Changing the ATF in an 2008 9-5 Aero

[MI-Roger]

I have done this job a number of times with my 2000 9-5, and I know the 2008 uses the 3309 or Toyota T-IV fluid, but is anything else different?

Location of drain plug
Quantity of fluid required
Special tools required

I am buying a used Aero with 33K miles. Like lots of other 5-speed automatic Aeros at this mileage point the tranny is exhibiting shift flares. Owners of these other cars unanimously agree that changing out the fluid makes these flares disappear for 60K miles. I really wanted the selling Dealer to do this but they are giving me a price break for me to do this myself. Not a Saab Dealer if you couldn't tell, apparently no Cadillacs use the 3309 fluid.

[nordwulf]

Later models don't have a dipstick for the ATF anymore so filling it with new fluid and checking the level is a bit more difficult. I think they changed this for MY 2007 and up.

WIS instructions can be found in this thread: http://saabworld.net/f29/saab-9-5-au...2-3t-2-3t-474/

[MI-Roger]

Thanks again Frank! I've found other posts which indicate 4 quarts of fresh is the ideal quantity, to the point of making any dipstick tool obsolete. The "Official Saab Tool" replacing the dipstick is around $70.

Per Saab Pro John Myers (from another Board):

"They deleted the dipstick for several reasons. The dipstick is the most common entry point for water into the transmission, it costs money to put a dipstick on the gear box and finally they did it just to spite you
You can make your own measuring device. From the lip of the opening it's about 49mm to the full mark and about 61mm to the low mark with a warmed up gearbox."

That 12 mm difference between MAX and MIN is almost exactly 1/2 inch.

[Brad Lauzze]

If I remember right, they actually sent us a special tool for this which just basically a modified dipstick tube. One of our customers, who is particularly neurotic about such things actually had us order him a new dipstick/tube from a 2005 9-5 and install it because he didn't want to have to rely on the dealer for things he could do at home.