Wanted to change the trans fluid in the 2001 S40 I just bought. Went to NAPA to get a filter and they said the car does not have one. Is this true? The pan looks like any other pan I have ever seen so I am inclined to believe there is a filter under there. Also I would like to use the best trans fluid possible. I was thinking Mobil 1 full synthetic DEX V. Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

yes trasmission doesnt need a filter

I don't think you should try anything other than Volvo fluid.

Last I checked are were no fluids in the US that meet the Volvo requirements. The fluid is supposed to be JWS-3390 fluid. DEXTRON/MERCON does not meet the spec!

It's a synthetic fluid and is not supposed to be changed.

That is why the volvo dealer charges around 200 dollars for a fluid change it's mostly the cost of the fluid.

I wouldn't take the chance given the price it costs to fix these transmissions.

I checked on ALLDATA and even on there they have the volvo part number for fluid requirement. If there was an alternative they would list it.

If the trans is working, I wouldn't touch it. I changed the fluid in my explorer with Mobil 1 Trans fluid and within 3 months the transmission went out.

Thanks for the advice. I will hold off on changing the trans fluid. I am used to maintenance routines on american vehicles and have always had good luck with them. I assumed the Volvo would still require the same services.