Transmission flushing at home: Really easy, really effective

**BillAileo** · 10-28-2007, 06:40 AM

MoeB,

I wonder if the Castrol link you posted is out of date. Check out the data sheet that is linked to that page: http://www.castrol.com/liveassets/bp...s_ImportMV.pdf

It says that the fluid meets "All specifications" for Volvos. It also says it meets the JWS-3309 specification for Aisin-Warner transmissions!

Bill

**MoeB** · 10-28-2007, 07:04 AM

Could be, I don't know. I just went to Castrol's site and pulled it up this morning.

Be good news if it was, actually.

On edit: I looked at the creation date of the PDF and it's 9-6-2007. The most recent date I could find in the web page source code (besides the copyright) is 11-7-2006, so it does appear that the web page is out of date and the PDF is pretty recent. Looks like we have a synthetic blend option for ATF in these things. Nice catch, Bill!

**PierreC** · 10-28-2007, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by MoeB

By this logic, Castrol Import Multivehicle ATF should also be OK since it can be used where T-IV is required. However, it says "Volvo (except 5 speed)" in the recommended use list. I am not saying T-IV is not suitable in the AW 5550 (I believe it is), just that you cannot use converse applicability since ATFs are often backward compatible with fluids that will not work in the same applications the newer ATF will.

on edit: Since Castrol Multivehicle appears to now be JWS 3309 compliant (see below), change my analogy to Toyota T-3 instead.

MoeB: You are right, of course ... maybe it was just desperation on my side as my ONLY alternative to the Volvo branded ATF was the T-IV. Mobil 3309 does not seem to be available in South Africa ...

**msir1995** · 10-28-2007, 09:27 AM

PierreC:

Well you and I will be the test bed for the T-IV fluid. I also noted the car smoothing out as I drove it more. I plan on more frequent changes. I thought about at least draining the fluid every 10-15,000 miles. I figure that is about 3.5 quarts. I have more than opne vehicle so this one will only see about 6,000 miles per year. I assume you drive more than that and keep us posted if any issues arise as a result of this T-IV fluid.

**PierreC** · 10-28-2007, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by msir1995

PierreC:

Well you and I will be the test bed for the T-IV fluid. I also noted the car smoothing out as I drove it more. I plan on more frequent changes. I thought about at least draining the fluid every 10-15,000 miles. I figure that is about 3.5 quarts. I have more than opne vehicle so this one will only see about 6,000 miles per year. I assume you drive more than that and keep us posted if any issues arise as a result of this T-IV fluid.

msir1995

Actually, the XC is our "long distance holiday" car [my beach cottage is some 750 miles away from where I live, and we sometimes take a "bad road" detour to get there] and beyond that my wife drives it around town. I commute in a 2004 S60 2.0T [a model not available in the USA] and son drives a 1996 850 GLT going on 300.000 km and still in excellent condition - both manual transmission.

Our summer holiday [remember, we're in the southern hemisphere] is coming up in about 6 weeks' time and I will drive at least 2500 - 3000 miles over a period of 3 - 4 weeks. That should give a good indication ...

Oh, and I recall another member, BoBoKwok, also doing a flush with T-IV quite a while ago - maybe he can give us an up to date report?

**BoBoKwok** · 10-29-2007, 02:39 PM

I have ~1500km after flushing with Type IV
Nothing special are found.
The transmission is not perfect but it is slightly better than before flushing
I am going to check from local Volvo whether I have the most update software or not soon. I hope it won't cost me too much.

Originally Posted by PierreC

msir1995

Actually, the XC is our "long distance holiday" car [my beach cottage is some 750 miles away from where I live, and we sometimes take a "bad road" detour to get there] and beyond that my wife drives it around town. I commute in a 2004 S60 2.0T [a model not available in the USA] and son drives a 1996 850 GLT going on 300.000 km and still in excellent condition - both manual transmission.

Our summer holiday [remember, we're in the southern hemisphere] is coming up in about 6 weeks' time and I will drive at least 2500 - 3000 miles over a period of 3 - 4 weeks. That should give a good indication ...

Oh, and I recall another member, BoBoKwok, also doing a flush with T-IV quite a while ago - maybe he can give us an up to date report?

**PierreC** · 10-30-2007, 08:15 AM

Thanks BoBoKwok for the update.

Are there any other forum members who used T-IV for flushing the ATF? Please tell us of your experience (distance since flush, side effects if any etc.) so that we can track its applicability.

Maybe we should start a new thread? And also include the new Castrol Import Multivehicle ATF [as discovered by BillAileo recently - see earlier post in this thread]?

**santon** · 12-27-2007, 10:38 AM

I cant seem to find this anywhere in canada (aside from the volvo stealership).

anyone know who has or can get this in toronto? last thing I want to do is ship in this liquid gold.

**JRL** · 12-27-2007, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by santon

I cant seem to find this anywhere in canada (aside from the volvo stealership).

anyone know who has or can get this in toronto? last thing I want to do is ship in this liquid gold.

I assume you read the entire post?
TOYOTA 3309 fluid is the same, at 1/3 the price of Volvo's.
Go into any Toyota dealership and you can buy it there

**santon** · 12-27-2007, 02:58 PM

Yes I DID READ the entire post. that was my last option, I realize they are the same however was going to try to stick to the mobil, doesnt look like I will be able to, no one I called can be bothered to order it.

next question, where the f99k is this dipstick to refill? I cant see it for the life of my (2003 XC70). I appreciate the non sarcastic reply JRL, I really do.

I looked arond with an LED light on the drivers side of the car south of the air filter, cant seem to find it. Anyone got a pic of this elusive dipstick?