Once and for all, Do I need to change Tranny fluid?

Mikey · Post by **Mikey** » 19 Dec 2005, 09:18

I have a 2000 S80 T6 with 126K on it and I'm sure the fluid has never been changed. The color of the fluid is a light brown, about the color of new motor oil. Is this the color it is suppose to be and should I worry about changing it? The dealer wants $199.95 to flush the tranny.

del la sol · Post by **del la sol** » 20 Dec 2005, 07:56

I dropped my S80 T6 off for a tranny flush this morning. The manager, a volvo enthusiast and friend, said he flushes his every 20k, even though volvo claims its a lifetime fluid that doesn't need to be changed. Every 20k might be overkill for someone not driving hard and not working at a dealer, but if the fluid isn't red it needs to be changed. They are a volvo specialist but not actually a dealer, they are getting $135 for a BG tranny flush, so $190 is a little bit higher but it is a dealer afterall, maybe try a smaller local shop, as long as they know what they are doing.

hiller12c · Post by **hiller12c** » 27 Dec 2005, 00:58

I'm on my 4th Volvo since 1975. I owned my 1980 Volvo for 17 years and never changed the transmission fluid and it was in the same condition as it was when I first bought the car. Unless you do alot of very heavy driving and towing it really doesn't need changing. Take Volvo's word for it.

del la sol · Post by **del la sol** » 27 Dec 2005, 08:00

the general opinion is the new volvos, or atleast the S80, is not the volvo of 10 years ago, since ford got their hands in it... the tranny is a known weak point so i'd really recommend having it flushed, at $130 a pop it would take ALOT of unneccessary tranny flushes to cost more than a new transmission

Laxx · Post by **Laxx** » 29 Dec 2005, 18:42

For normal usage, you should change it every 60,000km or every 4 years at minimum. Your transmission system consist of alot of moving part that will generate heat. The heat is dissipated by the ATF which will deteriorate over time. If you regularly use it for towing, change it every 30,000km.

S80 T6

gl5678 · Post by **gl5678** » 07 Jan 2006, 23:35

I bought our 99 S80 T6 last year with 125K km on it. After driving it for about 5000 km I found it to have some hesitation during gear shifts. I took it into the dealer and they suggested a transmission flush. It costed me close to c$200 ($90 worth of synthetic transmission fluid+labor). But it did get rid of the hesitation in the shifting. I agree that could be an overkill but I hope it will prevent transmission trouble .. only time will tell .. will keep you all posted.

pieceoschmidt · Post by **pieceoschmidt** » 23 Jan 2006, 07:18

Towing? if you want to tow something get a diesel truck. But as for trans fluid you should change it. Regular fluid changes and not driving like a dick are the two most important things to make your car last. Use high quality fluid and filter set. Auto makers are using low maitenance and life time fluids as a marketing pitch to sell more cars- don't believe them. I don't care what a maunal says I'm not waiting 7500-10000 miles in between oils changes. If you are going to keep a car until it has 100,000 miles and then sell it maybe then follow the manuals suggestion but for those of us who plan on keeping our cars and take care of what we own change you fluids before schedule.