The TSB for changing to synthetic is dated June '97, and it states that the factory was using the new synthetic fluid at that time in 9-3's, providing the first VIN number affected. There is no mention of its use in 9K's, or that it can be retrofitted, though I've since found out that it was installed in 9K's and it is compatible in 9K trannies. In fact, I think the 9-3 and 9K transaxle is the same, or nearly so, judging from the appearance of its left side where the plugs are located. Looks the same to me.

One way to find out if your tranny has it installed is to pull the dipstick out and dab some fluid on a piece of white paper. If it it red, it likely is the new fluid, as it looks like ATF. It's not ATF, however, even though Dextron III synthetic is considered compatible.

Saab's TSB says, "If the customer is in an emergency situation, another oil with the same specification (fully synthetic Dextron III ATF)...may be used on condition that it is changed as soon as possible and that no damage has been caused." Now what do you suppose that means? Dextron III ATF has the same spec, but you must change ASAP? Huh?

I had this stuff analyzed and it ain't ATF, nor does it look like anything Royal Purple has ever seen, though they admit they haven't tested every oil in existence. I was hoping it was a relabeled ATF or something that I could pick up at Walmart for $3/qt. No such luck.

• '97 Aero manual trany fluid change...synthetic fluid?, Tracy, Fri, 13 Oct 2000 10:19:09
  • Re: '97 Aero manual trany fluid change...synthetic fluid?, Captain Eddie Bob, Fri, 13 Oct 2000 12:26:07
    • Good point, Robert Davis, Fri, 13 Oct 2000 18:00:49 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Bob's got it right, Robert Davis, Fri, 13 Oct 2000 11:48:51
    • Re: Bob's got it right, aero blues, Mon, 23 Oct 2000 12:24:43
  • Re: '97 Aero manual trany fluid change...synthetic fluid?, Bob, Fri, 13 Oct 2000 11:01:31

No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.

• Prev by Date: Ditto jj's comment but I do that to mostly A4s :-) (nm), TKC, Fri, 13 Oct 2000 17:59:51
• Next by Date: Re: Alternator, RJL, Fri, 13 Oct 2000 18:02:18
• Main 9000 Bulletin Board

StateOfNine.com

SaabClub.com

Jak Stoll Performance

M Car Covers

Ad Available

The content on this site may not be republished without permission. Copyright © 1988-2024 - The Saab Network - saabnet.com.
For usage guidelines, see the Mission & Privacy Notice.
[Contact | Site Map | Saabnet.com on Facebook | Saabnet.com on Twitter | Shop Amazon via TSN | Site Donations]

Random Saabnet.com Member Gallery Photos (Click Image)