when it was built. Expect the same quality and fitment as the original genuine part, but at a greater savings than purchasing from the Dealer.

This auto transmission fluid is made by Idemitsu. Idemitsu is the OE Supplier to Volvo on the applications that we have listed. This is the ATF Type-TLS.

[vtl]

2003 XC70- I'm planning on doing a transmission fluid flush / change this weekend. Could I use Idemitsu Type TLS for my fluid change? I can buy it locally (NAPA) and is almost half the price of Mobil 1 ATF. Thanks, Dave

Yes, Type-TLS is a bit closer to OE than Mobil 3309. Folks, who do chromatography, claim Mobil uses cheaper base oil, which degrades quicker than OE or other oils with more quality base.

I used Idemitsu Type-TLS after valve body rebuild on N/A V70, it worked fine. Better than Mobil.

[Astro14]

Yes, Type-TLS is a bit closer to OE than Mobil 3309. Folks, who do chromatography, claim Mobil uses cheaper base oil, which degrades quicker than OE or other oils with more quality base.

I used Idemitsu Type-TLS after valve body rebuild on N/A V70, it worked fine. Better than Mobil.

Closer to OE than Mobil 3309?

What evidence do you have to support that claim?

Gas chromatography has nothing to do with it. You can tell levels of elements, not compounds, with a chromatograph. You certainly can't tell what base oil is used. I have oil analysis performed (that's using a gas chromatograph) on my Mercedes at every oil change. Done several for my Volvos. You claim a lot for a process with which I'm very familiar.

I'm sure the Idemitsu works fine, because it meets spec, but once a specification is met, you can't be "more" in spec.

FCP Euro is hardly credible when it comes to their product descriptions. That quote from the Idemitsu fluid sounds like the "boiler-plate" language for nearly every "OE supplier" part they offer. Probably written by a marketing guy, they don't have staff engineers.

If you're looking for an alternative, I would recommend the Valvoline Import Multi-vehicle. It meets JWS-3309 and uses synthetic base stocks.

But regular fluid changes are far more important than brand or even base stock. And your transmission will be just fine on the Mobil3309.

[AKAMick]

You can buy the best ATF in the world for your car but it is rubbish if you leave it in forever, as Astro says regular changes are more important than name branding. I dump the Auto sump at every engine oil change on both my XC's, it is cheap insurance. Less money than repairs.

[billr99]

As I have noted before, I have used Valvoline Maxlife (syn oil compliant with 3309 spec) in all my P2s with great results. I also run a remote PH-16 filter to keep that fluid clean and change the fluid at 30K kms (easy to remember and lower than Toyota's recommendation for the same gearbox).

Cheers,

Bill

[daver1100rt]

Mick- I never thought of draining the 3 quarts of ATF and refilling at each oil change. That's a great idea, and easy.

I gave the ATF a look the other day and while it's not burnt looking, it does look dark. I'm glad to find out there are other options besides the Mobil 1 AFT. Advance Auto has some 3309 options on the shelf. Supposed to rain this weekend, I think I'll do it. Dave