2004 S60--100,500mi. NO problems with car ever. Routine maintainance inquiry: Private import mechanic says drain and replace fluid. Dealer says--synthetic fluid, no need to change unless dark. That is why is it not on the maintainance guide. This is expensive and I've read here, that the fluid is really marked up. Is this a hard job to do for an experienced mechanic? I have a private home based one, who could probably do the job for way less than the $372, quote by dealer.
I want to see the fluid before making decision. Is this just a dipstick check? Thanks any answers.

 

I would definitely change the fluid. This is very easy and cheap if you are a DIYer. I changed the oil and tranny fluid in my wife's 08 S60 yesterday. Her car has 53,000 on it and this is the second fluid change for the tranny. The tranny takes a specific fluid Mobil 3309 which can be purchased here. http://www.avlube.com/mobilatf3309.html

Do not let anyone put anything else in it.

You see how inexpensive it is. When you unscrew the drain plug on the tranny only about 3 qts will run out. There are 12 qts in the tranny so I would suggest changing it at the next 3-4 oil changes. Those A-W tranny's are $5000+, so a $55 case of fluid and a little time is cheap.

Don't pay the dealer $372 for anything...it's so easy even a caveman can do it. Just get a jack, some jackstands, 10mm socket, a 24 mm socket, and a funnel like this http://www.ipdusa.com/Volvo-S60/Tool...p-74-732-2592/. You will need the long hose because the fill hole in through the tranny dipstick tube. It's on the drivers side of the car behind the radiator...you'll see a yellow dipstick.

Or you could purchase one of these and follow the instructions.
http://www.ipdusa.com/version.asp?st...=815&V_ID=2044

 

+1. Do it yourself to save big bucks. Change atf every 30k miles or sooner depending on your driving habits or if u r always on stop n go traffic. U can also use the Toyota T IV
atf cuz its also a JWS 3309 or Amsoil synthetic. Dealer atf is over $20/qt.- a rip off.