Is Changing Transmission fluid required?

rcheaito · Post by **rcheaito** » 08 Oct 2010, 13:15

We have an 04 XC90 T6 with over 180,000 Km. We bought it used a year ago. So far no problems

.. but from readings over the net, it seems we did not probably make the right choice given that this model has had transmission problems. Most of the Transmission problems I read about happened at much lower mileage than ours, so we hope that the first owner of this SUV have already gone through these issues....(just maybe a wish!)

Question is, given that we plan to keep it for the next 4-5 years, are there any recommendations in terms of maintaining this car to help us sail through the upcoming years? Does transmission fluid need to be changed, and if yes at what mileage and/or how often?

This is our first experience with Volvo's, and we admittadily bought it without doing much research ..as Volvo had always a good reputation. So, hope we will not be as disappointed as many others...

Post by **billofdurham** » 08 Oct 2010, 15:21

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

Check automatic transmission fluid level only if an external leak is identified. Volvo recommends changing automatic transmission fluid every 52,500 miles/84,000 kilometers, only on vehicles used for towing.

The above is from the maintenance schedule for your vehicle. However, it isn't carved in stone and you can't harm anything by changing the fluid if you wish. My friendly Volvo tech doesn't agree with Volvo's policy on this and advises a change at 105,000 miles (168,000 kms), the timing belt change interval.

Bill.

rcheaito · Post by **rcheaito** » 09 Oct 2010, 12:40

Thanks Bill. First thing we did is changed the timing belt. We were afraid to change the transmission fluid as we have heard that this may accelerate the death of the transmission. Maybe "flushing" the transmission is not a good idea, but changing the fluid is fine?? We will contact the dealer next week and see what they say.

scootay45 · Post by **scootay45** » 12 Nov 2010, 08:35

Not wanting to panic people here but my Volvo tech advises complete fluid flush and new oils at 30,000 and 60,000, this is for a XC90 D5 se awd, I do tow a caravan a lot! for info purposes i had to replace my semi box because of poor servicing and NO fluid changes!! a bill of £2700,00 for a reconditioned semi box, sorry Bill hope i havent upset you by my post mate just trying to save somebody heartache, scootay.