2002 Volvo S60 ATF change
- Thread starter dlundblad
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Yeah, it escalated...but the point is this: if you address shifting issues early (and changing fluid completely is addressing it), then you will save yourself a ton of heartache down the road.
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Yes it is. On both my cars, so it should be on yours. A nice feature...
Originally Posted By: ET16
I like some of the other heavier multi-vehicle fluids for 3309 applications. Maxlife is on the thin side. Valvoline Import Synthetic is closer in viscosity, for example.
In theory and on some non-Aisin applications, I agree with you. But in real-life use I have found these transmission to not care if they are using a DexIII/T-IV visc. fluid or a DexVI/WS fluid. Slightly thinner MaxLife vs. slightly thicker T-IV OE fluid, hands-down I would choose MaxLife or equivalent because it is a full synthetic and more shear stable, as well as a more modern add-pac.
I have run full synthetic DIII/TIV visc. fluid (Mag 1 from WPP) in our Lexus's U-151e, and also the slightly thinner MaxLife. Cannot tell a difference in the slightest. In an older SUV I have with a GM transmission, I CAN tell a difference between them, with better shifts and more responsiveness coming from the marginally thicker fluid. In the AW55 in specific, I have not serviced it long enough with different fluids to tell. But the performance of exact contemporary U-151e should be a reliable indicator.
Given the cost/convenience/availability of the MaxLife, in this application I would not sweat the difference, and only consider the difference in visc. valid if both were full syn (as you did compare). Cost/availability no object, I would indeed go w/your recommendation.
I like some of the other heavier multi-vehicle fluids for 3309 applications. Maxlife is on the thin side. Valvoline Import Synthetic is closer in viscosity, for example.
In theory and on some non-Aisin applications, I agree with you. But in real-life use I have found these transmission to not care if they are using a DexIII/T-IV visc. fluid or a DexVI/WS fluid. Slightly thinner MaxLife vs. slightly thicker T-IV OE fluid, hands-down I would choose MaxLife or equivalent because it is a full synthetic and more shear stable, as well as a more modern add-pac.
I have run full synthetic DIII/TIV visc. fluid (Mag 1 from WPP) in our Lexus's U-151e, and also the slightly thinner MaxLife. Cannot tell a difference in the slightest. In an older SUV I have with a GM transmission, I CAN tell a difference between them, with better shifts and more responsiveness coming from the marginally thicker fluid. In the AW55 in specific, I have not serviced it long enough with different fluids to tell. But the performance of exact contemporary U-151e should be a reliable indicator.
Given the cost/convenience/availability of the MaxLife, in this application I would not sweat the difference, and only consider the difference in visc. valid if both were full syn (as you did compare). Cost/availability no object, I would indeed go w/your recommendation.
On a normally functioning transmission, a slight difference in viscosity won't be noticed.
With a transmission suffering from low line pressure due to valve body wear, as this one looks to be, thicker would be better.
I've used the Valvoline Import with good results. Reasonably priced, synthetic base, slightly higher viscosity than MaxLife.
With a transmission suffering from low line pressure due to valve body wear, as this one looks to be, thicker would be better.
I've used the Valvoline Import with good results. Reasonably priced, synthetic base, slightly higher viscosity than MaxLife.
Originally Posted By: dlundblad
I could get Valvoline import if that is closer to viscosity. $25 at AAP and I could use promo codes.
If you can get it easily and affordably, I would go with that.
Keep in mind the key thing here is synthetic. If it were pure T-IV, which is wholly dino, it will shear down (thinner) past what the MaxLife Dex/Merc would, so starting higher is no real benefit. I looked at AAP's website and I see they have MaxLife Dex/Merc and IMV at the same price. I this is where you are buying it, get the IMV.
It says on their website no promo codes or discounts on the stated price, but hey, it's a very fair price to start with in the gallon jug.
I could get Valvoline import if that is closer to viscosity. $25 at AAP and I could use promo codes.
If you can get it easily and affordably, I would go with that.
Keep in mind the key thing here is synthetic. If it were pure T-IV, which is wholly dino, it will shear down (thinner) past what the MaxLife Dex/Merc would, so starting higher is no real benefit. I looked at AAP's website and I see they have MaxLife Dex/Merc and IMV at the same price. I this is where you are buying it, get the IMV.
It says on their website no promo codes or discounts on the stated price, but hey, it's a very fair price to start with in the gallon jug.
Originally Posted By: Or
Originally Posted By: dlundblad
I could get Valvoline import if that is closer to viscosity. $25 at AAP and I could use promo codes.
If you can get it easily and affordably, I would go with that.
Keep in mind the key thing here is synthetic. If it were pure T-IV, which is wholly dino, it will shear down (thinner) past what the MaxLife Dex/Merc would, so starting higher is no real benefit. I looked at AAP's website and I see they have MaxLife Dex/Merc and IMV at the same price. I this is where you are buying it, get the IMV.
It says on their website no promo codes or discounts on the stated price, but hey, it's a very fair price to start with in the gallon jug.
Darn you are right. I was thinking you could use the promo codes for these just like gear oil.
'Yoda Type IV and 3309 do seem appealing because it is the correct fluid "spec'd" fluid, but it is a shame they arent synthetic though. Yearly D/F's should take care of the shearing though IMO.
Unfortunately, my local AAP (as well as surrounding stores) doesnt carry the Valvoline MVI in the gallon jugs so it'll have to be in quarts. $$$$ Hence, why 'Yoda T-IV sounds appealing.
Originally Posted By: dlundblad
I could get Valvoline import if that is closer to viscosity. $25 at AAP and I could use promo codes.
If you can get it easily and affordably, I would go with that.
Keep in mind the key thing here is synthetic. If it were pure T-IV, which is wholly dino, it will shear down (thinner) past what the MaxLife Dex/Merc would, so starting higher is no real benefit. I looked at AAP's website and I see they have MaxLife Dex/Merc and IMV at the same price. I this is where you are buying it, get the IMV.
It says on their website no promo codes or discounts on the stated price, but hey, it's a very fair price to start with in the gallon jug.
Darn you are right. I was thinking you could use the promo codes for these just like gear oil.
'Yoda Type IV and 3309 do seem appealing because it is the correct fluid "spec'd" fluid, but it is a shame they arent synthetic though. Yearly D/F's should take care of the shearing though IMO.
Unfortunately, my local AAP (as well as surrounding stores) doesnt carry the Valvoline MVI in the gallon jugs so it'll have to be in quarts. $$$$ Hence, why 'Yoda T-IV sounds appealing.
Napa has the Valv. IMV at the same price as AAP if you want the syn.
For a Dino T-IV equivalent, this is a good choice, and on sale at AAP. Has seal conditioners like maxlife, which is a good thing.
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/castr...25-P#fragment-3
For a Dino T-IV equivalent, this is a good choice, and on sale at AAP. Has seal conditioners like maxlife, which is a good thing.
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/castr...25-P#fragment-3
A sleeper is Pennzoil MV ATF, it is full synthetic.
Quote:
Pennzoil® Multi-Vehicle ATF is suitable for use in applications requiring:
DEXRON® , DEXRON® -II, DEXRON® -III
MERCON® , MERCON® V
Allison C-4
Toyota T, T-III, T-IV
Honda Premium Formula ATF, ATF-Z1 (except in CVTs)
Mitsubishi/Kia/Hyundai SP, SP-II, SP-III
Nissan Matic-D
BMW LA2634, LT71141
http://www.pennzoil.com/other-car-produc...smission-fluid/
The description and picture didn't show this is full synthetic ATF, but the words "Full Synthetic" is printed on the bottle label.
Pep Boys has it on sale for $3.90/qt, regular is $5.60/qt. Once in a while Pep Boys has online coupon for 20-35% off. The final price can be less than $3/qt plus tax.
https://www.pepboys.com/product/details/9189304/00798/2006/VOLVO/V70/0/5-2401%25202.4L%2520DOHC
Quote:
Pennzoil® Multi-Vehicle ATF is suitable for use in applications requiring:
DEXRON® , DEXRON® -II, DEXRON® -III
MERCON® , MERCON® V
Allison C-4
Toyota T, T-III, T-IV
Honda Premium Formula ATF, ATF-Z1 (except in CVTs)
Mitsubishi/Kia/Hyundai SP, SP-II, SP-III
Nissan Matic-D
BMW LA2634, LT71141
http://www.pennzoil.com/other-car-produc...smission-fluid/
The description and picture didn't show this is full synthetic ATF, but the words "Full Synthetic" is printed on the bottle label.
Pep Boys has it on sale for $3.90/qt, regular is $5.60/qt. Once in a while Pep Boys has online coupon for 20-35% off. The final price can be less than $3/qt plus tax.
https://www.pepboys.com/product/details/9189304/00798/2006/VOLVO/V70/0/5-2401%25202.4L%2520DOHC
As another alternative, AAP has the full synthetic Castrol Transmax ATF on sale for $4/qt, I picked up 12 a few weeks back for my Lexus. Thinking about getting a few more, it's recommended for JWS 3309 / T-IV applications.
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/castr...6519/11044518-P
http://msdspds.castrol.com/bpglis/FusionPDS.nsf/Files/09DFBB064CCF193E80257BA5006EB93F/$File/BPXE-99LBRT.pdf
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/castr...6519/11044518-P
http://msdspds.castrol.com/bpglis/FusionPDS.nsf/Files/09DFBB064CCF193E80257BA5006EB93F/$File/BPXE-99LBRT.pdf
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As a reference point, in our 05 s60 I did 2 vac/fills swapping about 8 quarts at 106,000 when I bought it. I used amsoil ATF, which seems to have stopped a minor 1-2 shift flare. It was a no-nonsense job with the mityvac. The stuff that came out wasn't terrible but it was clearly old. Drives better with new fluid.
Astro14 - /fantastic/ writeup!
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Astro14 - /fantastic/ writeup!
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