V 40 Transmission service issue

Richouser · Post by **Richouser** » 20 Sep 2016, 09:45

Hello,

My name is Richard. I own a 2003 V40 wagon, excellent condition, always properly maintained, just turned 100,000 miles. I am a believer in 3000 mile oil changes regardless of what the manual says.

The manual also says that it is not necessary, or possible, to service the Japanese made automatic transmission. Logic tells me that after 100,000 miles that oil needs to be renewed, even if it is synthetic. Debris in the valve body, check ball wear, etc. are a concern.

So I went to my local Volvo specialist, and he said don't touch it if the transmission is functioning properly, which it is. Another Volvo specialist said it should be completely suctioned out and all new oil put in. My regular general repair facility said just drain and change 3 to 4 quarts for 3 consecutive engine oil changes in a row, An independent transmission shop refused to touch it stating that those transmissions are prone to break if you look cross-eyed at them, that draining or suctioning the old oil out will stir up debris and sediment, and that is why the first Volvo specialist would not touch it. Another transmission shop says they will do a complete fluid change no problem. The after market Haynes repair manual says drain what you can and refill.

Can you tell me, with actual Volvo design and repair facts, what should be done here and why?

Thank you,
Richard

Post by **alschnertz** » 20 Sep 2016, 15:26

Richouser wrote:Can you tell me, with actual Volvo design and repair facts, what should be done here and why?

No, I cannot. But I can relay my opinions if you care to read them.

1. I think 3,000 mile engine oil changes are generally overkill for average driving conditions. Newer oils are much better than those that were available in the era of 3,000 mile changes. But if you do a lot of stop and go, idling, dusty conditions, towing etc. then it's probably a good idea. I use 5,000 mile intervals because it's a number that's easy to remember for all my cars. And now-a-days, even that's probably overkill.

2. I don't agree with "lifetime" oil in a transmission. My rule of thumb is a pan-drain / refill every 15,000 miles. But this is when I know there has been clean fluid in the transmission. Like from new or after having done a fluid exchange. Not sure where you saw that you cannot drain the fluid in an S/V40 automatic transmission. There is a plug at the bottom of the transmission and you can always remove one of the cooling lines - which is how you'd do a fluid exchange anyway.

3. I do not agree with your Volvo "specialist" who does not recommend a fluid change if it's functioning. My opinion is that if a fluid change destroys the transmission, it was probably not in great shape anyway. I agree with your logic, but feel it is overdue at 100,000 miles.

4. Though I would prefer a fluid exchange (NOTE, I DO NOT MEAN A POWER FLUSH), at your mileage you could probably get by with the 3-4 quart (that's like a pan drain / refill) 3 oil change interval that your regular mechanic recommended. Then get on the 15,000 interval.

5. I've crossed my eyes and looked at my transmission many times and it hasn't failed yet. I'm not sure where that guy is getting his information. If the transmission has been taken care of and not abused, there is no reason why it wouldn't last 200,000 miles at least.

Me? I guess if I were you, I'd do a fluid exchange. I rolled the dice and did a fluid exchange on a 200,000 mile 854T transmission, a 145,000 mile S40 transmission and a 125,000 mile S40 transmission. All of those had the original fluid in them. Those cars now have 250,000 miles, 185,000 miles and 140,000 miles. All the transmissions are working great.

Richouser · Post by **Richouser** » 21 Sep 2016, 10:07

Thanks for this. It is the first input I have had that makes sense. My referencing not being able to "service the transmission" included removing the pan and changing a filter, not just removing a drain plug. Sorry for the confusion.

Please define the differences between a pan drain, a fluid exchange and a power flush so I completely understand.

Thank you, Richard

Post by **alschnertz** » 21 Sep 2016, 14:31

Though it is possible to remove the "pan", there is not a regularly serviceable filter behind it or any reason to remove it for normal maintenance.

I should not have referred to a "pan drain / refill". It would have been more proper for me to call it a "sump drain / refill". The plug that gets removed is located at the bottom of the transmission - not in the "pan" that covers the valve body. Now it's my time to apologize for the confusion.
Here is a photo of the sump plug. Just this simple sump drain / refill will change about 2.5 quarts of the 8.5 quarts (I think those are the quantities off the top of my head) that are in the transmission.

A fluid exchange includes a sump drain, but additionally, you remove the transmission fluid return line from the cooler to enable the transmission fluid pump to cycle fluid out of the torque converter. Basically you are using clean fluid to purge out the dirty fluid by intercepting it before it returns to the transmission. There are threads about fluid exchanges. It is more gentle than a power flush.

A power flush uses a machine that uses higher than normal pressure to flush the fluid out. I guess you could think of it as a fluid exchange on steroids. Generally those are not recommended due to the reasons you stated earlier of dislodging debris within the transmission.

BTW, Mobil 3099 is the recommended fluid for your transmission. Some owner's manuals (like mine) had Dexron IV/Mercon listed which is incorrect.

Richouser · Post by **Richouser** » 23 Sep 2016, 19:09

Thanks for this. I think I'll take the safest approach and modify my maintenance schedule at the same time. The car is pampered, so 5K mile oil changes seem to be in order. I will then do a transmission sump drain and refill through the dipstick tube every other oil change ongoing. Because the fluid is so clean that is currently in there, I'm feeling this soft approach is best. Your comments please, and thanks for your time in responding.

difflock54 · Post by **difflock54** » 24 Sep 2016, 04:59

Clean transmission fluid currently in there would indicate that the fluid has been changed reasonably recently?
Based on that your proposal to do a 'drain and fill' every other oil change seems to me to be a good plan for the future maintenance.
I change my engine oil at approx' 8,000km intervals. My mileage is about 114,000kms currently.