Do I need to change the automatic transmission fluid?

[jblackburn]

That's one of their "lifetime fluids". Most owners manuals and maintenance schedules anymore assume people only keep cars about 5 years or so.

You should be fine til about 50,000 miles on the transmission fluid - if you are just doing normal driving, I wouldn't see any need to change it yet. Volvo doesn't even put a dipstick on their 2007-on auto transmissions anymore - there is a single "service plug" on the transmission. Idiotic design to get dealers more work.

[Excimer]

Thanks for the quick response but maybe I am not asking the question the right way. Agree with the idiocy of lifetime fluids but I am over it and my cost. What would each of you do with my vehicle knowing the above driving habits and that my time with a broken car is MUCH more valuable than money spent on fluid change?

[vjaneczko]

Thanks for the quick response but maybe I am not asking the question the right way. Agree with the idiocy of lifetime fluids but I am over it and my cost. What would each of you do with my vehicle knowing the above driving habits and that my time with a broken car is MUCH more valuable than money spent on fluid change?

If they suggest a 50K change and you're at 27K, I'd say you'll be fine for at least another year or so. If you were towing or off-roading - something that would put a serious strain on the trannie - you'd probably want to change it at 40K to be safe, but it sounds like you're a regular driver.

I'd also think that Volvo suggests 50K but could probably go for 100K or more without much impact.

Since you're new to the forum, let me pass along a little tip I've learned over the years: when I see "jablackburn", in my mind I think "Volvo God"! He's one of the best sources of information that we can access, and his input has helped me (and others) many, many times. If he were to have said; "Do it now", I'd think; "Do it before I get lunch" - but it sounds like you'll have no worries for your nation-wide tour

[Excimer]

As always, thank you. Very helpful.

[cknapp58]

Changing trany fluid at the proper time around 30-40K will avoid costly repairs later on is one of the best things you can do. As the fluid heats up it oxidizeses and looses it’s lubricating properties and detergent quality. Now varnish starts to build up along with parts wearing. Then the o-rings start to harden out. This becomes a snow ball. Also if your car ever overheats you should change the fluid. The heat is the problem.
Now, the problem. If the vehicle has been driven too long, the trany is worn with a buildup of varnish , the new fluid will clean the clutches and could cause slipping. If this is the case the fluid usually is brown and smells. If the fluid is decent and the trany runs ok, I will take the chance and change it. If it looks bad, I will only drop the pan, change the filter and leave the convertor alone.

[SimLyons]

Is anyone here using the Dexron VI? and had it in long enought to evaluate re: Dexron 3? I'd like to put it in my 850R but don't want to be a "field test unit". Also in my V70R in a few more miles