2005 V50 T5 - Transmission Fluid Change

[Reinie]

Just had the first transmission fluid change at 115,000 miles. I've heard "lifetime fluid" and no need to change for the life of the vehicle... but did it anyway. Mechanic said the fluid was clean and no debris. Probably was ok and would have gone much longer with the old fluid. New Volvo fluid was $95.00 and $45.00 labor. Total $140. Comments: Dipstick is easier to get at when on the lift. Fill port was about the size of your pinky finger and hard to get at. He pumped the fluid in with a small diameter hose. Pouring with a funnel would be impossible.

[Livens]

Smart choice. Lifetime fluid my ass!

I changed the fluid in my 2002 S40 at 118k and it was sort of clean, just a dark brown instead of red. Didn't smell burnt and thats the main thing.

And you are right, the dipstick tube that you need to use as a fill port is tiny. I found a funnel at Walmart that had 12" of clear vinly tubing attached to the end, 1/2" OD I think. It fit tightly over top of the lip at the end of the dipstick tube, so filling was easy. I used the Valvoline Maxlife fluid from Walmart, it's JWS-3309 compliant, 12 quarts for $50. Almost 15k miles later and its still shifting smooth.

[oragex]

There is a 'new fluid' setting in the transmission software, good idea to have it updated when refreshing the fluid.