What type of automatic transmission fluid does a 1989 Volvo 240 use?

Answer 1

What type of Transmission Fluid do I need? What type of fluid your transmission requires depends entirely on what type of transmission you have. Over the years, Volvo has used many different transmissions in the 240 and 260 models. Manual transmissions models: M41, M45, M46, M47/M47-II, M51. Automatic models: BW35, BW55/AW55, AW70/AW70. 1975 model year 240s with the B20F engine got the M41 (four speed manual + electric pushbutton overdrive) or BW35 (three speed automatic) transmissions as carryovers from the 140 cars. 1976-1993 models got either the M45 (four speed manual), M46 (four speed manual with a push button overdrive unit), M47 (five speed manual), BW55/AW55 (three speed automatic), or AW70/AW71 (four speed automatic). Early 260s were available with a true five speed Getrag manual transmission (M51), later ones got the M46 (four speed + overdrive manual) or the BW55/AW55 (three speed auto). Most, if not all, US and Canada spec 240s were not available with the M45 transmission.

Now that you've identified which transmission you have, you can determine what type of fluid you need.

For all M46 transmissions, Type F or Type G Automatic Transmission Fluid is the easiest choice. Synthetic fluid (like Redline MTL) has been used with success, 10w30 motor oil can be used (but will afford less protection). Dexron fluid SHOULD NOT BE USED (one, two). Christ Herbst wrote an intersting summary explaining how various acceptable fluids (Type F ATF, RedLine MTL, Synthetic Motor Oil) work with an M46 transmission.

For all BW35, BW55, or AW55 transmissions you should use Type F Automatic Transmission Fluid. Period. If you can find a synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid that's compatible or designed to meet Type F (or Type G) specs go for it.

For AW70/AW71 transmissions you'll either need Type F or Dexron (note that the two are not compatible, should not be mixed, and putting one in a transmission designed for the other will result in problems). For 1982 and 1983 model year AW70 or AW71 transmissions you'll want Type F fluid. For 1984-1993 AW70 or AW71 transmissions, you'll want Dexron / Dexron II / Dexron III / Dexron IV Automatic Transmission Fluid.

Overdrive. Over time, it takes longer and longer for your manual transmission to engage that push button 5th gear. Or maybe you have an automatic transmission and you were driving down the highway, and suddenly it shifts into third gear and refuses to shift into fourth.

If you have an AW70, AW71, or AW72 automatic transmission, look here for some more advice.