Hi everyone,

I'm getting ready to change the power steering fluid in my 96 850,
but the only thing it says in the owner's manual is "ATF". I'm
assuming this means Dexron 3/ Mercon. Will any ATF work?
Does anyone know if Volvo has specified a paticular type of
fluid ( other than their own) ?

Thanks, John

 

Hi John,

The ATF is Dexron-III/Mercon. Do not use any other fluid, and I wouldn't top it up with generic PWS fluids. Any name brand's Dexron-III/Mercon would be fine, and I don't think synthetic is necessary.

Some Fords use ATF-Type-F for PWS, which is absolutely different from Dexron-III/Mercon.

As you know, ATFs are not compatible, and once mixed or wrong fluid is put in, a disaster is waiting ahead....


Kanji/JPN

 

JPN, are you saying to use the Dexron III / Mercon as the Power Steering Fluid? I'm just asking cause I really don't know the aswer.

 

Hi Jim,

Yes, the owner's manual, as well as the factory manual, call for Dexron-III/Mercon transmission fluid (ATF) for the power steering fluid. The capacity is 0.75QT, IAW the manual.

But as usual, double-check with Tech to be sure. I generally use Coastal's Dexron-III/Mercon as they are the cheapest per quart. The fluid level also has "HOT" & "COLD" level indications on the cap-type dipstick (The caphas the dipstick attached to it). Run the engine for 5-10 minutes, and the fluid level should be within the "HOT" band.

I hope this helps.


JPN

 

Yes that is only for the 850's and 1998 S/V/C 70's.
In 1999 Volvo went to a special fluid. Installing the ATF will burn up the pump and rack.
The fluid for the 1999 and newer is a synthetic power steering fluid.

 

Hi Kanji, Jim, and Tech,

Yes, I knew that the transmission fluids were different and could
do damage if the wrong one were used in a transmission. I just
wanted to be sure of what I was doing before I destroyed something.
I knew that Kanji, Tech and others on here would give the
correct advice. Thanks Kanji and Tech.

..."ATFs are not compatible, and once mixed or wrong fluid is
put in a disaster is waiting ahead..."
I wish the owners manual was more clear on this. Haynes
just copied what was in the owner's manual.

My 96 850 owner's manual states the following on page 9:2 :

Power Steering fluid Quality: ATF Capacity: 0.85 US qts. (0.8 liters)

I wonder how many owners have used just any ATF they had
around and then suffered disaster....

Thanks, John

 

Hi John,

My pleasure, I hope you have a good time shopping for ATF. Very often, I'm attracted to synthetic fluid (especially Valvoline's nicely-coloured bottles) but my wallet cannot afford them.


Kanji/JPN

 

Hi Kanji,

Yes, yes...good....color is good, I like color.
Now I have an insatiable urge to buy ATF in brightly colored
bottles.
I will carefully visualize the resulting aesthetic effect on the decorating
scheme I've chosen for my garage. Empty brightly colored bottles
strategically scattered throughout the free form collection of almost-
useable antiquities will bring brightness and add necessary color accents
to my decorating scheme ( Refuse-dumpster chique).
I can't wait to hear the comments of admiration from those that
pass by my open garage door....( "Whoa....DUDE!!").
In addition I can use the effects of color to bring "immense joy"
to others in my midst such as the people that ride the trash truck.
(" Hey Earnest, will you look at this...isn't this the prettiest pile of
trash you ever saw?...you kinda hate to pick it up....suddenly I feel
so happy.."). :-)

BTW I saw a post on another forum where an 850 owner had
used regular power steering fluid instead of Mercon 3 ATF. His
power steering rack failed around 80-85K miles. He said the
technician could not understand why it failed at such low mileage.
That underlines what you and Tech said in regard to using the
correct fluid.

Best regards, John

 

Good morning John,

I just noticed that if you change "a" to "o" on Valvoline, you get "Volvoline". I wonder if there's a connection between the two.

I highly suggest that you buy a cheap roll cab for your tools (Stuck-on at Walmart is a good candidate for this project), and cover the logo with "Snap-on" sticker. You'll get envious looks from local techs.

>He said the technician could not understand why it failed at such low mileage.
I assume the technician was actually a certified potty technician[8D].

Good day,


Kanji/JPN

 

Lol, that was a good one.

 

Valvoline, then Volvoline.......hmmmmm makes one wonder doesn't it <grin>

 

Use Volvoline to quiet the volves in your Volvo? lol

Kanji, I think you started something..... :-)

BTW I did buy a small roll around cabinet from a guy ($20).
It says ACE on it so I hope they think it is a special cabinet
only awarded to the best mechanics......(yeah, right)

Best regards, John