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How often do you guys flush your ATF?

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
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This topic is in the MVS Volvo Repair Database » How Often Should You Flush Your Transmission Fluid?
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thecheat
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Re: How often do you guys flush your ATF?

Post by thecheat »

jablackburn wrote:Probably so.

I would go with what the above guys said, though...a drain-and-fill a little bit at a time. Drop the contents of the pan and replace that amount, then wait a few weeks and do it again.
Ok, is there a filter that is accessible in there or do I just replace the pan gasket?

jblackburn
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Post by jblackburn »

Neither. Just pull the plug and let it drain, then put it back in. Just like an oil change :)
'98 S70 T5
2016 Chevy Cruze Premier


A learning experience is one of those things that says, "You know that thing you just did? Don't do that."

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thecheat
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Year and Model: 1996 850 Turbo Wagon
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Post by thecheat »

Well then, easy enough! Last time i did a transmssion fluid change i had to drop the pan and it was a horrible mess.

FlyingVolvo
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Post by FlyingVolvo »

nwhitney wrote:
ecbsykes wrote:I do a drain + fill (after having done 4 in rather quick succession) every other oil change or so.

What ATF fluid do you use? Also, welcome back.
Thanks!

I use Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF. It's really good stuff, and it's the only full syn ATF that's easily available (at least in Ca/Az). With the sort of driving I do (often fully loaded, long drives, mountain grades in heat) I really appreciate it's ability to deal with higher stress.
2000 V70XC - 340,000 miles
Hilton Tune, 16T Turbo, Mototec 3" downpipe, Blue injectors, IPD Short Ram Filter, Snabb Intake Piping & RIP kit, do88 Intercooler, TME Dual Exhaust, HID Projectors, R Panels, do88 Silicone Hoses

2023 V60 T8 PE

cn90
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Post by cn90 »

At 105K miles, do I need to drop the pan or just do the ATF flush at "prescribed" intervals?
2004 V70 2.5T 100K+
2005 XC90 2.5T 110K+

jblackburn
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Post by jblackburn »

Just keep doing it like you have been - but, as some have suggested, I might lengthen the interval.
'98 S70 T5
2016 Chevy Cruze Premier


A learning experience is one of those things that says, "You know that thing you just did? Don't do that."

mercuic: Long live the tractor motor!

adk793
Posts: 93
Joined: 4 April 2010
Year and Model: 2000 V70 XC AWD/SE
Location: San Francisco, CA

Post by adk793 »

As i was once told, check your transmission oil every 3 oil changes and decide. If it is bright red and smells like ussual ATF, youre good, just keep driving. If it is slightly/severely discolored or has a burnt smell to it, it may be a sign that the fluid needs changing. If the fluid is sludgy brown or black, its a really bad sign something may be really wrong or it has just never been changes.

dmb41
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Post by dmb41 »

JRL wrote:Drain and fill every other to every 3rd oil change
Naturally the first time is a flush, depending on the condition and mileage.
I do not flush an (unknown) trans with over 60-70K miles
My S70 has 80k miles on it and I'm not sure if previous owner ever flushed the transmission fluid. Would you suggest just doing a drain and fill, or do you think it's safe to flush it completely and then fill?

FlyingVolvo
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Post by FlyingVolvo »

dmb41 wrote:
JRL wrote:Drain and fill every other to every 3rd oil change
Naturally the first time is a flush, depending on the condition and mileage.
I do not flush an (unknown) trans with over 60-70K miles
My S70 has 80k miles on it and I'm not sure if previous owner ever flushed the transmission fluid. Would you suggest just doing a drain and fill, or do you think it's safe to flush it completely and then fill?
If I were you, I'd do at least 2 drain and fills first, wait a while, then do the flush (not a power flush from a shop, search MVS for the method with the tube).
2000 V70XC - 340,000 miles
Hilton Tune, 16T Turbo, Mototec 3" downpipe, Blue injectors, IPD Short Ram Filter, Snabb Intake Piping & RIP kit, do88 Intercooler, TME Dual Exhaust, HID Projectors, R Panels, do88 Silicone Hoses

2023 V60 T8 PE

jblackburn
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Post by jblackburn »

^^^That's exactly what I did.
'98 S70 T5
2016 Chevy Cruze Premier


A learning experience is one of those things that says, "You know that thing you just did? Don't do that."

mercuic: Long live the tractor motor!

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