Saab 9-5 - Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) change - 2.3t and 2.3T

[nordwulf]

I had the same problem in finding that aluminum washer at local part stores. I ended up buying washers and some other parts from eEuroparts which included the free shipping. However, just ordering the washers ($ 0.30) makes it quite expensive with standard ground shipping of $11.

Local parts stores suggested to use a copper washer. I don't know what the reason is for Saab to spec an aluminum washer but I didn't want to take a chance.

eEuroparts - Aluminum Washer - # 977751

I re-used the old washer for the first few changes and never noticed any leaking. eEuroparts shows BMW and Volvo also uses this same washer for (some of) their vehicles so you can also check with those dealers if there isn't a Saab dealer close to you.

[jeff7630]

Here is a company in the USA that sells the Saab Mobil 3309 fluid for a great price by the case for under $70.00
Mobil ATF 3309 Case of 12 quarts

[900Aero]

Just hit the local Toyota dealer. I got a case of Type T-IV (Mobil 3309) for $5.95/qt. No shipping charges or waiting.

[MI-Roger]

Agree with 900Aero!

Toyota Type IV is the same fluid as 3309 for much less money. My local Import Car Parts store even sells it.

Dexron-VI is the replacement for old Dexron-III

[nordwulf]

Prices have gone up a bit. i just ordered a case of Mobil 3309 from the Lubricant Store: $78 + $14 shipping = $92. Still cheaper than driving to the closest Toyota dealer (120 miles round trip) and buy a case for $72 + tax.

[nordwulf]

I used the same method as weav999 and put some of the ATF on a sheet of paper after each change. The final fill should even be a little bit better because I didn't take a sample after I changed for the 3rd time.

[Tigger]

I used the same method as weav999 and put some of the ATF on a sheet of paper after each change. The final fill should even be a little bit better because I didn't take a sample after I changed for the 3rd time.

I drain and refill my SAAB's transmission every other oil change (6K) with just 3 quarts and it seems to keep the fluid fairly clean. I have 57K on it now. Is the reason the fluid gets dark quicker because it uses the mineral type of fluid or are these transmissions overheating? My wifes Ford explorer has a 4" lift with oversized tires. Needless to say when she first got it, it went thru a couple transmissions because of overheating. Both times it happened on long trips. The second time happened shortly after we were dating. It just cooked the front pump. I doubled the size of the external cooler and installed a temp gauge after the second rebuild. The gauge told me that even with the double size cooler it was still overheating. I installed the smaller cooler in series and it now runs cool on the hottest day of the year, pulling my boat or tent trailer, with the oversized tires. Since the cooling issue has been solved, the fluid is always clean. I change it just to change it. I can't help but wonder if the Saab transmission has a cooling problem? I cant believe it is good to run that black stuff till 100K?

[rpiereck]

It could be that SAAB transmissions are designed to run at a higher operating temperature and don't fail, but still dirty the oil pretty well. With high quality modern synthetics you really don't need to change the oil too much if at all. At work we deal with transmissions that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and we run 100% synthetic (true 100% synthetic, not Mobil 1 "we'll pretend it's 100% synthetic") . Instead of a regular oil change we do oil samples and send them to a lab, we only really change the oil at very long intervals or when the lab tells us there are contaminants on the oil. When a transmission goes a long time without the lab telling us to do a drain and flush (what we call our changes) the oil will get super dark, like good South American coffee. The kicker is we never really just change the oil, when we have to change we drain and flush with new oil three times, switching all filters every time. Costly (16 quarts of 100% synth plus two filters each flush) but necessary.

[nordwulf]

Perhaps the fluid gets dark because there is no transmission filter. The color of the fluid doesn't necessarily mean it can't do its job anymore (like engine oil). These automatic transmissions are great quality and can go a long time without the need for repairs.

[Tigger]

These automatic transmissions are great quality and can go a long time without the need for repairs.

I hope you are right. My car has shifted funny to me ever since I flushed it 20K ago.