2006 V70 Transmission fluid change, low mileage car

2forty · Post by **2forty** » 29 Dec 2019, 21:17

I have 59000 on my 2006 V70. Volvo does not recommend changing the fluid unless it was used for towing. They also recommend only draining the transmission and adding 4 quarts or how much you drain out. So my question is.... is it better to flush the system with new tranny fluid, or just drain the tranny and add only what I drain out. If I just drain the transmission I will use the Volvo fluid. The transmission shifts smooth and I want to keep it that way.

Post by **velorider** » 29 Dec 2019, 22:59

"Better" is going to be mostly based on opinions and not analysis. So my opinion for a 60k transmission would be drain and fill and every 30k after that.

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 30 Dec 2019, 05:52

A drain & fill is exactly what I'd do.
Your car was built with new fluid which has gotten dirty, has had its chemistry depleted by oxidation and cannot lubricate as it once did.

Many say car companies keep transmission fluid maintenance off their lists in order to lower any "total costs of foreseen maintenance" tallies.

Also, while color alone is not any fluid analysis, I say if your drained fluid is filthy and smelly you'd be in a more informed position.

ignatz · Post by **ignatz** » 30 Dec 2019, 05:54

The drain and fill also lets you clean the magnet on the drain plug.

Post by **abscate** » 30 Dec 2019, 08:30

You are a perfect candidate for the drain 4 liters and fill strategy. Do it once a year for the next three years, which will replace most of your ATF, then do a 4 liter drain and fill every 30k miles or so, if you are still using the car light duty.

Post by **vtl** » 30 Dec 2019, 09:36

Drain&fill using Volvo fluid.

Also in your climate I would be thinking of installing an auxiliary ATF cooler. And replaceble inline magnetic filter since you the upper radiator hose has to be cut anyways.

Post by **SuperHerman** » 30 Dec 2019, 15:37

Yes to drain and fill, but it is not a magic 4l or what ever comes out. Maybe start with 1/2 liter less than what came out, bring it up to temperature and use the tranny oil dip stick on a flat surface with engine running.

Reason - 4 liters may not come out (my experience is 3.5) and you don't know what you started with (but I suppose you could check the dipstick, engine warm and on, in park, level surface) before hand).

Post by **cn90** » 30 Dec 2019, 16:02

1+,

- I have done a lot of drain/refill on ATF 1998 S70, 2004 V70 2.5T, 2005 XC90 2.5T...

- I can tell you that the Aisin trans that comes with the 5-cyl engine takes about 3.3-3.5 qts at each drain/refill.

2forty · Post by **2forty** » 30 Dec 2019, 16:43

Thanks for all of the replies. I will perform a drain and fill.
Thanks Again!

Post by **oragex** » 30 Dec 2019, 17:45

These should take care of a first drain - washer included - https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... -1161540kt
I'd go as abscate, one drain every 6mths or so - that would be some 3.5qts- can measure then replace same amount. Refill only by the dipstick tube with a long funnel (never undo the top bolt, it's a gear bolt) - warm the fluid before refilling, it goes in faster. Drain plug is a big guy - not sure but perhaps 21mm (stand corrected), I've reused the metal washer but better replace. Perhaps the best thing is to keep driving mostly city after a drain - the transmission will shift a lot, which will help it adapt faster to the new fluid properties. I'd avoid draining then drive long highway distances (just my take..). If you have the turbo, this may help locate the dipstick www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zxWHtQ4wXU