To change transmission fluid or not?

Old Bakelite · Post by **Old Bakelite** » 06 Mar 2008, 05:26

I have 155k and no service history, so I am thinking of changing the transmission fluid. I recently had the timing belt and water pump done by my local Volvo specialist (as a precaution), and he said the car looked really good.

I now asked what he thought about changing the transmission fluid and he thinks that if it was never done up to 100k then it might be better to leave it. This message was via the garage owner so I could not really ask why, but it would be interesting to know the opinions of MVS' highly knowledgeable people.

bigfinn · Post by **bigfinn** » 06 Mar 2008, 06:27

Same question I had a couple of months ago. I have 138,000 miles and wanted to do a flush, but was advised to drain & fill. To do this, simply find the transmission drain plug under drivers side, drain out old ATF, and refill through transmission dipstick the same amount that came out....around 3.5 quarts. Drive 200 miles or so, and repeat 4-5 times.

My advise is to get new aluminum crush washers for the drain plug. Be sure to use Dexron III ATF. After five drainings, you will have nice red ATF, and feel better about your tranny.

Dave

mune237 · Post by **mune237** » 06 Mar 2008, 14:31

Wow....check this website to find another way of draining and filling. It requires some tubing and I suggest highly, the snap ring pliers.

mune237 · Post by **mune237** » 06 Mar 2008, 14:43

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

chuckcintron · Post by **chuckcintron** » 06 Mar 2008, 17:20

Careful...that link is to MIJ's (most excellent) flush process -- not a simple drain/refill.

Even if you flush yours regularly (I do it every 40K miles or so, on very light driving conditions) a flush can be scary. The tranny can act a little schizoid for a few days afterward. I've heard that the crude loosened up on longer-term mileage can actually damage the transmission.

I'd be inclined to leave well enough alone, or at the most do a simple drain and refill.

-Chuck

Old Bakelite · Post by **Old Bakelite** » 06 Mar 2008, 17:53

Thanks to all for your advice.......I shall certainly not flush the system now, but may consider the drain and refill option....

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 06 Mar 2008, 18:42

I agree...at your miles, best to be cautious... drain and fill and see how it goes...if nothing is irregular afterwards, then do it again in a week or two. Keep repeating for 4 or 5 times to bet most of the old out.

bigfinn · Post by **bigfinn** » 06 Mar 2008, 18:43

I would only recommend a drain & fill. With your mileage and no history of prior transmission flushes, a full flush could loosen something in your tranny that might give you a bigger problem. The idea is to get the old ATF out. Mine was a dark brown and I am sure that a tranny flush had never been done before. After 5 drain & fills, my transmission runs sound with red ATF. A friend of mine has a '93 850 with 170,000 miles, and he did the same drain & fill. Again, no problems.

New fluid is better than the old. As long as you are not experiencing any transmission problems, you will actually be doing your trans good....not to mention that a drain & fill is much easier than a full flush.

Post by **JRL** » 06 Mar 2008, 19:25

Agree
Do a drain and fill (twice)

Systek · Post by **Systek** » 07 Mar 2008, 06:51

yep, I agree. The local AMCO transmission shop wouldn't touch my tranny after looking at the color of the TF. He told me the same thing. He also said ppl have brought their cars after getting the tranny flushed at a quick lube place, and haveing to shell out $4k for a replacement tranny