P2 V70 ATF Flush/Change?

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 25 Jun 2011, 12:13

I am sure it's already in here somewhere but I can't seem to get the right combination of search words/phrases to find it. I'd appreciate any insight on how tobest change the ATF on the newer Volvos My V70R has no dipstick and Im thinking the only way is to do the series of drains and adds but I don'tknow how/where to add the fluid after draining.

Also, since the owner's manual doesn't address this question, what kind of ATF is safe/best to go with? Synthetic as in Mobil1 Synthetic ATF? Or Castrol ATF Syn?

Post by **matthew1** » 25 Jun 2011, 15:25

It's actually pinned at the top of this forum, and it's a beauty by E170 Driver.

2001-2007 V70 Auto Trans Fluid Flush/Change

Your V70 does have an ATF dipstick, it's just buried. I used Volvo 3309 fluid on my V70 R 90k all-fluids flush a year ago. No problems to report.

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 25 Jun 2011, 15:43

Thanks, Matt! I did lookat that posting and find it nicely detailed. I'll be using it as my guide when I do the change.

Also, I went to your link on the "all fluids flush, 90K" service and see in that write-up that the ATF is "BG Synthetic ATF". Did you use that or the Volvo recommended 3309 spec? The 3309 is definitely dino. From what I'm reading here on other posts the newer transmissions all like the synthetics.

Post by **JRL** » 25 Jun 2011, 16:29

3309 only

Post by **JDS60R** » 25 Jun 2011, 20:45

2006 and 2007 V70R and S60R have a TF-80SC transmission and do not have the conventional dipstick of the 5 speed auto in the 2004-2005 V70R or S60R.

The TF80sc has a center plug that will check the level when the car is running only. You will need an oring to seal it. It also has a drain plug that you will need a crush washer for. The fill plug is toward the front of the trans (look under the TCV) . Do not pull what looks to be a fill plug that is in the back of the transmission as you will need to disassemble the trans to fix the band you just released. Search for a trans fluid change on a XC90 with a V8 and you will see the procedure. You can flush it and then take the center plug out while it is running and fill it until it runs out strongly. it does take JWS3309 spec trans fluid and I am partial to Amsoil's universal ATF for shift quality, protection and longevity of fluid service life.

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atf.aspx

Post by **matthew1** » 26 Jun 2011, 10:42

Thanks John, good info there!

Sim, I went with JRL's advice ultimately, because he has owned a number of P2 R cars. But there are many proponents (including very respectivle sources like JDS60R and Volvo Specialists) of synthetic ATF in the P2 5-sp. I'm not learned enough to recommend one over the other.

I just chose one and got on with things

.

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 26 Jun 2011, 12:53

Thanks for the clarification, Matt.

I'm not going to do the P2-R until September so I have time to get the ducks in a row. My more immediate (upcoming) fluid change is for the 850R. I've decided to go ahead and use the "Mercon 3" from Costco for that. I suppose I could use the Dex VI but can't see significant advantages to cover the costs when considering I'll be changing out again in 30K miles.

Post by **JRL** » 26 Jun 2011, 14:03

Does it really matter?
That stuff is so cheap, choose which you really want.
You should be able to buy a good Dex 3 or 4 for 3 bucks a bottle.
Remember these 4 speeds (unlike the 5 speeds) are pretty hardy and will run well on just about any decent fluid

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 26 Jun 2011, 16:20

Yes, the Chevron Mercon 3 (from the Costco warehouse, not on-line) comes out to less than $3/bottle (qt) in 12 qt. cases. It is the least expensive I can find here anywhere. If I did find some for less somewhere the shipping costs would sink that deal.

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 27 Jul 2011, 17:22

: Whatsthis.JPG (269.71 KiB) Viewed 5247 times

I received a case of 12 qts of Mobil1 3309 today (didn't expect it so soon) just as I completed the drain/flush and refill of my cooling system. So...what the heck. Pulled the air filter and box and low and behold....can't find a fill port. Crawled underneath and saw what looks to be a drain port in the center of the transmission (keep in mind this is a TF-80SC trans...no dipstick and no conventional anything for us Volvo freaks)

It does have a hose into the top of the radiator which either enters or exits the TC cooler. I can always do the drain (2qts/per) and fill...but where to fill? Through the cooler hose? Could use some help here.

Couple of pics included.