transmission Topic is solved

[albertavolvo]

How reliable are Volvo transmissions. I have a 1994 850 Turbo, with 100,00 miles. How long usually bfore big repairs ? PS I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada...long winter here

[matthew1]

I've read of failure at 70k miles and continuing reliability at double that. I think it depends on 1) your sample (some are going to come off the line perfect, some not) 2) your driving habits and 3) what side of the fence you sit on when it comes to changing trans fluid.

More on that: the manual says to never change it... that it's a sealed environment. Dealers follow this edict. Many owners don't follow that, and do change it. I'm in the latter group.

Now, nobody to my knowledge has done a proper test of the two schools of thought. It would have to involve dozens or hundreds of Volvos to be accurate. Perhaps there's a poll out there that reflects this data, I don't know.

What does it come down to? It comes down to this: you can't help the good sample/bad sample factor so forget that. If you floor your Volvo often or if you tow trailers etc. your trans is going to live a harder life and fail sooner. That's obvious. If you gamble and change the trans fluid (or is it a gamble if you don't?) you're working against Volvo engineers but with common sense.

Sorry, there's no right answer. And sorry for the philosophy!

[msrngtp]

I have a 93 850 that I bought used with 93K miles. Also bought a used car warranty (good thing too! - see story).

Less than 1 month after purchase the tranny went - wouldn't even pull into the driveway (slight incline) - I backed in and had it towed. Let the dealer and warranty company haggle - ended up with a used tranny from somewhere.

Car now has 115K on it and tranny just went south again. Transmission shop on first replacement flushed everything and did proper job, just the guts went. Still have warranty!

Checked rebuild price - warranty company would pay 600 bucks, MY share of rebuild would be 1300. I opted again for the used tranny - that was just put in after a full system evacuation under vacuum, then flush with new fluid, then fill.

I still have about 90K miles and 5 years of warranty left (I bought 8 years or 110K miles for 650 bucks!).

I recommend a warranty if you buy used automatic with around 100K miles. My car also had to have new rack, new power steering pump and new brake calipers because it sat for several years and was finally sold to me (by a dealer) after the estate was settled.

If this tranny goes, I may opt to exchange it for a manual to get longer life as the engine is in great shape.

[steve]

I have a 93 850 with around 110K miles. I have changed the tranny fluid about every third engine oil change since the vehicle hit 60K miles. Some may say that that is too often or too expensive to do that often, but I consider the cost of the oil cheap compared to a rebuild or a new tranny.
I have had no problems so far.

Tomorrow the thing will probably die......

My dealer here, in Charlottesville, Va. does recommend changing the fluid and is glad to charge you for doing so. I do it myself.