Additives in New Auotbox

[SwansSaab]

So it will soon be time to fit my shiny new auto gearbox in the motor,so my question is, apart from the Dextron fluid is there any additive I could add to improve the lifespan of the box.??

[Audax]

Don't bother with additives, they cause more harm than good. Regular fluid changes ahead of the Saab schedule will prolong the life of the box. Just one thing, I thought you had a 2002 car? In which case don't put Dexron in it as the 2002 onwards boxes use ATF3309. Putting Dexron in the 2002 onward box will make the fluid turn into a gloopy jelly and destroy the box! If your car is 1998-2001 then yes, you want Dexron III or VI.

[SwansSaab]

Duly noted on all levels     

[SwansSaab]

Don't bother with additives, they cause more harm than good. Regular fluid changes ahead of the Saab schedule will prolong the life of the box. Just one thing, I thought you had a 2002 car? In which case don't put Dexron in it as the 2002 onwards boxes use ATF3309. Putting Dexron in the 2002 onward box will make the fluid turn into a gloopy jelly and destroy the box! If your car is 1998-2001 then yes, you want Dexron III or VI.

How many litres will I need ??

[sgould]

Won't it have been filled by the repairer?

Did you get the uprated one, or is it standard?

[SwansSaab]

Won't it have been filled by the repairer?

Did you get the uprated one, or is it standard?

The uprated thing never quite happened sadly, was told it was only the inline boxes that could be uprated and not the transverse one like most modern cars, the new box is saab factory stripped and new innards, it did come back with oil but some has leaked whilst in transit with me and Im not sure what saab would of filled it up with.

I was thinking the Mobil atf oil looked good

[sgould]

Mobil are the original makers of 3309 automatic transmission fluid.

You need to check the level properly.  There is a cold mark on the dipstick, but that is only a rough guide.  You need to do a final check with the box in the car.  The engine up to temperature and still running at tick over.  And you should run the selector up and down the positions stopping for a second or so in each place just before reading the level.

I've never done a gearbox replacement, but I've heard that you need to get the alignment spot on as there is a three pronged shaft that needs to be engaged exactly.  If a prong bends, you are back to square one.

[Finbo]

As Audax says don't put Dexron in the newer boxes!! You can also buy ATF 3309 from a Vauxhall dealership, amongst others, and it's usually cheaper than the bottles of Mobil.

[SwansSaab]

Mobil are the original makers of 3309 automatic transmission fluid.

You need to check the level properly.  There is a cold mark on the dipstick, but that is only a rough guide.  You need to do a final check with the box in the car.  The engine up to temperature and still running at tick over.  And you should run the selector up and down the positions stopping for a second or so in each place just before reading the level.

I've never done a gearbox replacement, but I've heard that you need to get the alignment spot on as there is a three pronged shaft that needs to be engaged exactly.  If a prong bends, you are back to square one.

God I dont like the sound of that ... mind you its not me putting it in its a Saab indie so hopefully its not the first time he has done it!

I liked the sound of the Mobile oil as it said it was a performance oil, so how much should I buy 5L ??

[Norfolk Jim]

I recommend - enough  ....sorry. In that sort of mood today

[sgould]

I'm not near my data, but I think the whole box takes 7 litres,  but you will have some in there, and you need to fit it and fill it to the hot mark.  If it was full when it left the reconditioner, how much have you lost on the way?

[SwansSaab]

I'm not near my data, but I think the whole box takes 7 litres,  but you will have some in there, and you need to fit it and fill it to the hot mark.  If it was full when it left the reconditioner, how much have you lost on the way?

Probably around half a litre

[Audax]

Don't forget that the oil cooler and cooler lines will be empty! Not sure but you may want 1 or 2 litres.

[SwansSaab]

Box going in on monday Mobile ATF 3309 ordered! ... how often should I do a complete flush of the new box to keep her tip top

[SaabGeeza]

Box going in on monday Mobile ATF 3309 ordered! ... how often should I do a complete flush of the new box to keep her tip top

My Haynes says every 60,000 miles.

Given that only a portion is renewed with a standard drain, I do the partial change each year when I'm under anyway for an engine oil change.

Geeza