How often do you guys flush your ATF?

[LamboSE5]

Could somebody explain the dangers of flushing and/or drain and fill of your ATF? Or the difference? I guess the flush is forcing it out or something? What could happen if you were to flush, I mean what negative could happen. I have a 98 S70 Turbo with 190k kms, and I do not know what's been done with it by previous owners as far as fluids. What is the danger in flushing an "unknown" car with over 60-70K kms Transmission fluid?

I'm a little weary about changing fluids after reading all the do's, dont's, and do if's..if you know what I mean.

on another note,
I think my power steering fluid level is too high (hot & cold), as well as my ATF fluid also seems way too high (hot & cold), but as I said - now I'm just a little timid to do anything with fluid (I know right) -- but I'm like that my first time doing anything to the car. I don't want to do harm I can't afford to fix, and 'at all'.

Nice day everybody,
Peace.

[IVIUSTANG]

The danger in flushing usually stems from flushing a higher mileage vehicle with no known service history. If the transmission hasn't been maintained well, the flush will break loose alot of debris and sludge which can gum up the works and even lead to transmission failure. The AW-50 transmissions on these Volvos do NOT have internal filters which is why this is so critical.

The drain and fill method is much safer as it doesn't dislodge so much krap at once on transmission. Consider the drain and fill as a DIY item to save money as well as being part of regular maintenance.

- Jesse

[roryb]

Does anyone know if its okay to mix synthetic atf with normal atf?
I want to do a drain and fill but I am unsure what type oil is currently in the transmission. I presume its Not synthetic.
I have a 98/v70r with 265k. The oil is still pinky red but I would like to change it. I have put 35k on the car since I bought it.
Also does anyone know what a reasonable price for Mobil 1 synthetic atf is. Canadian tire only has 1l bottles for 12.99 plus tax. Buying 12-14l at that price is not too appealing.

My plan is to do a drain and fill a few times with 2-300km in between each. If I use synthetic atf I will have a mixture for the first 600km.
Is this a problem?

[jblackburn]

Don't mix the fluids. Use regular ATF for a series of drain-and-fills before doing a full-out flush if you want to change fluids.

[roryb]

Thanks for the clarification. I will probably flush with synthetic now instead.
Can Mobil 1 synthetic be got in 5l jugs?

[jblackburn]

I've never seen it in them. As I recall the stuff was $7-8 per quart last time I did a change.

[roryb]

Ya I doubt it is available in 5l jugs. $8 would be great. $13 here in Vancouver but I have yet to shop around. However I doubt I'll find it cheaper. $200 for tranny oil alone is grating on my somewhat though.
I wonder if there is wholesale places where indy shops get their oil that I could get 14l.

[Reys]

Anyone know the size of clear tubing I need to drain the atf from the hose going to the radiator? I don't think it'll cost me much as ipd has it

[MoVolvos]

Anyone know the size of clear tubing I need to drain the atf from the hose going to the radiator? I don't think it'll cost me much as ipd has it

**

Measure the width then go to Lowe's and purchase one with the same or smaller I.D. They have a large selection and is cheap.

Blessings,

BKM

**

[rmmagow]

I think IPD gives you new clips and rings too. The clips can be a bit tough to get off and you probably should change the o-rings anyway.
I did my tranny both ways and now prefer the drain and fill method. Really quick. This summer, I did 2 drain and fills back-to-back. Then three more at one week intervals all with cheapish DEXIII ATF. I can do this every year if necessary and it is neat and clean. You do need a big wrench, 24 MM I think.