04 s80 - specialist says don't touch ATF, but why?

volvobro · Post by **volvobro** » 31 Aug 2015, 09:37

A Volvo specialist whom I inquired to advised me that I shouldn't drain and fill my transmission fluid, and that he's never done it to his own Volvo.

Is he crazy? I don't understand.. Has anyone heard of this before?

My 2004 s80 2.5t awd has 150,000km (93,200 miles) and I haven't touched the ATF in 9 months since I got it.

Post by **precopster** » 31 Aug 2015, 15:13

Do you really want your Volvo work done by Grug the caveman? I hope he doesn't insist on a toughened windscreen in place of the laminated one.

;);)

volvobro · Post by **volvobro** » 01 Sep 2015, 08:50

Hahaha! Good point Mike. He seemed like a honest and trustworthy guy, even though his garage looks a bit run down. He claims he's never drain & filled or even touched his ATF on his 98' s70.

Anyways, that's probably going to be my next project for this week. Did a bit of digging and found a good write up here.

Post by **precopster** » 02 Sep 2015, 03:26

There are mutliple examples of the old AW 50-42LE transmission consistently achieving this however it could do much better on new fluid.

No such info/feedback on the newer AW 55-50SN transmission. If they don't get new fluid every 30-50 thousand miles depending on usage and towing they very quickly self implode and particularly in the earlier years when in a turbo car.

simonology101 · Post by **simonology101** » 06 Sep 2015, 01:33

i've read on some site specific to transmissions that you should do it every 30K. On my 850 I got it done even though others were like no don't it'll cause problems (clutch can burn?). But after I got it done, it just shifted much nicer. Before flushing it would throw the CEL Up flashing arrow. Still every once in a blue moon it'll do that.

volvobro · Post by **volvobro** » 04 Mar 2016, 08:44

6 months later and I still haven't touched my ATF. I haven't had any problems yet, but am I sitting on a time bomb here?

I have some time tonight, so I'm debating on whether I should drain & fill it and maybe mix some of the new fluid with the old fluid as a precuation.

Thoughts?

Post by **precopster** » 04 Mar 2016, 13:36

Should have been done 6 months ago

volvobro · Post by **volvobro** » 04 Mar 2016, 13:59

Hahaha thanks Mike, looks like I'll be busy tonight!

Post by **precopster** » 04 Mar 2016, 22:56

Haha you'll be able to tell it was overdue by the color of the fluid that comes out

oldironsights · Post by **oldironsights** » 05 Mar 2016, 17:19

Ignore transmission oil & filter replacement? Really?!
Would you ignore your engine oil & filter also?
Mineral based oils break down in addition to having moisture, acids & solid particles held in suspension.
These substances not only clog filters but also migrate to other areas where they cause wear, buildup & corrosion.
Chemical composition may change over time. Compare the color & odor of new & used ATF.
Even A/C compressor oil goes bad with time.
Synthetics may fare better, but still require periodic replacement.
As much as we rely on our automatics, it is wise to maintain a conservative maintenance service schedule. 30k miles seems about right.
I don't perform a flush. I drop the pan & filter, then add the required amount to bring level to required point.
If concerned about oil left in the cooler & converter, then do a flush also. My oil stays clean enough to allow me to disregard what remains in the cooler & converter.
Changing oil & filter is faster & less costly than changing transmission.
I have been a hired wrench since 1980. While I listen to what the factory reps say, I do not always heed their advice.
Neglecting such an important component is a recommend ignored by me & should be ignored by Volvo owners also.
Care for your Volvo & be repaid in kind.