Reddit mentions of Mobil 1 55221 3309 Automatic Transmission Fluid - 1 Quart (Pack of 12)

I've got a bit over 180k on mine, same year, same trim, and I really haven't had problems with anything major. I did do the transmission flush/refill as the other poster suggested around 120k, and that's super easy. It takes a special transmission fluid, but you can buy it by the case online for pretty cheap. Do not let a shop power flush your transmission. Ever. You have been warned.

You want this stuff, and only this stuff:
Amazon - Mobil 3309
It even qualifies for free Prime shipping.

Check the heated air intake blend module on the airbox - it's that thing on the airbox intake that hooks to that strange corrugated tube. They are known to stick open to the hot side(mine did), so I disassembled the airbox, removed the failed vacuum solenoid, blocked the heated air intake, and sealed it back up.

Also check your cabin filter if you haven't recently - it's a bit of a pain to get to, but if you haven't ever messed with it, you will be very glad you did once you see it.

Make sure your power steering reservoir isn't leaking and/or foaming. You can get a replacement hose and updated clamps from FCP that will fix that, and you will need to grab a can of Pentosin CHF power steering fluid (~$20). After feeling the difference, I'd flush that and refill it even if it's not having a problem. It's a simple thing that greatly improves the steering, and it's basically the same procedure as the transmission.

That said, the transmission is easy. Go for a short (< 5 min) drive to warm it up. Check transmission fluid level and fill if necessary. Disconnect the transmission cooler return line (upper, iirc?), push a piece of 3/8 clear tube on it and run that into a container. Mark the first container at 2qt before you start. After that, just re-use the ATF bottles. I have read that you can drain the trans before you start so you get fresh fluid right in it, but I skipped that part for the sake of time since I had a case of fluid and you only need 8-10 quarts, worst-case scenario.

• Crank the motor, change through all the gears, back in park, and let idle until 2qt has been drained (having a buddy is almost essential to making this quick and easy). Shut off motor.
  
• Add 2qt back through transmission fill, check level. Having a long flex funnel is ideal here.
  
• Repeat drain/fill routine until the fluid coming out is clean red instead of black or maroon. It took about 9 quarts for me.
  
• Top off, button up the line, and go for a short drive.
  
• Enjoy a clean, tight-shifting transmission.
  
  Power steering is a similar procedure, but easier.
  
  
• Siphon out old PS fluid, refill reservoir with clean fluid.
  
• Detach return line and route that to an appropriate container.
  
• Start car, turn wheel, stop car, add PS to fill. Same routine as transmission, just less fluid. Don't let it run dry, or you'll have to bleed it out. (Not hard, not fun either)
  
• Reattach return line with new hose clamp.
  
  
  Other than the things mentioned, I have only replaced a coil pack, the blower resistor, and the PCV trap. The symptoms of a clogged PCV are an uneven idle that gets better after you pull the oil dipstick and it releases a "hiss", like opening a soda can. Hope you never have that problem, because it is a gigantic pain in the ass to do in your driveway. That basically entails removing the intake manifold, which is way harder than it sounds.

So here is what the service manual says:

http://i.imgur.com/hzMwOqu.png

Type TIV stands for type T-IV The IV are roman numerals with stand for 4 so the common vernacular is to say type T-4 . But the fluid standard you are looking for is called JWS 3309 Automatic Transmission Fluid

It is available from several manufactures The GM part number is given in the image, Toyota at the dealer ususally has about the best price but sometimes you can find a good deal on ebay for like 4 or 6 bottles but you may not want to have that many around.

But here is an exhaustive list:

AISIN Part No.: ATF-0T4

Spec: JWS 3309 Automatic Transmission Fluid

Mobil One 3309

Audi: P/N G 055 025 (-A2)

Chevrolet: AC Delco T-IV, GM P/N 88900925

Chevrolet Light Trucks: AC Delco T-IV, GM P/N 88900925

Ford: Premium automatic transmission fluid, P/N XT-8-QAW, Spec WSS-M2C924-A
Hyundai: P/N 00232-19023.

Land Rover: Esso JWS3309US

Lincoln: Premium automatic transmission fluid, P/N XT-8-QAW, Spec WSS-M2C924-A

Lexus: ATF Type T-IV, Toyota P/N 08886-81015

Mazda: W/ 6-spd Automatic use JWS 3309 Automatic Transmission Fluid

Mercury: Premium automatic transmission fluid, P/N XT-8-QAW, Spec WSS-M2C924-A

Mini:6-Spd Automatic Transmission GA6F21WA use MINI ATF JWS 3309, P/N 83 22 0 402 413

Pontiac: AC Delco T-IV, GM P/N 88900925

Porsche: Esso JWS 3309, Porsche P/N 000 043 205 28

Saab: Saab 3309 mineral based oil.

Saturn: Saturn T-IV Fluid, Saturn P/N 22689186

Scion: ATF Type T-IV, Toyota P/N 08886-81015

Subaru: use CVTF or equivalent

Suzuki: Suzuki ATF 3317 or Mobil ATF 3309

Toyota: ATF Type T-IV, Toyota P/N 08886-81015

Volkswagen: P/N G 055 025

Volvo: P/N 1161540-8


Here is the toyota bottle: https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Toyota-00279-000T4-01-Automatic-Transmission/dp/B00P2QIR0C/ref=sr_1_5?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1492218139&sr=1-5&keywords=mobil+3309

Here is the mobil 3309 common in parts stores: https://www.amazon.com/Mobil-55221-Automatic-Transmission-Fluid/dp/B00BLKXW9O/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1492218218&sr=1-1&keywords=mobil+3309

Transmission fluid: Do a drain and fill every few thousand miles. I'm assuming it takes 3309 like my wagon, but check your owner's manual

Bevel gear leak, google for it; it may not be that complicated to do on your own.

Power steering leak, that, depends on how bad and where the leak is, DIY or take to a regular mechanic. Be mindful though if your car uses special power steering fluid.

Upper and lower torque mounts, these are easy to replace. I'd go with urethane bushings if possible (and if you're considering $3600 as feasible, get urethane) I linked to possible parts, do your research and you might find the same parts from other vendors, or you know, get the rubber parts. The top mount, depending on your car, you might get away with just getting the bushing if it's the "round type"

The front mount is a breeze to install if you have stands and a jack.

Control arms are a bit more labor intensive and depending on your needs, there's also urethane and other alternatives for those.

Tie rod ends are also simple and available cheap on rockauto.com

The timing belt, that, I'd leave to a professional and make sure they do the tensioner and water pump at the same time. Also, depending on your needs, get the kit with the cam seals and get those done if needed.

I've linked to some parts that probably don't fit your car, as I have my '01 V70 set up at those sites, but look for the ones compatible with your car. Overall, I think you're at the same competence level I was when I first got my wagon, volvos are great for working on them yourself and it's often more cost-effective to buy the parts and tools you need and install them yourself vs. paying someone to do it. For the record, the count for me is now: both CV axles, front bump stops (requires compressing springs), drain and fills for the transmission, inner and outer tie rod ends, coolant drain and fill, brake pads, spark plugs, torque mounts, front mount, serpentine belt/tensioner and the usual air filter and oil change. I've learned a lot in the process, which for me, is worth it.