Volvo I-Shift Transmission
Specs, gear ratios, oil change interval and warranty
Volvo Trucks
The Volvo I-Shift is Volvo's automated manual transmission. Volvo's 2027 powertrain page lists 12-, 13- and 14-speed versions with up to 1,950 lb-ft of torque. Dry weight is 719 lb for the 12-speed and 805 lb for the 13- and 14-speed. Volvo lists an oil drain interval of up to 6 years or 500,000 miles, and a 5-year, 750,000-mile transmission warranty.
Volvo Trucks published the Volvo I-Shift figures in its own documents. Last reviewed November 3, 2026.
What are the Volvo I-Shift specs?
| Type | Automated manual (AMT), aluminum housing |
|---|---|
| Speeds | 12, 13 or 14 forward, with direct drive or overdrive; 4 or 6 reverse |
| Maximum torque capacity | 1,950 lb-ft |
| Overall gear ratio range | 14.94:1 to 40.8:1 |
| Dry weight, with clutch and oil cooler | 719 lb (12-speed); 805 lb (13- and 14-speed) |
| Oil capacity (approximate) | 18 qt (17 L) or 20.8 qt (19.68 L), depending on the version |
| Drive modes | Economy+, Economy and Performance |
Compare the Volvo I-Shift with the others in the transmission specs reference, and see which truck it sits in on the truck model specs.
What should you check before you spec or buy a truck with the Volvo I-Shift?
- Find out which version it is: 12-, 13- or 14-speed. Volvo's page does not match torque, ratio or oil capacity to each version, so ask.
- Check the oil it was serviced with against Volvo's fluid sheet. Volvo lists 75W-90 for overdrive I-Shift transmissions and severe duty, and 75W-80 for automated manual I-Shift and older VT-type gearboxes.
- Ask for the drain records. Volvo lists up to 6 years or 500,000 miles and does not say how that changes for vocational or severe use. Confirm the warranty in writing: Volvo lists 5 years or 750,000 miles for normal duty.
What fluid does the Volvo I-Shift use, and how often do you change it?
Volvo sells two I-Shift fluids, both synthetic. The right one depends on whether the transmission is an overdrive version.
| 75W-90 | For all overdrive I-Shift transmissions and for severe duty. Volvo says the 75W-80 may also be used for normal or heavy duty in non-overdrive units. |
|---|---|
| 75W-80 | For automated manual I-Shift transmissions and older VT-type gearboxes. Not for overdrive units (ATO). Not for automatic transmissions, including Allison. |
| Oil capacity | About 18 qt (17 L) or 20.8 qt (19.68 L), depending on the version |
Volvo lists one oil drain interval in its I-Shift specs.
| Duty cycle | Interval |
|---|---|
| Oil drain interval | Up to 6 years or 500,000 miles |
- Volvo's page does not say how the interval changes for vocational or severe use, and it does not match each oil capacity to a version.
- Volvo's fluid sheets say both oils are made for long drain intervals.
Put your Volvo I-Shift service on a schedule with the maintenance scheduler. If a warning light comes on, decode it with the fault code lookup.
What warranty does the Volvo I-Shift have?
Warranty, as the maker lists it
- Transmission: 5 years or 750,000 miles (normal duty)
- Clutch: 3 years or 350,000 miles (normal duty)
Which engines and trucks go with the Volvo I-Shift?
Volvo's powertrain page says the I-Shift works with the D13 engine. It names no other engine. Our truck models list shows the I-Shift as the transmission in the Volvo VNL.
Fitted in the Volvo VNL.
What Volvo Trucks claims
- Volvo advertises faster shifting, and it lists predictive cruise, a downhill economy mode and Eco-Roll as fuel-saving features. The footnotes behind the shifting claim are not on the page.
What is not published about the Volvo I-Shift?
- Which version has which torque rating, overall ratio or oil capacity
- Crawler gear options
- A different drain interval for vocational or severe use
- A price. Volvo sells it as part of the truck's spec.
There is no public, independent failure-rate data for any heavy-duty transmission, including the Volvo I-Shift. This page does not rank reliability. It lists what the maker publishes: ratings, ratios, fluid, service intervals and warranty. For a used truck, ask for the service records and check the oil and clutch history.
How does the Volvo I-Shift compare with other transmissions?
Each transmission guide on this site follows the same format and the same sourcing rule, so you can read the Volvo I-Shift next to the others. We do not name a winner.
- Detroit DT12Automated manual, 12-speed
- PACCAR TX-12Automated manual, 12-speed
- International T14Automated manual, 14-speed
Side-by-side comparisons with the Volvo I-Shift
Volvo I-Shift frequently asked questions
What oil does a Volvo I-Shift use?+
Volvo sells two synthetic I-Shift oils. Use 75W-90 in all overdrive I-Shift transmissions and in severe duty. Use 75W-80 in other automated manual I-Shift units. Volvo says the 75W-80 is not for overdrive units and not for Allison or other automatics.
How much oil does a Volvo I-Shift hold?+
Volvo's powertrain page lists about 18 qt (17 L) or 20.8 qt (19.68 L), depending on the version. It does not say which version uses which amount, so check the label on your transmission or ask a Volvo dealer.
How often should you change I-Shift oil?+
Volvo lists an oil drain interval of up to 6 years or 500,000 miles for the I-Shift. The page does not give a shorter interval for hard duty, so ask a Volvo dealer if your truck works off the highway.
How much does a Volvo I-Shift weigh?+
Volvo lists a dry weight of 719 lb for the 12-speed and 805 lb for the 13- and 14-speed. Both figures include the clutch and the oil cooler.
What are the Volvo I-Shift gear ratios?+
Volvo gives an overall ratio range of 14.94:1 to 40.8:1, not a gear-by-gear table. The I-Shift comes in 12-, 13- and 14-speed versions, each with direct drive or overdrive, and with 4 or 6 reverse gears.
Is the Volvo I-Shift a good transmission?+
No independent failure study exists for the I-Shift. Volvo's published facts are a 1,950 lb-ft rating, a 6-year or 500,000-mile oil drain interval and a 5-year, 750,000-mile warranty. It shifts for you by reading grade, speed, weight and torque demand. On a used truck, ask for the oil history and which I-Shift version it has.
Sources for the Volvo I-Shift
Run a Volvo I-Shift truck? Let a dispatcher handle the rest.
Grow Trucking finds loads, negotiates rates and does the paperwork for owner-operators and small fleets. Tell us about your Volvo I-Shift truck and we will show you how we can help.
Also: About Grow Trucking · Refer a carrier · Trucking blog
Ratings, intervals and warranty terms for the Volvo I-Shift change by model year and configuration. Confirm the exact figures for a specific truck against Volvo Trucks's current documents and your written warranty before you make a purchase or maintenance decision.
Free tools for a Volvo I-Shift truck
Keep the Volvo I-Shift serviced on time, decode its fault codes and check a truck before you buy.
- Preventive Maintenance SchedulerTrack Volvo I-Shift oil changes by odometer for your duty cycle.
- Diesel Fault Code Lookup (SPN/FMI)Decode the SPN/FMI fault codes the Volvo I-Shift reports.
- Breakdown Cost EstimatorEstimate what a Volvo I-Shift breakdown costs in repairs and lost revenue.
- Used Truck Inspection ChecklistCheck the Volvo I-Shift and clutch before you buy a used truck.