2006 V70 Transmission fluid change, low mileage car

[MoVolvos]

I really can't remember (age so don't quote me) doing a drain and fill but have done way over a dozen flushes and never had a problem, this on transmissions with 150 to 230K miles.

Since your car has low mileage and runs great a drain and fill is the safer bet and then again in half a year. If you have no problems after both times I would do a flush every two to three years since you drive it so little.

[IslandV70]

I am getting ready to do this and am suffering mass confusion as to exactly what fluid to buy. There is the exact OEM Volvo branded fluid kit for $66, Aisin fluid for $28, and Idemitsu fluid for $26. I cannot seem to google up an answer that says the cheaper ones are the same fluid *for sure* or not and then there is Mobil 1, Amsoil, Redline, and others not sold by FCP.
Pretty much every single one has an "I used it and loved it" and "I used it and my car is all hosed up" post somewhere.

[vtl]

For sure they are not the same fluid. Internet knows about cases where people went from original ATF to aftermarket and had complains, but not a single one when they did that from aftermarket to original and had complains. Depending on the remaining transmission health, it may be fine with aftermarket ATF or it may start "complaining". $40 of savings every one or two years does not qualify for me to live with a jerky transmission.

[IslandV70]

I was thinking that - probably worth my $ to use the OEM fluid. The car has 85K and the dealer flushed and refilled the tranny at about 35K and I am sure they used the original Volvo fluid.
I don't have any real issue with the transmission, but it seems time to drain and fill.

[vtl]

With a regular ATF replacement these AW55s live a very long life. Mine is at 220k and is still strong.

[Georgeandkira]

Transmission Drain Plug: 24mm
It uses the same aluminum gasket as the oil drain, 18mm.
Include a handful in a fluid order from fcpeuro (oragex mentioned above) or ipdusa or eEuroparts, or AutohausAZ.

The absence of clear data regarding fluid selection is irksome.
I accepted the premise that the spec is the spec and that petroleum products are more closely QCed than our food supply.
I also wanted a lower price.
Would I like to have a fleet of identical cars with which to do the same maintenance with Volvo branded fluid? Sure.

If the difference in fluid cost is worth it to you, buy the Volvo fluid. You won't go wrong.

I don't know what dealerships charge for it now but most internet sources have Volvo fluid too.

Hint: SAFETY FIRST
Chock a rear wheel
Use jack stands
Raising the driver's side (left side No. America) higher than the right gets a tad more to drain.
This is not vital but is easy to do if you have jack stands as they are stepped.
Did I mention SAFETY FIRST?

[- Pete -]

With a regular ATF replacement these AW55s live a very long life. Mine is at 220k and is still strong.

This is so true.
Approaching 280k miles one one of ours & I have to say, it is the nicest shifting auto amongst the bunch. It’s re-adapting now after tuning so things are getting back to normal slowly.

I’ve gotten into the pattern of multiples of 2k miles. Tire rotations every 2k (snows get rotated @1k), oil changes every 4K, T4 ATF drain/fill every 8k. Gear lube & Haldex oil get changed annually. If the car is in the air I’ll often times peek in the angle gear to pacify my ongoing curiosity of oil level.