Volvo S40 T5 AWD 73k

Took vehicle in to a shop (bmw specialist) for brake flush. Power steering fluid was brown and car was making whining noise when turning wheel so also had power steering fluid flushed. According to invoice they flushed and filled the system with automatic transmission fluid. My manual says for "WSS M2C204-A or equivalent" and I'm just trying to see if the fluid they used is normal. I see a lot of conflicting information but mainly not to mix the two fluids?


My invoice says:

"Road test for power steering operation. Inspect system for leaks. Flush power steering lines, pump, rack and pinion and or gear box. Install new power steering fluid. Install power steering additive to revitalize seals"

DESCRIPTION:
ATF DEXRONIII

thanks

 

Volvos use ATF fluid in the power steering (check if your reservoir cap says ATF on it...). The WSS thing is a Ford spec - with Pentosin CHF 11S being compatible to the spec. CHF202 interestingly is compatible with CHF 11S and shown as the synthetic version. With all that said, the owners manual say "Volvo power steering fluid or equivalent" (lol big help huh?). Older Volvos (pre 1999 or so) specify Dexron III for the power steering fluid, newer models like yours specify the CHF 11S.

 

As noted, yours does not use ATF.

 

Great-- just trying to take care of preventative maintenance and I pay 150 for the wrong fluid. I guess I'll call them and see what they say, I'm sure they'll tell me ATF is fine. It wasn't a random shop either, 50 reviews on google most 5 star.

 

Reviews aren't everything.
I would make them put the right fluid in.