I have looked through my owners manual and even done searches online and on this site and just can't seem to find out what specific automatic transmission fluid I need to use on my 2004 Volvo S40.

Also, can I suck transmission fluid out of the dipstick instead? Will that drain just as much as if I were pulling the transmission drain plug?

My transmission is not shifting very smooth so I was planning on adding a bottle of Lube Gard to it. I have used it before in another car of mine and it worked well. Do you recommend I use a different transmission fluid additive?

The owners manual does not specify how you check the automatic transmission fluid level. Other cars I have owned said the transmission should be at normal operating temperature, have the car running, shift through all the gears before finally checking the fluid while the engine is running in park. Well since the auto transmission dipstick on this car is so low and close to the exhaust manifold I cant see how I could check it with the engine hot without burning my arm or hand. With that in mind, what is the best way to check the automatic transmission fluid to get the most accurate reading in my S40? Any input is appreciated.

 

1. JWS3309 spec fluid ONLY. Pictures of a couple of choices below - or the Volvo brand fluid that is more expensive. (Aisin is the transmission manufacturer, and 1161540 is the Volvo part number if you want to search for the Volvo fluid)
2. Simply drain from the drain plug and fill through the dipstick tube. Measure how much you take out - and don't put more than that back in. (unless it was low to begin with) Should be ~3.25-3.5 quarts. Figure out how you are going to get fluid in the dipstick tube before you pull the plug - the tube diameter is pretty small, Most funnels at your local auto parts store will be too big on the small end. You might want to drain and fill a couple of times since the trans holds about 7.5 quarts. Many will recommend a flush rather than drain and fills - search for the "gibbons method" for good instructions.
3. DON"T put any additives in your transmission - you will regret it.
4. Yep, your forearm against that hot radiator hose to get to the dipstick is the way to do it. Check the fluid level when hot (and running) Yes, the dipstick is hard to read also.

 

Wow, thanks for the prompt and detailed reply! Are there any local auto parts stores (like O'Relly, Autozone, Napa, Bumper to Bumper or Advance) that carry this specific type of ATF? Or do I have to order it online or go through a dealer?

I've had different sources caution me about doing a transmission flush on an older car because it can sometimes do more damage than good. Do you think a flush wiith this type of transmission that has over 200,000 miles can harm it? I have no problem draining and filling it a few times over a few months to get it fully changed out.

Won't I burn my forearm if I check the fluid when its hot?

 

Looks like this ATF from O'Reilly meets the requirements.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c...ype+T-IV&pos=0

Beck/Arnley Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid T-IV

 

fluid should be easy to find = Your Volvo has a a 5 speed Aisin transmission - same as Toyota and Lexus (which is why hoonk showed you the Toyota T-IV fluid) so its a pretty popular model and Toyota doesn't jack up prices on fluids. You can read the labels on the bottle to confirm which specs the product meets. For the most part, Volvos of that era either used JWS 3309 or Dex III. They are not interchangeable since they have different viscosities so make sure you get the right one. And +1 on NOT using transmission additives. Again those products will alter the fluid's viscosity and tensile strength. The transmission relies on a set amount of friction from the fluid to operate. Wrong fluid can cause or speed internal wear.

 

Transmission fluid is one thing I don't take chances with. I always follow the recommendation of the transmission manufacturer (which is never the CAR manufacturer, BTW). Except for my current car, which is a BMW that has a "lifetime fluid" sticker on the transmission, while the tranny manufacturer (ZF) says to regularly change the fluid. Transmission fluid has a lot of odd properties, and I figure that the tranny manufacturer has a vested interest in doing what works best.