best way to avoid transmission problem

BlackXC90T6AWD · Post by **BlackXC90T6AWD** » 02 Sep 2011, 09:41

i got a new transmission a littile while ago the problem with the tranny was coolant leaked into it through a busted gasket and mixed with the ATF the first one was the old part number transmission which had similar problems from what i remember i want to avoid this from happening again. i have changed my driving habits to much more conservative habits gentle on the acceleration and cruising at a steady 60 on the highways all the time. what else can i do? maybe if i have the ATF flushed every 4,000 or so and have the transmission inspected by a shop? I did get it replaced by Volvo and the it does have a two year warranty on it which is good but i would like to avoid the problem non the less the transmission is not the same as the old ones they were putting in they went to a whole new build apparently

Post by **JDS60R** » 02 Sep 2011, 11:51

The coolant/antifreeze mix issue comes about from the failure of the cooler in the radiator. It can break mechanically or more often be destroyed by the lack of maintenance and choice of fluids in the transmission and the radiator.

Change your coolant with the recommended coolant (and distilled water) and use a high quality transmission fluid. Change both at proper intervals.

The majority or roadside breakdowns are still caused by some failure of the cooling system. I have had to replace engines, head gaskets and transmissions due to the vehicles owners failure to maintain the cooling system. The most often missed service is a coolant change.
Its an easy DIY and a great time to change the pressure cap with a new one. While its empty you can replace any degrading hose and upgrade to better clamps.

I use
Volvo antifreeze and distilled water (volvo dealer) Change every 3-4 years
Amsoil Sythetic ATF (http://www.amsoil.com) change every 50K miles
Gates Powergrip SB hose clamps. (gates.com or any Oriely's)
Volvo or Gates hoses

dbeckwith · Post by **dbeckwith** » 02 Sep 2011, 15:43

An ATF cooler is a good preventative measure and a relatively inexpensive and easy install

BlackXC90T6AWD · Post by **BlackXC90T6AWD** » 06 Sep 2011, 12:14

so if i do the things mentioned above and dont drive to hard i can avoid the T6 transmission problem for the foreseeable future?

voltech1 · Post by **voltech1** » 12 Sep 2011, 00:58

I don't want to condemn any car but there are multiple points of failure with these transmissions. Was the left front axle replaced(updated) when the transmission was replaced? the old style axles can fail and mix trans fluid with axle grease which will cause contamination and certain failure. These transmissions will fail with NO help. If you love a vehicle sometimes you just live with things but transmissions are big things.

Post by **stone36** » 18 Sep 2011, 22:33

IMO, put it on autotrader with the new transmission (especially if the dealership cut you a deal) and make some back on "upgrade" then put that money into a 2.5 AWD. As many problems as these have, for some reason the resale has not dropped as drastically as I would expect. And in CT you can always find someone who wants to buy a Volvo (I grew up in W. Hartford, last lived in Westport)