Auto Trans Fluid for 2001 C70 - recommendations

AFAIK the spec calls for a fully synthetic Dexron III type fluid. If you're going to change the fluid every ~20,000miles this will be fine.

Tim..

What about Mobil 1 synthetic trans fluid?

Dexron III is not a good fluid for the Volvo 5 speed automatics. Other than the genuine Volvo fluid, I don't know of anything available, but that doesn't mean that it's not out there. I don't have a car with one of those transmissions, so I'm not too worried about it yet.

That still doesnt explain what is wrong with using a fully syntheitc dexron III style fluid from anyone who makes one. Whats so special about Volvo's synthetic fluid??

Tim..

On your owner's manual. For my '98s (4 speed auto) the owner's manual specifies Dexron IIE/III and Mercon. Yours doesn't. Now I think (and I'm basing this only on general knowledge, I don't know anything specific) the only difference between Dexron and the Volvo fluid specified in your manual is the friction modifiers, which affects how smoothly the transmission shifts, and you won't damage anything with Dexron III. However, if it were my transmission, I would only put in the specified fluid, or a fluid from a reputable company that specifically mentioned that it was OK for use in your particular transmission. Unfortunately for us, lots of carmakers have gone to their own transmission fluid formulations, a far cry from the days when there was only Dexron and Type F.