My 2003 S40 has only 21,000 miles on it. Out of curiosity This past weekend I took a look at the transmission dipstick. the color was not clear red but looked more like purple with brown in it. Even though I have low mileage, should I take it to the dealer to have the fluid changed? It gives me a smooth ride, but I just want to make sure to avoid tranny problems in the future. What should do? Any & all advise would be appreciated! Thanks

 

The treads from the S60 forum dealing with transmissions are a must read. I just spent $160 on two cases JWS 3309, which is the correct oil choice. (The dealer wanted double that price). My 03 S40 and 02 S60 take the same fluid. I was all set to have the dealer change my fluid but I just dont trust them. I'm going to do it myself.

 

Six years seems like a long time to have the same fluid, despite the low mileage. Just make sure that the fluid you get meets the JWS-3309 specs. Mobil ATF 3309 is one, and I've read that Toyota T-IV is another. The key is "highly friction modified". I found a website the other night that sells a case of Mobil for around $55...this is noticeably cheaper than the prices I was quoted at various shops in my area. I did find one place that would let me supply the fluid so that's what I was going to do if Midas hadn't made it right for me. If they are truly going to do a flush it will require 12-15 quarts depending on their machine, while a drain and fill should take around 8, assuming you have the same transmission that I do in my 2004. I've also been told that the filter is not a standard one that shops stock, so you'll want to call ahead and make sure they have it (or perhaps try to find that on your own as well).

 

Thanks for the replies, but does anyone have a step by step of changing the tranny fluid of a 2003 S40? I read the S60 thread, but the 2003 S40 looks a little more different to what is explained for the S60. Also where is the tranny fluid filter located for the 2003 S40? All help is greatly appreciated.....

 

there is a special adapter to access and drain the trans fluid, not all shops can do it...I wouldnt recommend flushing the trans yourself.

 

I was going to remove 4 quarts & add 4. Drive it around for a few days then do it again just like on the S60. But since the S40 is complicated, I guess i'll have to go get it done by my Volvo dealer & pay through the nose.... Thanks... I'll update the thread with the final results, after I save some money & have the dealer do the work ...

 

Try the S40 Concepts forum website. They may have some information that might be useful for you.

 

Thanks... I'll take a look at it.....