Transmission fluid change via vacuum pump

[Kev0607]

Hello all,

I come across a post recently where someone asked if it was possible to suck the fluid out of the transmission using a hand fluid extractor. I thought this was intriguing, so I'm just wondering has anyone managed to do this on the TF80-SC transmission? I can't find the thread with the original post.

I'm assuming, if possible, if would be a case of sucking the old fluid out via the fill port and adding back exactly what was drained, then reset the transmission fluid counter via vida? There would be no need to set the level as such because it hasn't been drained via the drain plug.

[Andymharrison]

That may have been me slightly derailing this thread https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=337456

I was asking about my xc90 which has a dipstick to suck the oil from but my wife has an xc70, which I think has the TF80, it's coming up on 65K miles so I'd the interested to know as well.

[AndyB06]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

Hello all,

I come across a post recently where someone asked if it was possible to suck the fluid out of the transmission using a hand fluid extractor. I thought this was intriguing, so I'm just wondering has anyone managed to do this on the TF80-SC transmission? I can't find the thread with the original post.

I'm assuming, if possible, if would be a case of sucking the old fluid out via the fill port and adding back exactly what was drained, then reset the transmission fluid counter via vida? There would be no need to set the level as such because it hasn't been drained via the drain plug.

No, it’s not possible on the TF80. You will be able to extract a small amount via the filler plug, a few hundred ml. The best approach is the ‘drain and fill’ , using the plug on the underside to release 3L or so at a time. Ideally, do this several times over a few hundred miles. Or if you want, repeatedly drain and fill until clear on the same day - this sudden change in fluid characteristics means you will have to reset the tcm adaptions in vida. Otherwise the gearbox will bang and crash until it adapts to new fluid conditions.

[Stu B]

Hi Kev, as per the above reply, it’s not possible in my experience.

Out of curiosity before doing the last drain and fill on my auto box I tried poking the thin pipe on my vacuum extractor (used for engine oil changes) into the filler hole and found you can only get a tiny amount of fluid out that way. There isn’t a route for the extractor tube to get low enough in the box as there is on an engine via the dipstick tube.

I would imagine on the earlier 5 speed box with a dipstick it may be possible but I didn’t have an extractor pump when I owned a P2 car so never tried it.

Stu

[Kev0607]

Thanks for the replies all.

[al dm]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

Thanks for the replies all.

I am going to go against the grain and say it is indeed perfectly possible as I have done it multiple times on my car and my son's car. Both are XC70s, his is a 2011 D3 2WD and mine is a 2013 D5 AWD. Both have the same TF-80 transmission.

Use a thin extractor tube (my extractor came with five tubes and I use the 2nd thinnest). When you initially push it into the fill hole, it will stop very quickly, but give it a bit of a push and a wiggle and it will slide right in there and right down to the bottom. Obviously, make sure the fluid is warm.

I have had 3 litres at a time out of the 'box with this method and it's much easier and way less messy than draining from the bottom.

When I have done this procedure in the past, I would always do the final drain/fill from the bottom just to get any remaining muck that is settled on the bottom, then replace the o-ring and washer on the sump plug and set the final level.

But anyway....it's perfectly do-able!

[Stu B]

Originally Posted by al dm

I am going to go against the grain and say it is indeed perfectly possible as I have done it multiple times on my car and my son's car. Both are XC70s, his is a 2011 D3 2WD and mine is a 2013 D5 AWD. Both have the same TF-80 transmission.

Use a thin extractor tube (my extractor came with five tubes and I use the 2nd thinnest). When you initially push it into the fill hole, it will stop very quickly, but give it a bit of a push and a wiggle and it will slide right in there and right down to the bottom. Obviously, make sure the fluid is warm.

I have had 3 litres at a time out of the 'box with this method and it's much easier and way less messy than draining from the bottom.

When I have done this procedure in the past, I would always do the final drain/fill from the bottom just to get any remaining muck that is settled on the bottom, then replace the o-ring and washer on the sump plug and set the final level.

But anyway....it's perfectly do-able!

Really interesting, I stand corrected - thanks for the info, I clearly need a thinner tube for my vacuum extractor to have a go again next time

[Tannaton]

It's pointless.... whether you drain it or suck it out, when the engine is not running more than half the fluid is trapped in the torque converter, differential housing or other parts of the gearbox. Whether you drop it or suck it up, you will always get the content of the main casing.

[Simmy]

i prefer to go under and drain using the drain plug you can also check other components whilst underneath. exhaust. suspension . bushes cv boots. ect .

[Tatsfield]

Draining rather than sucking out will tend to remove heavier particles lying on the bottom of the main housing that may not be picked up using a suction tube.