Transmission fluid change question.

Oitsujosh · Post by **Oitsujosh** » 09 Apr 2016, 16:40

Ok I know among car gurus this tends to be a hot button issue, but I'm not very familiar with these car(though I'm getting that way relatively quickly lol!). My V70xc has 140K on it and It's unclear if the tranny fluid has been changed at all. The previous owner wasn't sure if he had it done but I know by the title he only had it for 30K he almost never drove it as it was his second car. I believe he bought it from a dealer but don't recall from the former title where. The fluid looks fairly clear now the question, to change our not to? I've heard horror stories about these trannies, but this one is smooth and doesn't shift hard or anything. Any opinions are appreciated.

Thanks, Josh.

Post by **kahl** » 09 Apr 2016, 16:55

I would have the fluid changed. Not sure of horror stories.

Post by **erikv11** » 09 Apr 2016, 17:17

No horror stories, the 98 trans is bullet proof.

The AWD on the other hand ...

blandis · Post by **blandis** » 09 Apr 2016, 17:39

If it is a 98, i had really good luck with Mobil 1 synthetic. Instant smoother shifts. Fluid choice is another hot topic as well, but used it in both of my previous 98's and the difference was instant.

Oitsujosh · Post by **Oitsujosh** » 09 Apr 2016, 18:12

erikv11 wrote:No horror stories, the 98 trans is bullet proof.

The AWD on the other hand ...

It is the AWD, that's why I said that about the stories I've heard. I've been leaning towards changing it, I've had mixed experiences with changing unknown transmission fluid is past cars but with higher mileages on them though. Thanks for the input.

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 09 Apr 2016, 18:48

Do a few drain & fills with Mobil 1 synthetic ATF. Good stuff, been using it for years. If you're really serious about making it last... I installed a Magnefine inline transmission filter as well as an aux fluid cooler. Been running strong over 75K with all that. Haven't done a drain & fill in probably 30-50K and the fluid is still bright cherry red.

Post by **abscate** » 10 Apr 2016, 05:44

Josh, you want to change it slowly.

Drain out the pan into a clean container, measure what you remove, replace same amount. Repeat in a few months depending on how much you drive.

What you really want to avoid are the ' power flush' options offered by your local gorilla oil change place.

Oitsujosh · Post by **Oitsujosh** » 10 Apr 2016, 06:56

Thanks for the advice. I've always been wary of power flushes if any kind, more especially in older vehicles. I'll probably start that process this weekend when I do my oil change.

Post by **erikv11** » 10 Apr 2016, 09:22

Oitsujosh wrote:
erikv11 wrote:No horror stories, the 98 trans is bullet proof.

The AWD on the other hand ...
It is the AWD, that's why I said that about the stories I've heard. I've been leaning towards changing it, I've had mixed experiences with changing unknown transmission fluid is past cars but with higher mileages on them though. Thanks for the input.

I know it is, and luckily the AWD is a separate system from the transmission! The 98 transmission is still bullet proof. If you have heard horror stories, they are not about the transmission. Or not about a 98.

For the transmission, I agree just do some standard fluid changes by drain and fill.

For the AWD components, you are almost guaranteed to encounter issues, I would start thinking now about converting to FWD or spending a good chunk of time and money to keeping the AWD going.