Cost of transmission flush?

gingerj000 · Post by **gingerj000** » 17 Dec 2009, 09:43

I have a 2002 S60 with 90,000 miles, automatic 5 speed. It has started to have trouble shifting from it seems like 2nd to 3rd gear. The engine will rev up then jerk into the next gear. I think I may need a flush. Can anyone give me an estimated cost of this outside of going to the dealership? I'm a female and don't want to get taken advantage of but i want it to be done right with the correct fluids. The dealership is so expensive for anything! I called Amco and they estimated $80 - $100. That just seems low to me seeing how from everything I've read the fluid seems to cost almost that much. If anyone can please help that would be great!! Just needing an estimate.

billr99 · Post by **billr99** » 18 Dec 2009, 10:54

At your mileage, you are better off doing 2 or 3 drain-and-fills instead of a flush (at least according to common opinion). If so, figure on going thru a case of fluid at 12 quarts (or litres) of fluid per case. When I did mine, it cost me about $80 CDN.

Also you might investigate doing a B4 servo cover upgrade. The kit costs about $14 and anybody that has some intelligence and can read instructions can do it. Made all my 2-3 shift issues go away or at least the ones that the fluid change didn't sort out.

Cheers,

Bill

gingerj000 · Post by **gingerj000** » 21 Dec 2009, 09:00

Thanks for the information Bill. I went on Friday before I got this and they were going to charge me $140.00. But once the looked they said they would not do it because it would only make the problem worse. So I called my Volvo dealership (that I had been going to for years) and talked to my service rep. Told him the problem and he said yes sounds like your transmission is failing. I asked why in the past several years with all the services and oil changes that i have had done there, why wasn't I ever told that I need to change my transmission fluid. You know what he said!!!!! He said well Volvo never recommended it for your year and model car. I am furious and believe that if the Volvo service rep would have had me change or even bother to check the fluid, that my transmission would not be failing!!! I think any transmission should last more than 92k!!! Now I'm looking at around $800 for a rebuilt transmission which could have been avoided with only a transmission change every 25 to 30K. And top it off, he had the nerve to call me back and say oh we have some great certified cars for sale. I'm very mad! How dare Volvo.

Post by **jblackburn** » 21 Dec 2009, 09:09

They're stupid. Jeep/Chrysler doesn't recommend it either on the Liberty, and flat out refused to do it for my dad's though he thinks his transmission is slipping (only 56K on this one btw...on a 5 year old car...of course right after the powertrain warranty's up).

Take it somewhere else, preferrably an indy European mechanic (stay away from AAMCO), and have it flushed. MAKE SURE THEY USE THE 3309 FLUID AND DO NOT USE A FLUSH MACHINE. Both of those are very important. $140 actually sounds reasonable considering the price of that more expensive fluid, that's about what the place up the street from me wanted for my older one (I did the work myself for about $50 of fluid) and if it prolongs the life of your transmission, then it's money well spent.

billr99 · Post by **billr99** » 22 Dec 2009, 06:22

Keep in mind that to do a "drain-and-fill", all you need is a pan, a wrench, perhaps a new sealing ring for the drain plug, a jack and stands, and the fluid. Easy to do yourself and you won't have some dweeb service manager telling you that Volvo say you shouldn't need to do it.

The thing that I find interesting is that most dealers won't argue with any customer who wants to go beyond recommended maintenance. Just more money for them. So why is it that that there have been a few folks getting crap from their dealers about wanting a tranny fluid change? Not like the customer is getting it for free. Have to wonder if there isn't something going on underneath the covers on this one.

Anyway, either find an indie who will do it or better yet, just do it yourself then you will know its done correctly.

Cheers,

Bill

850 Turbo1 · Post by **850 Turbo1** » 22 Dec 2009, 07:56

If I were you gingerj000 I would do this myself. Mobil 3309 is very easy to obtain(it's the best ATF...and the exact one required)

I spoke with Volvo dealer (Stealer) for my car (Volvo 850 T5)...was thinking about getting it flushed..They quoted me almost $200 + Tax. The problem though is they use a flushing machine(not good)..instead of flushing it manually....and use a cheap ATF.

The Volvo experts(more knowledge on Volvo's than you or I could ever imagine) on this forum unanimously agree on one way,the very best way to flush your ATF..is to drain fill...drive for 100 miles(160Kms)...drain and fill....drive for 100 miles(160Kms)..Do this 4-5 times and you'll have done a supreme job.

I did this recently and can attest that my shifting is amazing!!!!!---@226,500 Kms and counting!!!!

It's sooo easy...actually the easiest way to flush possible...even easier than an oil change (no filter changing)...BUT THE BEST WAY!!!!

Use the dealer for difficult repairs ...not for 5 Minutes of easy doodling...and $200....

Best of luck friend ! Feel free to ask if you need more help!

gingerj000 · Post by **gingerj000** » 22 Dec 2009, 08:31

Thanks for all the information!! But I'm afraid if I change it now (because of what I was told by Aamco) it will definitely mess up my transmission more. They explained to me that my fluid is now darker than motor oil and has metal bits in it and that is pretty much what is holding the transmission together and they do not recommend changing it. But then they said that they recommend removing and inspecting for only $595!! (HAHAHA) But when my boyfriend called up there they told him they could do it for $495. I'm afraid they are trying to rip me off. I know my transmission is messing up so I think I'm just going to get a rebuilt one put in. I don't know what else to do and don't want to wait so long that I will end up stranded on the freeway or somewhere. aaaahhhh.

Volvo s60 24t · Post by **Volvo s60 24t** » 22 Dec 2009, 08:41

my two cents... I had a very hard time finding Mobil 3309, I found that the toyota type T-IV (t-4) is the same fluid... and much easier to find. I pick up a case for $60 at the local toyota dealer.

Post by **confused_al** » 22 Dec 2009, 08:59

gingerj000 wrote:But I'm afraid if I change it now (because of what I was told by Aamco)

Do NOT take your Volvo to Aamco! They will do more harm than good. Find a reputable Volvo shop ask for ATF drain n fill first (to save money bring your own).
This link might help you to find a shop,
http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.ph ... st-region/

Volvo s60 24t wrote:I had a very hard time finding Mobil 3309, I found that the toyota type T-IV (t-4) is the same fluid...

This is the site I bought mine,
http://store.avlube.com/mobilatf3309.html

850 Turbo1 · Post by **850 Turbo1** » 22 Dec 2009, 09:11

gingerj000 wrote:Thanks for all the information!! But I'm afraid if I change it now (because of what I was told by Aamco) it will definitely mess up my transmission more. They explained to me that my fluid is now darker than motor oil and has metal bits in it and that is pretty much what is holding the transmission together and they do not recommend changing it. But then they said that they recommend removing and inspecting for only $595!! (HAHAHA) But when my boyfriend called up there they told him they could do it for $495. I'm afraid they are trying to rip me off. I know my transmission is messing up so I think I'm just going to get a rebuilt one put in. I don't know what else to do and don't want to wait so long that I will end up stranded on the freeway or somewhere. aaaahhhh.

BIG MISTAKE in my opinion on many counts!!!!!

AAMCO know absolutely nothing at ALL...except how to squeeze money out of you in the most slimy of methods!!!! These guys may present themselves as knowledgeable people but they are reallllly FULL OF IT!!!!

AVOID THESE PEOPLE AT ALL COSTS!!!

I have had them tell me I needed over 2,000 dollars of work on my car...well turns out 150 dollars does the job even better!!!!

That's how they keep their profits up!!!!

If you need to get your car properly serviced find a good honest Independent garage.

Now I have a secret trick to finding a good mechanic. I avoid the high cost ones, because they just aren't worth it(Ie High class independednt shops, and brand name shops(AAMCO,Mieneke, Canadian Tire, Walmart, Gas Station garages, Goodyear, ETC.)--AVOID THESE PEOPLE ENTIRELY...if you want to save money and grief....of all of these the Volvo dealer is probably the only one that won't damage and destroy while "repairing" what needs to be repaired. There are real horror stories on the internet if you Google them.

The problem with Volvo though is markup on labor and parts and fluids is TOOO HIGH. They also convince you to do more work on your vehicle than needed. Quality is between Ok & good though!

I watch them do the work and I watch what type of customers they have...if they mostly deal with young shady clientele they probably aren't a good garage...if they deal with older folks 40's and above then I would consider them...

Also they have to offer free estimates otherwise they are most likely just too expensive.

Make sure you feel you can trust them..whether you feel comfortable around the mechanics and the staff

Usually a good garage will not have too many people 1-3 (I prefer 1-2 person garages)

Also try to get your own parts..otherwise your going to get Chinese garbage parts...which in tun means you'll be coming back for the same repair again in a the near 10,000 kms??????

.

You have nothing to loose by doing the drain and fill like I said gingerj000...that isn't considered a flush..and you can NOT damage your transmission that way...It would be a terrible waste to go get a second hand one put in when all yours needs is some drains and refills!!!!!

I recently drained and refilled one of my Volvos which had 110,000 Miles and let's just say it shifts like I put in a new transmission!!!!

Your going down the wrong road ....A second hand transmission replacement will cost 1000-2000... labor to replace it will cost 400-1500

The Oil drain and refill will cost less than 100 Dollars...but hey who would make money that way if they gave you that advice!!!!!!!!

They are also probably lying about the shavings...my drained ATF oil was also pitch black...had no shavings!!!!!!!!