XC90 2012 D5 TF-80 auto trans 138K mls

Bloatymcbloatface · Post by **Bloatymcbloatface** » 09 Apr 2026, 04:00

Hi Can anyone with knowledge shine a light into the dark corner of my auto transmission? Its a 6 speed TF-80 unit. Recently at about 1500rpm there is a noticable vibration when travelling. Faster , or slower than that on tickover, there is no perceptable vibration. Otherwise the car runs fine, the gear changes in the lower gears seem a little slow (but that could be me being sensitive). Reading around people say that a flush would be a good idea as it sounds like converter shudder. Ive had a word with an ex volvo tech who said take it to main agent. Asked main agent for a quote for flush they said, without looking at car it didnt need it. Contacted Volvo UK who confirmed these boxes did not need a fluid change -unless cars were taxi or did heavy towing, when I asked them for the service details for that they could not provide one. When asked how did they determine if heavy use had necessitated a fluid change they said it was down to judgement of the technician. I ask you! This aint helpful.

So sorry for long story but does anyone here know if I should change the fluid or not, I know on earlier V70s volvo said fluid change not necessary and from experience it could make the box worse, but this is a different box. There are no autotransmission specialists within 100 miles of where I live:-(.

Capndirk · Post by **Capndirk** » 09 Apr 2026, 09:24

I changed the fluid on my '09 at about 90k. The fluid was very, very dark, and not red at all. I used Toyota T-IV because it was the least expensive at the time. I've done it again with Asin 3309 spec. Using the correct specification oil is vital.
This video provided the method for my fluid changes:

As you were told, Volvo does not recommend or require transmission oil changes, but whatever turns red fluid black is not doing the gearbox any favors.

Post by **ggleavitt** » 09 Apr 2026, 12:09

Fully agree on the above. Maybe doublecheck on fluid, think after 2011 or so the TF-80s went to AW-1 versus JWS3309 as the Gen2 transmission was put into production. Old thread here- https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/tran ... 24.519049/ , good amount of controversy on model year versus chassis number (I'm chassis number myself), probably worth having a look and/or asking the dealer. Certainly not the end of the world if you put 3309 in.

Bloatymcbloatface · Post by **Bloatymcbloatface** » 10 Apr 2026, 07:19

Thanks for those helpful replies, yes volvo have always said trans doesnt need doing which always struck me as odd. Seems like im going to have to do it myself as volvo garage didnt bother replying to my second email asking them to do it. Now to find a tool shop in deepest rural france!

Post by **volvolugnut** » 10 Apr 2026, 07:58

There are a couple oil change methods commonly used. One is to locate and use the transmission cooler line to the radiator and pump out oil with the engine running. I do not know where this would be on your vehicle.
The other method is simpler. Remove the transmission drain plug and catch all drained oil. Measure the drained oil as close as you can and refill the transmission with the same amount of clean fluid. Repeat the drain and fill process every 100 miles until you drain clear fluid. This may take 4 to 8 cycles.

volvolugnut

Post by **ggleavitt** » 10 Apr 2026, 09:15

IPD has instructions for the pump-out, see attached. This is absolutely something you can do at home, just need some empty bottles and somewhere to send the oil for recycling. There's a fluid level check procedure for the TF-80, in theory if you measure what you take out and put that back in, you'll be in the range.

PI290 Trans fluid flush kit.pdf: (369.71 KiB) Downloaded 285 times