2004 S40 1.9T Auto trans fluid change. Advice needed.

FixXxer6 · Post by **FixXxer6** » 19 Dec 2013, 08:28

The big debate for me has arrived! I need to service my auto transmission. I know that this can be a crapshoot on all cars with higher mileage. If any Volvo owners can help me decide or give me advice on these transmissions, please do so. Here's the rundown. 2004 S40 1.9T A/T 110,000 miles. Trans fluid looks decent but not new by any means and doesn't smell bad or burnt. I don't have any leaks and I've never had to add fluid. I check the level at every oil change interval. My question is, what method does most use for the service at higher mileage? I'm not a fan of a full flush at this mileage unless it's been done on a regular scheduled basis (every 30,000 miles or so). So, I'm thinking of replacing only half of the fluid. All of my previous daily drivers have been clutch cars so any advice will be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks in advance on this one!

Bawls · Post by **Bawls** » 19 Dec 2013, 19:44

I just completed a 3x3 fluid replacement. Drain & refill (about 3qts). Drive around at high enough speeds for the torque converter to lock. I usually jump on the interstate for this and get off at the next exit. Then drain & refill again. Once the 3rd drain & refill was complete the fluid looked new again and buttery smooth shifts.

FixXxer6 · Post by **FixXxer6** » 20 Dec 2013, 08:54

Thanks Bawls,

That sounds to be about what I was thinking. It makes me feel better about that method when another Volvo owner has done it and had good results. I ordered the updated B4 servo cover from IPD yesterday. I am going to wait until it gets here and do both jobs at once. Thanks for the quick reply!

FixXxer6 · Post by **FixXxer6** » 20 Dec 2013, 14:07

That's a good idea. Expensive, but a good idea. I guess the more thorough you want to be, the more money you have to spend.

Post by **jimmy57** » 20 Dec 2013, 23:39

I think ColoV40 was just telling you to do 3 drain n fills concurrent with 3 oil changes. This would get it cleaned and no shock risk of full flush done quickly.

Bawls · Post by **Bawls** » 21 Dec 2013, 14:07

FixXxer6 wrote: I ordered the updated B4 servo cover from IPD yesterday. I am going to wait until it gets here and do both jobs at once. Thanks for the quick reply!

Ow man. Make sure to have a buddy available for the servo cover install. That was a major PITA trying to work the retainer c-clip in while the new servo cover continuously popped out and the c-clip kept slipping off my cheap c-clip pliers. The final solution was to keep the cover pushed in with a 3ft piece of rebar while my wife put the retainer clip in. Small arms/hands in this area are helpful so it was the wife's turn to get dirty.

FixXxer6 · Post by **FixXxer6** » 23 Dec 2013, 07:06

jimmy57 wrote:I think ColoV40 was just telling you to do 3 drain n fills concurrent with 3 oil changes. This would get it cleaned and no shock risk of full flush done quickly.

Yeah, that's the route I'm going to take. It seems to be the better idea. Is that the "3x3" method that I've heard about? Makes sense.

FixXxer6 · Post by **FixXxer6** » 23 Dec 2013, 07:14

Bawls wrote:
FixXxer6 wrote: I ordered the updated B4 servo cover from IPD yesterday. I am going to wait until it gets here and do both jobs at once. Thanks for the quick reply!

Ow man. Make sure to have a buddy available for the servo cover install. That was a major PITA trying to work the retainer c-clip in while the new servo cover continuously popped out and the c-clip kept slipping off my cheap c-clip pliers. The final solution was to keep the cover pushed in with a 3ft piece of rebar while my wife put the retainer clip in. Small arms/hands in this area are helpful so it was the wife's turn to get dirty.

HaHa! Yes. I've heard that it can be harsh. The instructions make it look soooo much easier than it probably is. I'm going to use something to hold the cover in once I get it pushed in with the screwdriver against the bolt. Unfortunately, my wife refuses to have anything to do with working on a car. If I have trouble, I've got friends that owe me plenty of favors. The rebar idea is good.