Pico

iTrader: (2)

Ok guys I'm getting to be the time flush my ATF. My question is this, if I use a brand like RP, Redline, Amsoil, etc will this effect my Power-train Warranty?

I ask this because i was told by a tech that the OEM fluid is a clear color (Volvo) and the brands listed above aren't clear in color. So if there ever is a problem the dealer would see the difference in color when the pan is removed and possibility void the warranty.

I also called Finishline to get a price on the OEM fluid and it cost about $11 a quart and to do the complete flush it will roughly take 12 quarts -- So I'm looking at 135 for just the OEM fluid-- which is also a synthetic. Aftermarket ATF fluid will roughly cost the same as the OEM. Any info you guys could also give for a place with lower prices would be appreciated also

So here's my dilemma

Should I just flush with the OEM IF using an after market fluid will effect my warranty? I know a lot of people have made this conversion that why I ask

What I want to do is go with RP in both the tranny and diff if the warranty question I posted isn't an issue. Good combo?


BTW-- i did a search and couldn't find the answer to Warranty question--- there really isn't all that much info for the AT.

Thanks for listening to me ramble on.... Any help would be great

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

Hey Pico,

Our owner manuals do not rule out using specific brands, they simply tell us what type of fluids are acceptable and which are not.
As long as the fluid you are using complies with the recommendations, then you'll be fine.

I used Royal Purple in my last transmission (M/T) and it hated the stuff. It literally started grinding as soon as I left the shop. Was it the fluid or did the fluid simply expose an existant issue with my synchros? Don't know but I do know that I talked a friend of mine into switching to RP (he was using Redline) and he too experienced griding.
Both of us ended up needing to replace our transmissions.
I'm not trying to scare you but rather simply share my experiences with Royal Purple. I have since exclusively used Redline and have zero problems to report.

I think you would be fine going with an aftermarket brand as long as you choose wisely.
According to my 2005 Owner's manual the requirement for Automatic transmission fluid = ATF M-III or equivalent (e.g. Dexron® III)
As long as you use that, the dealership can't void your warranty

Pico

iTrader: (2)

I saw the types in the manual that are recommended and that's what raised the doubt about the fluid conversion.

Phil uses the RP in his 4port AT and says he love it-- has no problems even with the SC and raised redline. That's what had me leaning towards RP.

Dexron III would be what I'd go with. I was also thinking the about the warranty as well

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

use whatever u want

keep it at the right spec

keep the receipts

say f u to dealerships

ken-x8

If the transmission worked ok with the original fluid, why switch to something different?

Ken

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

sometimes it's cheaper then buying "mazda" lubricants

Pico

iTrader: (2)

The reason for the possible change in type of fluid is that its time for a flush and thought i'd might try something different that's all.

OEM fluid seemed to work fine. However, after reading the threads about ATF fluids it just made me think of switching because other fluids have a higher temperature threshold.

Actually the quote I got for the OEM fluid was a couple buck more then the other options.

Pico

iTrader: (2)

Went with Royal Purple Max ATF and Royal Purple in the Rear Diff as well

There is definitely a noticeable change in the way the car drives. I would recommended using RP ATF and gear oil and will use it in the future.