2019 Volvo VNR — Complete Fluid Type Specifications

Quick reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine oil	Heavy‑duty diesel oil meeting Volvo VDS‑4.5 and API CK‑4; typical viscosity SAE 10W‑30 (fuel‑efficient) or 15W‑40 (severe duty).	Varies by engine/sump (D11 vs D13, deep/standard pan): approx 30–44 qt (7.5–11.0 gal). Verify by engine and pan option.
Engine coolant	Heavy‑duty extended‑life OAT, nitrite‑free coolant meeting Volvo VCS (Volvo Coolant Specification) and ASTM D6210. Typical color: yellow/orange/red (varies by brand).	System total typically 11–16 gal depending on radiator, heater/EGR circuits. Verify by configuration.
Transmission (Volvo I‑Shift AMT)	Genuine Volvo I‑Shift transmission oil, SAE 75W‑80 GL‑4 meeting Volvo 97307/97312 (or latest Volvo transmission oil spec). Do not use ATF.	~12–16 qt (11–15 L) depending on model. Verify by transmission tag.
Transmission (Allison 3000/4000, if equipped)	Allison‑approved fluid meeting TES 295 (e.g., TranSynd) or TES 668.	~14–24 qt depending on model, sump depth and cooler. Verify by serial/model.
Transfer case	Not applicable (VNR highway tractors are 4x2/6x4 without a transfer case).	—
Drive axle(s) differential lube	Synthetic gear oil SAE 75W‑90 or 80W‑140 meeting API GL‑5 and OEM spec (Meritor O‑76 series; Dana SHAES 256). Add friction modifier only if axle is limited‑slip (rare).	Widely variable by axle model/housing: typically 8–20 pt (4–10 qt) per axle. Verify on axle tag/OEM data.
Brake system	Air brakes — no DOT brake fluid used. Maintain air dryer and lines per OEM.	N/A
Power steering	Volvo‑approved power steering fluid; many production trucks specify ATF meeting Dexron III/Mercon or dedicated PS fluid (verify reservoir cap/OEM).	Typically 2–4 qt including gear and lines; verify by system.
Windshield washer	Pre‑mixed methanol‑based washer fluid with appropriate freeze protection.	~1–2 gal depending on tank option.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)	Urea solution meeting ISO 22241.	Tank size varies by spec, commonly ~13–21 gal. Verify tank label.

Engine oil (D11/D13)

• Spec: Use heavy‑duty diesel engine oil that meets Volvo VDS‑4.5 and API CK‑4. SAE 10W‑30 is commonly recommended for fuel economy; SAE 15W‑40 is acceptable in severe service and high ambient temperatures.
• Capacity: Varies by engine (D11 vs D13), sump depth, and option content. Expect roughly 30–44 quarts total fill. Always verify by engine dataplate and owner’s manual/OEM service info.
• Intervals: Oil drain intervals are duty‑cycle dependent. Many line‑haul applications with VDS‑4.5/CK‑4 10W‑30 target extended drains; short‑haul/severe idle reduces intervals. Use oil analysis if extending drains.
• Pitfalls: Do not mix obsolete CI‑4/CI‑4+ or low‑SAPs oils not approved to VDS‑4.5 for these engines. Confirm the viscosity and spec on bulk tanks. Replace both full‑flow and bypass filters as specified.

Engine coolant

• Spec: Heavy‑duty, nitrite‑free OAT extended‑life coolant that meets Volvo’s VCS requirement and ASTM D6210. Factory “Genuine Volvo” coolant is OAT; color varies by brand (often yellow/orange/red). Always match chemistry, not color.
• Capacity: 11–16 gallons typical depending on radiator size, heater loops, EGR cooler, and auxiliary circuits.
• Intervals: OAT ELCs commonly support 600,000 miles/6 years with periodic checks; follow OEM for top‑off and test intervals.
• Pitfalls: Do not mix OAT with conventional green or HOAT coolants. If conversion is necessary, follow a full flush procedure. Use only deionized/distilled water for concentrates. Do not add nitrite SCAs to nitrite‑free OAT systems.

Transmission fluid

Volvo I‑Shift AMT (most VNR line‑haul)

• Spec: Dedicated manual transmission fluid, SAE 75W‑80 GL‑4 meeting Volvo 97307/97312 (or the latest Volvo transmission oil spec listed on the unit). Never use ATF in I‑Shift.
• Capacity: About 11–15 liters (12–16 quarts) depending on transmission variant and cooler loop.
• Service: Extended drain intervals apply with the correct Volvo‑approved fluid; confirm by serial/model and duty cycle.
• Pitfalls: Using universal ATF or GL‑5 gear oil will harm the I‑Shift. Always verify by the transmission ID tag and current Volvo service publications.

Allison automatic (if equipped)

• Spec: Allison TES 295 or TES 668 approved fluids only. Examples include TranSynd (TES 295) and newer TES 668 fluids. Do not assume Dexron III unless explicitly allowed by Allison.
• Capacity: Roughly 14–24 quarts depending on 3000/4000 series model, sump depth, and external coolers.
• Service: Follow Allison approved intervals (extended with TES 295/668). Use the appropriate spin‑on/internal filters per service schedule.

Transfer case

• Not applicable on typical VNR highway tractors (4x2 or 6x4). No transfer case fluid to service.

Drive axle differentials (Meritor/Dana)

• Spec: Synthetic hypoid gear oil SAE 75W‑90 or 80W‑140 meeting API GL‑5 and the axle OEM spec (Meritor O‑76 series; Dana SHAES 256). Choose viscosity per ambient/severity and OEM guidance.
• Capacity: Highly dependent on axle model (single vs tandem), housing design, and sump angle. Expect approximately 4–10 quarts (8–20 pints) per axle. Verify by axle tag and OEM literature.
• Intervals: Synthetic lubricants can support extended drains (e.g., 250,000 miles in line haul). Severe service, heavy loads, or high temps shorten intervals.
• Limited‑slip/lockers: Most highway Meritor/Dana axles are open or driver‑controlled locking; friction modifiers are typically not used. Only add LS additive if the axle specifically requires it.
• Pitfalls: Do not mix GL‑4 and GL‑5. Maintain correct lube level—overfilling can cause aeration/heat; underfilling risks gear damage.

Brake system (air)

• No hydraulic brake fluid is used. Do not add DOT 3/4/5.1. Maintain the air system: service the desiccant dryer, drain tanks per OEM, and ensure compressor discharge temps and governor function are within spec.

Power steering

• Spec: Volvo‑approved power steering fluid. Many VNR builds specify ATF meeting Dexron III/Mercon; some applications may call for a dedicated PS hydraulic fluid—always read the reservoir cap and consult OEM service info.
• Capacity: Typically 2–4 quarts for the system including the steering gear and lines.
• Intervals: Inspect fluid condition at PMs; change per OEM or if contaminated/overheated. Replace the return‑line filter if equipped.
• Pitfalls: Do not mix ATF and dedicated PS fluids. Avoid universal stop‑leak products.

Windshield washer fluid

• Spec: Commercial pre‑mixed methanol‑based washer fluid appropriate to climate. In freezing climates, ensure the stated freeze protection matches expected lows.
• Capacity: About 1–2 gallons depending on tank option.
• Tips: Use summer bug‑wash only when temperatures allow; flush and refill with winter blend before freezing weather.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

• Spec: Must meet ISO 22241. Do not use additives. Keep DEF clean and uncontaminated.
• Capacity: Tank size varies by spec; common VNR tanks hold around 13–21 gallons. Verify the tank label/build sheet.
• Handling: Store between ~23°F and 77°F (-5°C to 25°C). DEF freezes at ~12°F; systems are designed to thaw. Contamination (fuel/coolant/oil) will damage the SCR—use dedicated funnels/containers only.

Verify all fluids, specs, and capacities in the vehicle’s owner’s manual and OEM service information for your exact engine, transmission, axle models, and tank/housing options.

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