Learnt something today!!

obayha · Post by **obayha** » 02 Dec 2011, 12:05

All this talk about transmissions and changing the fluid, got me to thinking about changing mine.
It runs fine, but after 257,000, I figured it might be time.
Was going to do the take some out, put some in..etc.etc. thing until it was clear.
Stopped by the Volvo dealer on the way home to pick up the washers for the plug.
The parts guy and a mech. standing there said that Volvo does not have a scheduled maintenance to change the fluid..
And as long as everything is working, they don't do it and don't suggest doing it.

The mech did come out and check to see if I had a long or short stick

.
Has to do with what fluid you put in, if you need to top off.

Great part was, you could tell he was looking over the engine space, and it was pretty clean and no oil anywhere.
If it ain't broke in this case, don't mess with it.
Shane

Post by **jblackburn** » 02 Dec 2011, 12:27

They SAY that, but any dealer says that. Don't listen to dealers.

They flat out refused to change the fluid in our Jeep when it was slipping and smashing all over the place between gears. Said it was a "lifetime fluid" and they would void the powertrain warranty on it by doing so.

Another dealer in Greensboro said "bullcrap, if it's acting up a fluid and filter change will cure most problems".

Well, guess what - we changed the fluid after the warranty expired, and it drives like a BRAND NEW car now.

There wouldn't be so many posts about regular transmission maintenance on these Volvos if there was no reason for it. It prolongs their life.

obayha · Post by **obayha** » 02 Dec 2011, 12:59

I am going to call Mr Volvo on this one and get to the bottom of this.

turbozutek · Post by **turbozutek** » 02 Dec 2011, 14:04

Volvo: "Never change the fluid, it's good for life!!"
Every transmission expert and professional I've ever spoken to: "Volvo are f--ing idiots. ATF is a wear item."

If you look at other cars which use the same trans as our Volvos (some Toyotas and a handful of Renaults) they all specify ATF changes at or around 5/70k miles. Volvo claim sealed for life. Guess which manufacturers' transmissions regularly die at 140k and which don't?

Chris...

obayha · Post by **obayha** » 02 Dec 2011, 16:59

Well I didn't say what I learnt was good or bad, just something to pass on.. I thought it was a little strange to never change a fluid. I want to do what's right, but I need to get some more information from anyone. I see that if something isn't working..then change the fluid and see if it gets better. They say to not worry about the internal filter.. Another question?
Who has changed the fluid just because it had been in the car for a long time, and how did it preform after. Full change or slow two quart over a period of time change?
Thanks for any information.
Shane

Post by **anjill182** » 02 Dec 2011, 18:01

Your question has been answered by the VERY knowledgeable people on the forum. Change the fluid. There are MANY posts on this

Post by **rspi** » 02 Dec 2011, 18:53

obayha wrote:I am going to call Mr Volvo on this one and get to the bottom of this.

When you call him, ask him if he will pay for your tranny replacement if/when it fails. He didn't chip in on my replacement. The fluid was almost black and likely not serviced for 16 years at 187,000 miles. It would sit for about 90 seconds before trying to shift into first then slip and squeal as it tried to get into 2nd, and after about a mile finally drop into 3rd where it drove fine into 4th. I immediately changed the fluid, 3 drains and refills with 100 miles between each and it was shifting pretty good. Good enough for me to drive it.

Why wait till you have a problem when you can avoid one altogether. These transmission can last as long as the motor if you service it. I'd say no less than every 30,000.

obayha · Post by **obayha** » 02 Dec 2011, 21:10

Why I am on this forum is to learn to take care of my car, and if there are different ideas out there, I ask questions and try to figure out the best answer. I here the big man say don't change and the people say something different. I listen to all and then make a choice..
Best
Shane

Post by **precopster** » 03 Dec 2011, 04:03

My wife's '95 850 came to us in very good condition with only around 70,000 miles on the clock. The auto fluid level was checked and OK.

Then the tranny started to slip when taking off, especially when cold. Changes were also far from smooth. Naturally I was worried as funds were low and we had just become parents.

I joined Matthews Forum around that time to find out what I could do about it and whether I could relearn some of the knowledge I had when I was younger as I was a keen enthusiast and restorer but that was almost another lifetime ago. Everything I read from the more knowledgable users of the forum seemed to make so much common sense, well at least to me anyway.

I read about how easy it was to do a transmission flush and I went to it right away. Around 12 litres later the fluid was clean (well I can't say it was REALLY dirty, just a light brown) I used Dexron III by Castrol and to this day (two years later) the transmission has been shifting very smoothly and the slipping is totally gone. Hope this opinion helps you to come to a decision.

turbozutek · Post by **turbozutek** » 03 Dec 2011, 04:51

I look at it this way;

Would you wait till there's a problem with the engine before changing your oil? Coolant? How about brake fluid, wait until the brakes fail before changing that?

No way. By the time the box is playing up, it's starting to get damaged. Even a trans that doesn't do many miles needs the fluid changed regularly IMHO; condensation and sludge both occur in ATF too.

Chris...

PS: not attacking anyone other than Volvo here, btw!