1994 Volvo 850 Wagon - Transmission oil flush?

[biggytwo]

Greetings - I bought a 1994 Volvo wagon with 220,000 miles on it and it's a great vehicle. I had new tires put on and the tire service center recommended a transmission fluid flush (it does look a dirty red and I am not sure when it was last changed). Since this website has so much useful information, the flush looks easy enough to do, but finding the time is the hard part.

So, for you experts out there, any opinions of using a quick lube service facility for a transmission oil flush versus doing it yourself?

Thanks, in advance, for replies.

Steve

[MadeInJapan]

You need 30 minutes....I would not let a quick lube place touch my car. By the time you drive to a place and wait, you could have done it yourself...besides, these places are notorious for screwing this simple procedure up....do it yourself and be sure....for sure.

[billofdurham]

I agree with MIJ.

a quick lube service facility

I don't know about the US places but here the so called mechanics always carry an oily rag when they check under the car. Amazing how many cars go in without but come out with 'an oil leak'.

Maybe I am just naturally suspicious and cynical.

Bill.

[Maxbaby]

I don't think you're suspicious Bill. In Alberta the staff are not trained mechanics, and I think are paid one step up from minimum wage (no offence to them), so the motivation to "love" your car just isn't there. I'd be doing this service myself too.

[greasefingerss]

The Volvo Repair Data Base is your best helper

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/chat/p ... php?t=8767

[biggytwo]

Thanks for the recommendations not to use the quick lube places. I thought it would take more time to do this myself, but if it takes less than an hour or so to do it, I can do it.

The information I found regarding the type of fluid to use for the automatic transmission is the Dexron III (replacing the Dexron II). Our local auto parts store looks like it carries this type and I will be stopping by there this weekend.

And I would also like to add, that this website has a wealth of information that has allowed me to re-set the check engine light, fix the sunroof liner, change the plugs myself, fix the tailgate rattle, and I will be using the good outline do the seat back tilt cable repair in the near future.

The money and time (from taking it to a dealer for repair) that I have saved is appreciated and today I am contributing through PayPal to help maintain this site.

Thanks Matt - and to all of you for your help.

Steve

[MadeInAmerica]

Thanks for the recommendations not to use the quick lube places.

The local TV stations in the los Angeles area have busted several of these places for repairs they were suppose to do but didnt do them. This was recently. One of these was changing the transmission fluid. They would tell the customer they needed the fluid changed, charge them and never do it. They got them on camera not doing it , its a fact.

[ken goodman]

don't do it. these thngs are already proving to be more problematic than helpful. they tend to push dirt into the valve body creating problems that didn't exist before you have it "flushed" open the trans plug, drain the fluid out you will get 4 qts exactly. replace the plug with a new seal ring, fill the trans with 4qts of dexron fluid and you are done. do this every 500 miles or so for 2 or 3 cycles and the fluid color will clear up. this is what we do for the hundreds of volvos we service, no problems with transmissions if they get regular service. this does not apply to late 99's or up. different synthetic fluid with no aftermarket fluid avaliable as of yet. you will ruin the trans if you replace the specialty fluid with regular fluid. hope this helps

[MadeInJapan]

this does not apply to late 99's or up. different synthetic fluid with no aftermarket fluid avaliable as of yet. you will ruin the trans if you replace the specialty fluid with regular fluid.

Actually, '99 and newer (5 speed auto's) DO NOT use a synthetic ATF....it is a special fluid, YES, but it is dino based and known as JWS#3309 and is made by Mobil Oil Company and can be purchased over the web. Most of us that post here and over on other Volvo forums who own one of these later model Volvo's know about this and have been doing transmission drains and flushes with the Mobil-3309 ATF for awhile now.

[hanzbe420]

I am gonna do a drain and fill. What brand should I get of trans fluid - i know its dex 3 right? What's the best brand? This for a 94 850 turbo. I've seen a couple different threads but which one is the best? Thanks.