The Aisin AW55-50SN 5-speed automatic transmission was produced at a plant in Japan from 1999 to 2014 and was installed in many popular General Motors, Volvo, and Renault models under the SU1 designation. This transmission is also known from Opel vehicles under the AF23 and AF33 designations.
Specifications
| Type | automatic transmission |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Type of drive | front / all wheel |
| Engine volume, l | up to 3.5 |
| Torque output, Nm | up to 330 |
| Recommended oil | Toyota ATF Type T-IV since 2006 Toyota ATF WS |
| Oil capacity, liter | 7.2 |
| Partial replacement, liter | 3.5 |
| Maintenance | every 60 000 km |
| Gearbox lifespan, km | ~300 000 km |
| Weight, kg | 90 |
Gear ratios Aisin AW55-50SN
Using the example of a 2005 Volvo S40 with a 2.4-liter engine:
| Main | 2.44 |
| 1st | 4.66 |
| 2nd | 3.03 |
| 3rd | 1.98 |
| 4th | 1.34 |
| 5th | 1.02 |
| Reverse | 5.11 |
Using
The transmission was installed on:
- Alfa Romeo 166 (Type 936) in 2003 – 2007
- Cadillac BLS 1 (GM-E) in 2005 – 2010
- Fiat Croma II (194) in 2005 – 2009
- Lancia Thesis I (841) in 2001 – 2009
- Nissan Altima 3 (L31) in 2004 – 2006
- Nissan Maxima 6 (A34) in 2003 – 2006
- Nissan Quest 3 (V42) in 2003 – 2006
- Opel Signum A (Z03) in 2003 – 2008
- Opel Vectra C (Z02) in 2002 – 2008
- Renault Avantime 1 (D66) in 2001 – 2003
- Renault Espace 4 (J81) in 2002 – 2013
- Renault Laguna 2 (X74) in 2000 – 2007
- Renault Vel Satis 1 (B73) in 2002 – 2009
- Saab 9-3 II (YS3F) in 2002 – 2006
- Saab 9-5 I (YS3E) in 2001 – 2009
- Saturn Ion 1 (GMX357) in 2002 – 2004
- Volvo C30 I (533) in 2006 – 2013
- Volvo C70 I (872) in 2000 – 2005
- Volvo C70 II (542) in 2006 – 2013
- Volvo S40 I (644) in 2000 – 2004
- Volvo S40 II (544) in 2004 – 2012
- Volvo S60 I (384) in 2000 – 2009
- Volvo V40 I (645) in 2000 – 2004
- Volvo V50 I (545) in 2005 – 2012
- Volvo V70 I (875) in 1999 – 2000
- Volvo V70 II (285) in 2000 – 2007
- Volvo S70 I (874) in 1999 – 2000
- Volvo S80 I (184) in 2000 – 2006
- Volvo XC70 I (876) in 1999 – 2000
- Volvo XC70 II (295) in 2000 – 2007
- Volvo XC90 I (275) in 2002 – 2006
Disadvantages of the Aisin AW55-50SN gearbox
- This is a robust Japanese automatic transmission, but the first few could give the owner some trouble;
- During the first few years, the valve body didn’t last very long, and there were cases of antifreeze getting into the lubricant;
- By 2004, all the weak points were fixed, and the transmission’s service life increased to 300,000 km;
- At high mileage, the valve body can become clogged with wear debris from the torque converter clutch;
- Then, the oil pump bushing usually breaks down, causing noticeable oil leaks.
