Our S60 transmission was flushed by me last fall. I bought a case of Mobile 3309 to do the flush.

Last weekend we bought another car (back up to 5 now). It is a 2007 V50 with @89,500 miles on it and in pristine condition. I am thinking that at some point I would like to flush the trans and wondering if it also needs the 3309 ATF fluid?

We test drove another V50 with 98,000 miles on it that flared like crazy and I want to prevent the same fate from happening to the car we just bought. I wonder if some people go to the fast oil change places and get talked into a trans flush. Then they replace the fluid with Dexron?

There seems to be a rather large hits on trans issues and it covers many models. We also own two Subbies and I just don't see the same issues with the trans on the subbie forums.

Is it the trans or do people use the wrong fluids? Oh and back to the main question, does the 2007 V50 AWD need 3309?

 

It uses 3309 compatible fluid.

 

It should be JWS3309 fluid. After calling up a few dealerships and speaking to one independent shop, I was told that Valvoline Maxlife ATF is compatible even though it's labeled as a MERC/DEX fluid on the front. It's type-IV something compatible with Toyota which others have said is 3309 compatible and it seems be a less expensive alternative than the Volvo branded fluid or Mobil 1. Sometimes I have issues finding 3309 fluid whenever I go to a parts store and ask for it specifcally, they get cross-eyed since it's not a DEX or MERC rated.

 

Note that the JWS3309 is also common to Toyotas and some Mazdas so shop Toyota and you can find a good price.

See JWS-3309 ATF Specification | ATF, Differential, Trans, Brakes, P/S | Bob Is The Oil Guy

Also, the fluid spec is listed in the owners manual.

 

I've read that about the compatibility of Valvo Maxlife but I am gun shy. It is why I keep a case of Mobil 3309 in the garage. I would kick myself if I mess-up a trans to save $25.

I've had no luck with any of the parts stores having 3309 and you are correct, when you ask about it they do look at your dazed and confused.

 

Good to hear because I have it out in the garage.

I like to do the sloooow flush. Two quarts out, two new ones in and drive for a few weeks and then do it again.

 

It's entertaining too see some clerks' reactions. Most of the time they quickly search here or other Volvo forums like Swedespeed for information. The Maxlife won't ruin the transmission, it's a compatible alternative and it's made it much easier to stock up on extra fluid because for a while, I thought I had to special order Mobil 3309 fluid.
IPDUsa.com recommends Redline brand D4 ATF which is what I prefer in my other cars but it's definitely more expensive. This Volvo was free so I'm not splurging my fancy-schmancy stock of expensive ATF.

 

I like Redline products ad if IPD is willing to announce it is compatible, I'd pop for it. It surely can't be more than if you buy 3309 from the dealer.

"IPDUsa.com recommends Redline brand D4 ATF"

 

Please help! Just started this morning. I get the yellow triangle with the exclamation point when I apply my brakes! Why? Please help!

 

Gotta love stealership pricing I usually find Redline at about $12/quart but I haven't asked the dealer parts desk what they charge for ATF.
I was going to do more transmission work this week but one of my other rides needs attention, once that is done I'll be doing a full trans flush and order one of those B4 servo covers that some have recommended swapping out to help with transmission issues. I have all the common S60 transmission problems.