The wife has a 2012 XC60 with automatic transmission.



I am trying to handle the basic maintenance tasks, but this is the first Volvo I have tried to maintain.



My first question is how to determine whether the car has the MPS6 or the TF-80SC, because according the the factory manual, those two automatic transmissions take different types of fluid.



The door sticker doesn't indicate which transmission we have. I think the VIN number should indicate it, but how can I de-code the VIN?



I can find nothing in the factory manual regarding how to check the transmission fluid level or where to add fluid. Is there no dipstick? Do you check and fill transmission fluid underneath the car, as with typical manual transmissions?



I would appreciate advice from people who can answer my questions.



Thanks!

 

The US cars have the TF-80. There is no traditional dipstick. The fluid level is checked by removing the inner part of the drain plug.

Google TF-80 trans fluid change

 

Thanks, I will continue searching on google.

The car was purchased new in Germany.

Am I correct in believing that the transmission type is indicated in the VIN? Any tips on how to decode the VIN to get that info?

I have done the automatic transmission fluid and filter change on 1970s era American cars. Is it XC60 fundamentally different?

Thanks!

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Yes a MPS6 trans is possible in some markets (have never seen one) but it looks like it's only attached to the 4 cyl engine.
US (North american) cars only come with the tf-80 with or without AWD.

 

I found this and put in the VIN

https://volvoforums.com/forum/vindecoder.php

It says "Transmission: type 6" and "6-speed Geartronic". Nowhere does it say either MPS6 or TF-80SC.