Power Steering Fluid or ATF
 

2004 S80 6cyl non-turbo automatic 74,000mi.
I have what looks to be a leak coming from the factory installed pinch clamp at the power steering reservoir / suction hose joint. I plan to fix this in the near future, however I need to add some fluid - question is what fluid. My owners manual says ATF. My dealer says ATF. But I have read here ATF is not supposed to be used after model year 2000. What should I use and how do I find out what is in there? Can you tell by color? - mine appears to be tan/brown.
Thanks for your comments.
Bob (placervillebob)

You should use synthetic power steering fluid. It is Green fluid.

This is the same as the Volvo fluid.

http://www.gunk.com/cat_m2712syn.asp

http://www.amazon.com/Pentosin-CHF20.../dp/B0033R9QA2

We also use this at work.

As always - thank you Tech for your comments & information.
I have a couple of other questions:
Several years ago I topped-off the reservoir with ATF (guessing 6-8 oz.) as specified by my dealer and my owner’s manual. No drivability or external leaks observed as yet. What damage has been done? How difficult would it be to drain and replace the Power Steering Fluid with what you recommend? And would you recommend it? If replacement is recommended – how much fluid is in the system? I noticed in the “Gunk” Synthetic Power Steering Fluid, at the bottom of their write-up specify “ Do not mix with ATF”. Because I do have some ATF in the system is the Pentosin CHF202 a better choice for fill-up – or does the same warning apply to it as well?
Thanks once again for all comments.
Bob (placervillebob)

They are pretty much the exact same product. But the Chf202 is expensive. If you can I would flush the system out and put all the steering fluid in. You can pull the small hose off the bottle and have someone start the car and keep the bottle full and catch what comes out into a bottle or something. Run enough through so the fluid looks clean.

I decided to flush the system with the CHF 202. When you consider the CHF 202 is a liter of fluid and the Gunk is 12 oz, the price is about the same. I first suctioned out all I could from the reservoir. Then disconnected the inlet, near the cap and added an extension tube to allow flow into a waste container. My wife then started the car and turned the wheels while I kept the fluid replenished in the bottle. I used 3 1/2 liters of the fluid - but I now have a non-contaminated (with ATF) Power Steering System. I put a couple of clamps on the suction tube to stop the leak from the factory installed pinch clamp.
Thanks - Tech for walking me thru the flushing process.
Bob (placervillebob)

I also topped off with ATF
 

2002 t6 90K. Went with what was specified on the cap and owners manual. don't know what was in there before as I just purchased the car. Don't think I have a leak, is this a problem or should I get it flushed.

My whole problem started because I had a very slow leak from the factory installed pinch clamp at the suction hose to the reservoir bottle connection. Because of some noises due to low fluid I added what both the owners manual and a dealer told me - ATF. I decided to flush my system because I had contaminated it with ATF. If you don't have a leak you shouldn't have to add fluid and should be OK. The flushing was easy but rather expensive at about $22. for each bottle of CHF 202 Fluid.
Bob

Glad it all worked out for you.

Missed the title - recommend flush
 

Sorry jfleming094, I missed your title - "I also topped off with ATF". I guess I would have to recommend, you doing what I did - flush it. The CHF 202 is a clear green color - don't know what the Gunk fluid color is. The color of the old fluid during the flush was a tan/brown and "looked" like it should be replaced. From what I have read on this site and others I would lean toward flushing. On both the Gunk and CHF 202 bottles they specifically say - Do Not Mix with ATF.
The flush isn't difficult if you are at all mechanical - good luck.
Bob