Seeking S60R Transmission Advice

[Ethan5150]

Hi folks, I've been doing a lot of research on this topic and I'd love to get your weigh-in.

I'm considering buying a 2006 S60R with about 82K miles on it. The transmission fluid has never been flushed. I've learned that Volvo claims these trannys are not meant to be serviced, the fluid should be "good for life". I've also learned that a lot of people call BS on this claim and say this is totally bogus - they need to be flushed - CAREFULLY. I've seen multiple posts about this and the tediousness of the project. I've also seen warnings AGAINST doing this, and just leaving it alone - but the majority of folks say it should be done by someone who knows what they're doing.

I live in Hawaii where there aren't a lot of spare S60R trannys sitting around - and I'd be shipping this car from another island (Oahu) without a proper inspection - in short: if the tranny goes out, I'm hosed. The guy I'd be buying from has convinced me that he has taken excellent care of the car for the 9 years he's owned it - but he only put about 30K miles on it - so the 50K miles prior to him are a complete unknown.

So my questions are around your thoughts on the necessity of the flush. Should I not buy this car until I've at least seen what color the tranny fluid comes out during a flush? Should I buy it trusting it's ok and then pay my mechanic to do the flush? What are your thoughts. I'm totally in love with the car but I definitely can't afford a tranny failure which would probably mean the end of the car.

Any input anyone has would be very much appreciated! Thanks

[Krons]

Trans fluid for life is stupidity, and a short life.

My thoughts:
viewtopic.php?p=617896&hilit=Flush+drain#p617896

[Ethan5150]

Thanks Krons - I appreciate your input. My mechanic essentially said the same thing. He suggested putting a white zip tie (or plastic strip of some sort) into the fill hole to get a glimpse of the fluid condition...

[Krons]

Just pulling the transmission dipstick and wiping on a white paper towel gives a good indication. You can also carefully unscrew the drain plug to get a few ounces for a look.

I took the chance at complete cooler flush as I was changing to Valvoline Maxlife ATF and didn’t want to mix with 3309. Safest bet is to drain and fill with 3309 (think that’ll be your fluid, plz verify) at each of your next few oil changes. This will refresh the additive package without knocking too much gunk loose which is the risk with all new fluid.

[ADent]

I typically just drain and refill. Gets around 1/2 the fluid typically.

I picked up an 850 years ago with 85K and original fluid and did this 3 oil changes in a row - that should replace 87.5% of the old fluid.

I do it every 15K miles as regular maintenance.

[scot850]

Volvo in Canada recommend oil changes in trans every 80,000km/ 50,000 miles. Many ignore this but learn the expensive lesson.

Neil.

[erikv11]

06 S60R has TF80-SC transmission which has no dip stick. I would do drain and fill there is almost no risk on such a low mileage transmission, but with this car you must check the fluid level by the manufacturers instruction. It involves a two stage drain plug.

[KurtL]

I bought my 05 V70R in 2017, it had 101K miles.I was getting surges at down shift gear changes. I do a drain and fill of about 3 quarts at every 5000 mile oil change. It is now at 159 K miles and I would say the shift surges have gotten better. The fluid no longer looks burnt.

That would be my recommendation.

[Ethan5150]

Thanks erickv11 - can you elaborate on the "two stage drain plug"?

[erikv11]

Here’s a couple threads will help with that question:

viewtopic.php?p=586945

And this thread (viewtopic.php?t=102675 ) is good for the videos but ignore the posts that suggest your transmission has a dipstick, it doesn’t.