Originally Posted by gvmnt (Post 2734062)

i must admit i am struggling in my head on the atf change.

my 2.4 petrol auto transmission is just under 230k miles. never changed the atf - just blindly did not think about it given the operating manual.

in the last few months the transmission begun rumbling at times, whining at others - but still goes through gears without trouble.

i got in touch with the local specialist who does transmissions only - nothing else. they basically said - sit tight; no issues with gear changes then do not touch it, otherwise you might cause more issues that you are trying to solve.

granted they are not volvo specialists, but they ARE transmission gurus.

any practical input, especially if anyone has been without atf change for as long or longer?

Originally Posted by andy_d (Post 2712972)

depending on how it has been driven, kind of traffic its been in,, etc etc
somewhere between 80k-100k miles = look to change it

All the advice says
"Do NOT have a Power flush performed"
"Do NOT use flusing fluids"
"Do use the Correct spec ATF"




the "gibbons" method where you take 3l (ISH) out of the transmission sump + refill with The exact amount you took out , check levels, drive (varies between a 100/200/400 you choose) then do it again, for a total of 3 dumps/refills
is the General consensus on these autoboxes.



Most of the Other manufactures who use the AW55 box we have Do have a ATF change schedule.


best to get it done Before any issues start showing up as by the time they do it Maybe to late

Originally Posted by andyv40turbo (Post 2742097)

Thanks for this, looking to get mine changed as up at 100K now. How do you find the correct spec for ATF?

Originally Posted by zapcity1 (Post 2742103)

Specifications section - 'fluids and lubricants' in your handbook.

You can download from Volvo site if you don't have one.

Yours will most certainly be JWS3309 spec ATF but double check in handbook!

10litres of Mannol around £40-£50 (try Lubriage car parts & accessories on eBay).

Guide here on how to: - https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/tr...0-v50-c30-c70/

Plus plenty of YT vids.

Originally Posted by Kev0607 (Post 2712919)

Transmission fluid should be changed. It doesn't have to be changed every single year, but definitely something that you should do every so often throughout your ownership to prolong the life of the transmission.

Volvo & other manufacturers claim the transmission's in their vehicles are "sealed" or "sealed for life", yet they have drain plugs... :shocked:

The fluid can be drained, as there's a drain plug... so "sealed" is a load of rubbish. There isn't an interval as such for changing the fluid, as Volvo (and other companies) don't suggest changing it at all. This is misleading, as servicing your transmission will definitely help it. You wouldn't own a car & never change the engine oil... why they think its okay with the transmission is beyond me.

Make sure you use the correct spec fluid for your car & nothing else. To answer your question... YES... CHANGE THE FLUID.

:teeth_smile:

Originally Posted by Bonefishblues (Post 2712940)

Volvo itself does acknowledge the need to change the ATF, but only in cases of 'arduous operations', as it terms it (hot, dusty, taxis, towing - I may have made one of those up, but you get the drift), and IIRC on a remarkably short cycle like 24K miles.

...and yet says nothings required for normal operation, which is simply nonsense, as evidenced by the majority of other marques which use the AW55 'box. So yes, do it.

Originally Posted by Clan (Post 2742110)

correction :
At no time have volvo ever claimed their transmission is sealed for life !
In fact there is an optional service schedule for it ... Its unfortunate that very few take this up ....

Originally Posted by andyv40turbo (Post 2742108)

Many thanks, did have a feeling should have read the book before posting on here... page 257 of the owners manual confirms JWS3309, worth noting the 2.0D autobox uses a different fluid BOT341.

Originally Posted by zapcity1 (Post 2742125)

Lots of people get snooty about posting things that are in the handbook, but for me its what the forum is for. Most of us have gone through the same process as you, so sharing experiences can only help.

I guess the 2.0D is the Ford powershift system so understandable its different fluid. Had one once on a C70. Broke it and sold it :rolleyes:

Enjoy the ATF change if you choose to do it yourself, its very satisfying but careful when checking the ATF level hot. Dipstick is a sod to reach. :regular_smile: