S80 3.2 Transmission Fluid Change

This is a “drain & fill” method, as opposed to the flush method. See below for pro/con between the two.

First, why and when to change the trans fluid?

ylwgto » Wondering if i should change the transmission fluid on my 2009 S80 3.2 with 120K.

It was a single owner car before I bought it with full service documentation for every scheduled maintenance period. I know Volvo says to never change the transmission fluid (unless you tow). The service records do say that the “transaxle fluid was checked” and the “bevel gear inspected” at both 60K and 120K, but I assume this is related to the transfer case, not the transmission.

I’ve lost 2 prior Volvos to transmission issues, once because I waited to long (’03 XC70, 75K) and another time because i did the drain/fill and the transmission hated it (04 XC90 2.5 with 200K).

Currently the car is shifting fine (gets a bit confused in traffic sometimes with gear selection) and it’s a great car I plan to have for a while. Do I let it be or get proactive? Curious about opinions.

S80 3.2 Transmission Fluid Change DIY

pgill » As for the amount of fluid that will come out.

The most that have been able to remove is 3.7 Quarts but I was very patient to get this much out (a more typical amount is closer to 3.4 quarts).

Here is the Objective Evidence

You are correct in your statement about refilling

Procedure — S80 Drain & Fill

1. Remove fill plug T55 (because it is insanely tight)
2. Remove T40 drain plug (some fluid will come out)
3. Remove 17 mm drain spout (a lot of fluid comes out)
4. Replace the 17 mm and T40
5. Fill the transmission (I just replace the amount that I remove)
6. Lift the vehicle up and make it level
7. Turn on the engine to warm up the transmission (shift between the gears pausing for 5 seconds between gears)
8. With the transmission warm and the engine running remove the T40 (if it drips slowly then the level is set)
9. Replace the T40 (now you can turn off the engine)

PS be careful with the T40 or we will need to talk about this

S80 3.2 Transmission Fluid Change DIY

Flush or Drain & Fill?

MoVolvos » I have always done full flushes and never had a problem even on a 98 S70 T5 with 230K miles when I acquired it. It was coffee with a tinge of silver and was little sluggish. I can never wrap my head around the idea of pouring a 3rd of muddy water out and adding clean water to slowly make it less muddy. Prefer to pour all the mud out and pour clean water into the container.

The drain and fill vs flush can be a hotly debated topic but I have never seen a write up where someone said my trans pooped after a flush, it is always I heard that… regardless both methods are used and each swear and stand by their preference.

As always do what is comfortable for yourself. Although I have never had a problem with many high mileage and weak transmissions that’s not to guarantee yours won’t have issues. Some say if it does it probably was going to have issues sooner or later regardless.

Since all my cars have dipsticks unlike the TF-80SC it would best to just count quarts during the flush or drain and fill till the fluid is clear. Bring to operating temp and add or allow the trans to drain as in the videos.

2009 – Very detailed drain and fill method. @15:00 He is comparing clarity of the drains. The 3rd drain is almost the same as the last which he calls level drain or flat on the ground (EDIT: it should have been on the ground but was still on the ramp in the front). The 3rd and last drain looks about the same and not close enough for me to the new fluid.

When you buy your transmission fluid from Amazon with this link, it helps this site thrive. Thanks in advance!

Last Updated on August 23, 2022