Change Automatic Tranny Fluid Ya or Nah

[Rattnalle]

Did Aisin really tell them it was sealed for life though? Saab for example used the same transmission but kept oil changes in the prescribed service.

[abscate]

My BMW X3 ( GM transmission) has a sticker on it next to the drain plug saying “ lifetime transmission oil, do not change” or something like that. I put a little black dot on it every two years when I draw out 3 liters and replace with fresh

Realistically, they are sealed for life of the first owner ( typically 7 years here) and the next owner ( typically 3 years)

After that, the auto industry doesn’t care. Next set of owners are cheapskates who re-use engine oil.

[ignatz]

http://www.aisinaftermarket.jp/en/produ ... x_AFW+.pdf

[Georgeandkira]

Remember, 1) "people posting failures bias" as well as 2) careless do-it-yourselfers using the wrong fluid PLUS 3) people performing fluid refreshments well into their transmissions' sickness and 4) myths formed back in the early days of automatic units where the gunk actually did help seal things up, all combine to create a landscape of fear.

I've drained fluid from these transmissions a lot of times. A few times the fluid was jet black and once the fluid was brown and lumpy-truly hideous.

Nothing but improvements realized, so "Ya" is the answer for the Ontarian.

24mm wrench....18mm aluminum crush washer....Any cheap funnel with a foot long extension of clear plastic hose.
I like the Poland Springs 3 liter bottle for measuring what drains. They're all over the place and you can discard them when finished.

[shiloh51933]

If the service history of said vehicle is unknown then a fluid flush is usually taken off the table. Draining the old fluid by way of pan drain plug is fine. If your already experiencing issues with shifting then doing nothing can only lead to failure . I'd do a few drain and fills over the next few weeks. Just make sure you use the proper fluid recommended by the manufacturer. Personally I use "Aisin Warner " ATF Type T-IV or "Mobil 1" JWS 3309, the Aisin Warner is on sale at FCPEURO.COM for like $6 bucks for 1liter.

[MDK]

If it is an Asin-Warner trans. Idemitsu is the original fluid. Not the over priced relabled 'Volvo" fluid. FCPEURO had fluid available on their website for 6.50 a quart. I personally would get 12 and disconnect the top line from the radiator and let the tranny pump it out into a 5 gallon there is a drain plug on the bottom and always fill through the dip stick tube. Very important. Follow the instructions from the YouTube channel mentioned in this blog. MDK

[dlundblad]

We did a cooler line flush on her S60 around 155k or so. Used 14 quarts of Toyota T-IV ($3.50 a quart from the dealer) and have been very happy with the results since.

[Archer]

If it is an Asin-Warner trans. Idemitsu is the original fluid. Not the over priced relabled 'Volvo" fluid. FCPEURO had fluid available on their website for 6.50 a quart. I personally would get 12 and disconnect the top line from the radiator and let the tranny pump it out into a 5 gallon there is a drain plug on the bottom and always fill through the dip stick tube. Very important. Follow the instructions from the YouTube channel mentioned in this blog. MDK

+1. Idemitsu for sure, perhaps 14 - 16 quarts for good measure. Lubegard (red) Protectant is supposed to be a very good addititive, too. Also, make sure you check the fluid level after the car has been driven a while.

[BryonTheCanadian]

Remember, 1) "people posting failures bias" as well as 2) careless do-it-yourselfers using the wrong fluid PLUS 3) people performing fluid refreshments well into their transmissions' sickness and 4) myths formed back in the early days of automatic units where the gunk actually did help seal things up, all combine to create a landscape of fear.

I've drained fluid from these transmissions a lot of times. A few times the fluid was jet black and once the fluid was brown and lumpy-truly hideous.

Nothing but improvements realized, so "Ya" is the answer for the Ontarian.

24mm wrench....18mm aluminum crush washer....Any cheap funnel with a foot long extension of clear plastic hose.
I like the Poland Springs 3 liter bottle for measuring what drains. They're all over the place and you can discard them when finished.

So what fluid is best ? Did you add an inline filter.... I called a local transmission shop and he said generally they do not recommend a flush. As it forces all the fluid through the internal filter clogging it up and starving the tranny of fluid.. No this was a general answer but it appears there is no easy way to get at the Volvo's tranny filter? Thoughts.. 2nd part does adding the in line filter help solve this ? I would think the internal filter would clog up either way? thx

[Rattnalle]

By doing drain and fills rather than flushing you'll drain the contents at the bottom of the pan every time, reducing the strain on the internal filter at the pickup from the drain slightly.

You'll need to drop and open the tranny to get to the filter even though it's just a simple and cheap mesh screen. Really stupid piece of design imo.