Quixotic search for proper trans fluid for 2001 9-5 Wagon

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29 March 2017
AT ONE SIR

Quixotic search for proper trans fluid for 2001 9-5 Wagon
I've asked 5 different "experts" regarding which type of trans fluid to put in my SAAB. After spending way, way, WAY too much time on this, I'm creating a new thread instead of cluttering up Wulf's great trans fluid tutorial. I know that we should NOT be using any sort of synthetic in the 4-speed trans in the 2001 model -- mineral oil only. Here are the results of my Saab VIN search:

Model: Saab 9-5 (9600)
Model Year: 2001
Body type: 5-door (5D)
Engine: B235E 4-inline, Turbo, PETROL, TURBO (B235 E)
Gearbox: 4-speed automatic
Plant: Trollhattan, Sweden, line A
Market: Model series II, Driver and passenger airbags
Serial number: 031747

The recommendations I have received along this journey are:
1. 3309 / Toyota Type IV
2. Dexron 3 - local Saab garage
3. Dexron 6 (AC Delco 10-9029 (part# 88865601) instead of the gallon of 10-9395 I already purchased -- this info was from Saab Original Service via email. It matches the trans fluid for the SAAB 9-7x on thesaabsite and AC Delco told me it was non-synthetic)
4. RedLine IV - local saab garage
5. "I can't tell you, because you can't find it in any store" -- This was actually the answer from my local SAAB DEALER's service dept. when I called to ask what type of fluid they would use to service my SAAB.
Can someone PLEASE, PLEASE just advise me on which fluid (Brand, Part# or SKU or purchase link) to do a drain and fill with? The car runs great and I don't drive it often, but I want to maintain my SAAB. However, I don't want to ruin my transmission on my only car by doing a basic fluid change.

I will be forever grateful for any actionable advice.
30 March 2017
walawala

Mine is a 2006 and it calls for 3309 or Toyota Type IV
30 March 2017
AT ONE SIR

I was told non-synthetic ONLY for the 2001 4spd trans. SAAB Original service told me that Dex VI AC Delco 10-9029 is what they recommend. I happened to purchase a gallon of AC Delco 10-9395 and SAAB original said it is non-synthetic mineral oil based and essentially the gallon version of 10-9029. However, the only thing the gallon label mentions generally is that AC Delco Dex VI is a FULL Synthetic...

I think I might just slam my head into the wall.
30 March 2017
Mike Brennan

Mobil 3309 to Toyota type IV are the only ones to use. Easy to find either.
30 March 2017
AT ONE SIR

Thanks Mike. Are these safe to use for the 2001 9-5 with the 4 speed automatic transmission?
30 March 2017
nordwulf

Castrol Transmax Dex/Merc seems like a good choice for the 4-speed automatic? It's mineral and meets Dexron III specs.

https://www.amazon.com/Castrol-03520...dp/B00DILUBL6/
http://msdspds.castrol.com/bpglis/FusionPDS.nsf/Files/3055B5A1721C889080257B750035989A/$File/BPXE-9846SG.pdf

As mentioned in this thread: http://saabworld.net/showthread.php?t=474

Type of ATF and interval

1998-2001 4-speed AT
Dexron III - Texaco Texamatic 7045 - mineral oil based
Find Dexron III on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1MRhxVj

2002-2009 5-speed AT
Saab 3309 - mineral oil based
$68 per case of 12 on Amazon with free shipping: http://amzn.to/1MRhngF
30 March 2017
AT ONE SIR

Thanks Wulf. Going to return the gallon of AC Delco and get a couple gallons of the Dex/Merc. I'm still baffled as to why I couldn't find a clear answer (not that your info isn't clear, there is just so much conflicting info out there). I'm not looking for "the best" stuff to use (based on other's opinions), just something that meets SAAB recommendations for the trans.

I realize that time has passed and there might be fluids that are BETTER than what was originally specified, but I don't get the sense that there are rooms full of SAAB engineers testing various fluids on the 2001 4-speed automatic transmission in order to update recommendations for their legacy owners.

The biggest frustration is getting confusing responses from Official SAAB Original service, and the confusion with AC Delco part numbers and supersessions. I also have been unable to find out what type of fluid the one previous owner used. The car has run perfectly since I bought it and "if it ain't broke..."

The upshot is that if I ever sell the car, the buyer should know that I always did the best for Yngwie (the car).
31 March 2017
Mike Brennan

Quote:

Originally Posted by AT ONE SIR

Thanks Mike. Are these safe to use for the 2001 9-5 with the 4 speed automatic transmission?

Oops, forgot to check your your year. Good catch Frank.