240 L4-2.3L SOHC VIN 88 B230F (1986)
Dexron II - This is the current grade of ATF that is being used in recent Volvo automatic transmissions. The Dexron II standard is developed by GM,
who controls the specification of Dexron fluids. Because of the similarity of Dexron II to Mercon (see below), it is not uncommon to find ATF's labelled
"Dexronli/Mercon". Such fluids can be used in Volvo applications as it meets the Dexron 11 requirements.
Mercon - Is the Ford version of a friction modified fluid introduced January 1987. It is also known as "type H" although it is commonly referred to as
Mercon. Although Mercon and Dexron are similar, A FLUID LABELLED MERCON ALONE SHOULD NOT BE USED IN VOLVO
APPLICATIONS.
"Non-Friction Modified" Fluid
Type F - is the fluid commonly used by Ford for its Automatic Transmissions up to the early 1980's. Volvo continues to use this in Power steefing, and
manual transmissions as well as older automatic transmissions referenced above. Because of its different frictional characteristics it cannot be used in
applications requiring Dexron 11 and vice versa.
Type G - is an upgraded version of type F more commonly found in Europe than North America. It can be used in place of type F but not Dexron II.
"Universal or Multi-Purpose Fluids"
Some manufacturers have labelled their ATF as "Universal" or "Multi-Purpose". These fluids in many cases are Dexronli/Mercon, however the label has
to be read carefully to determine this. There are NO ATF's that will meet the demands of type F and Dexron II simultaneously as the name "universal"
might imply. Therefore there is NO ONE ATF THAT CAN BE USED IN ALL VOLVO APPLICATIONS.
