Conflicting advice on tranny - '07 3.2 Topic is solved

[tfd123]

I have a 2007 XC90 AWD 3.2, just shy of 82k miles. My first Volvo. I am fortunate to have a well-known, highly respected independent Volvo repair shop close to my home. The owner and his guys have decades of experience and focus on Volvo. I brought the XC in for a fluid/filter freshening, including brake fluid and coolant flushes, even spark plugs. So it was pretty comprehensive. I was surprised, however, at his recommendation to leave the transmission and diff fluids alone. He said doing flushes and/or drain and fills can do more harm than help with this particular trans. When I bought this car, in my research, the only issue that gave me pause was the longevity of the transmission. I deferred to his experience, but am curious what others think.

Thanks

[oragex]

In the first place, most transmission issues were concerning the previous 2003-2005 T6 model, but you perhaps already were aware of this. As for the other transmissions, initially from 2000 or so Volvo directed never to replace the fluid calling it a 'life time fluid'. However, many were wondering what 'life time actually means'.

Right from the start, there was an issue with this life time fluid transmission. One particular part inside the transmission (the valve body solenoids) were poorly designed and started to get stuck. Volvo redesigned these parts starting somewhere in 2006-2007. So in theory, the transmissions after this date should work well on the same fluid for the 'life time'. Unfortunately, Volvo has got us used with their theories who more than once were just wrong. What most owners do is replacing the fluid every 80k miles or so. Even having it replaced only once at mid term in the life of the car should be a good idea.

Now I don't know this particular transmission on your vehicle, as on some transmissions replacing the fluid is harder than others. Maybe this is why your garage said not to replace the fluid?

Can't speak for the AWD system maintenance (fluid, inspection) but in the past it was a very common weak point. Perhaps it was improved for your year model, but given the issues in the past.. In all situations, when selling the car in the future, showing it went through transmission/AWD fluid replacement should be a good selling point.

[ggleavitt]

Folks say this all the time.

Your option is to leave to old fluid in place, or replace it with the same spec fluid (Volvo OE or Mobil 3309 or Toyota T-IV). The angle gear and rear diff are just gear oil so makes even less sense to leave in place.

On my '05 (AW5x), I replaced the trans fluid first time at 75k, then at 120k, most recently at 170k. ZERO problems to date.
On my '08, (TF-80), I bought the car with 93k, replaced all the original fluids by 95k (angle gear 6 months later, on the V8 it's a PITA). ZERO problems to date.

You have a 2007 which means more likely than not a trans SN lower in sequence than 06J. This is significant as it pertains to premature valve body wear issues (see http://forums.swedespeed.com/showthread ... umber-Info), which may necessitate a relatively costly repair at some point. Or not. But this is not a fluid thing, it's a manufacturing issue (if indeed it ever presents as a noticeable problem for your car).

My opinion, if you're going to keep this car, change all the fluids and move on. Yes, very slight chance you'll loosen stuff up and the transmission will perform worse. Never experienced it myself but folks say it can happen. To me, and at 82k miles, the benefit outweighs the risk. If this car had 150k and fluid have never been changed might be a different story.

Was Haldex AOC fluid (OE only, no substitute) and filter replacement ever discussed? Good time for this as well.

Good luck!

[cuhfs]

+1 drain and fill change the trans fluid. I prefer to do 3 times (about 3. 5 quarts each time) and drive 100 - 200 miles in between so as not shock system.

[oragex]

Just to add, no power flush as performed in some shops. Replace the fluid as described above or google up these forums for plenty of DIY.

[ggleavitt]

Couple of discussions on fluid and flushing methods here:
http://forums.swedespeed.com/showthread ... n-and-fill
http://www.timthurber.com/volvo-xc90-3- ... c-6-speed/

Both methods are relatively easy to perform, I personally use the cooler line pump-out and replace as close to possible what was removed but it's simply a matter of convenience (once it's done it's done). I have used both Mobil 3309 and Toyota T-IV in my cars with no issues whatsoever (will use nothing but these fluids as it's pretty much a unanimous belief that they are identical to OE at a fraction of the price).

Lots more on the web, I also believe that "power flush" (with additional cleaners or not) isn't the most optimal way to replace fluid in such a manner as to prevent issues after the fact, and especially with longer mileage cars. Some folks do it this way, not me.

Only caveat on the TF-80 is there's no dipstick (is one on AW5x) and checking level is a little more protracted. Second link has the procedure (with or without VIDA).

[Roger_850T]

I also agree on changing the fluid. On my '05 V8 with the TF80SC, I ended up with a Volvo replacement transmission at ~90k or so. It had the valve body issue. I wonder if changing the fluid would have made a difference or not, however I don't think it would have done any harm.

If you do a full changeout at once, you should know that you are supposed to reset the counter inside the transmission computer. It uses the counter to adjust the pressures during the shifting, and if you change the fluid all at once, it's a step change that can cause some harsh shifting for a while. If you just do 2-3 quarts at a time, and do it over a long period of time (like every oil change) then people seem to get by without doing the reset. But that said, I don't think changing the fluid will do any harm.

Roger

[tfd123]

Thanks all for your replies. Very helpful, just the type of feedback I was looking for. Based on the above, it sounds like, on balance, a drain and fill of the trans fluid would make sense.