Geartronic Fluid

[Backhill1]

From early experience on Autoboxes the oil was the most important part, change it regular and the box would last pretty much for ever (GM Allison Product) dont change and the box would last a quarter of the time. This used Dexron 2 fluid and im sure technology has moved on a bit but i cannot even find a dipstick for mine?
Internal design must be the same more or less TC / Lock up clutch and some clutch packs just solenoids and computers instead of Governor and valve body.
Looking at the service schedule i dont see where its down for change, how is it checked as a low level will just destroy the clutch plates in no time at all.
Should i just play safe and ask Volvo to replace or is this done and not listed? But my biggest concern is regular checking how is the level checked etc. Its a 2008 185 D5 and no leaks underneath and works without any issues.

[clivea]

I had the same concerns, especially as i tow a caravan. The Manual says if you tow, or are a taxi, have the fluid changed every 2 years but my main dealer said that the towing recommendation referred to someone who towed almost fora living. Otherwise its filled for life. I only tow 1400kg so its well within the car's rating and the towing mileage is only 3-4k per year. However, I will pay to have it changed at 5 yrs or 50000 miles as I agree with you if you look after the fluid the box should last for the life of the car.

[TrueBlue]

Originally Posted by clivea

I had the same concerns, especially as i tow a caravan. The Manual says if you tow, or are a taxi, have the fluid changed every 2 years but my main dealer said that the towing recommendation referred to someone who towed almost fora living. Otherwise its filled for life. I only tow 1400kg so its well within the car's rating and the towing mileage is only 3-4k per year. However, I will pay to have it changed at 5 yrs or 50000 miles as I agree with you if you look after the fluid the box should last for the life of the car.

Ou American cousins get *n*l about tranny oil - perhaps that's unfair 'cos some do hundred of thousands of miles.
The oil is not yer common or garden Dexron but some expensive Mobil snake oil. Have a look at www.volvoxc.com/forums

[pont]

My 07 v70 has the newer 6 speed auto, and as has been said, the handbook infers its sealed for life. I know there is no dipstick, but here are some statements - possibly sweeping ones - that I have been told and would love to have confirmed - or not!

Firstly the message system on the dash "will tell the driver that the trans oil needs changing on a temperature / time basis". So hot running ( heavy towing?) would bring that up sooner rather than possibly never- presumably.

Secondly, that "the oil is best/easiest checked for colour and hence condition by using the nifty combined level check and drain plug under the trans to sample the fluid".

Thirdly, that Volvo "strongly suggest using an auto trans specialist for fluid change rather than a volvo dealer" - I think there is a trade body for trans specialists that are technically capable. That one came from a Volvo dealership senior technician.

Lastly, " pressure systems used to change the six speed auto fluid is not a good idea, especially as there is a filler point". Same source.

Mine is a full volvo service hstory example, but with 100k miles, I have started to think about trans fluid. The box is silky smooth, I would like to keep it that way.

Many thanks in advance to anyone who can elaborate on the above myths/truths.

[Backhill1]

Pont, this is exactly the conclusion that i have came up with and do not trust that the system will know when its time to change. This is interesting that they do not recommend the dealer does this task! Mine has been very hit and miss with basic tasks without testing them. I know from experience with a dipstick based type transmission it can be tricky setting the level correctly due to flow through the torque converter and the temperature. My best guess would be that you need to check how much comes out and ensure the same amount goes back in but it doesnt look like an easy task!

[clivea]

If you look to the Articles in this section of the Forum there is one on how to change S3 ATF complete with pictures. It might help.

[pont]

Clivea, many thanks for pointing me in the articles direction. This is a good way to maintain better fluid than simply leaving it. Does anyone have info regarding a complete fluid change ? If not then changing some seems the way to go - and far simpler.
As far as Senior tech at volvo and his comments ref having it done at an auto trans specialist rather than dealer, he felt that it was an area of expertise that needed a specialist.

[pont]

That will teach me to scan documents, I now realise all the info is there. Seems like a good plan. Changing 3litres every 20k miles gives 90% replaced fluid every 100 k miles , and its easy too.

[MartinK]

Originally Posted by pont

Does anyone have info regarding a complete fluid change ? If not then changing some seems the way to go - and far simpler.

I've uploaded the process for the XC90 (same gearbox) - it shows the "gibbons method" of flushing the oil by connecting a feed of new fluid into the circuit whilst in parallel releasing the old oil.

I read a report from someone who says they used 16 litres before the "exhausted" fluid ran clean I would also suggest that you really need 2 pairs of hands to do this without loads of spillage.

That's why I used the process I wrote-up in the articles section here http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=160569

I've done mine twice now (using the 3- litre drain and refill process), and my plan is to do that every year.

[Backhill1]

Martin, thanks great info im going to go down the same road with the annual change using the 3 ltr method. Think i will check the level the first time and record and as long as the same comes out annually then happy days. I suppose just in case the level is low i could end up putting in to little. Little project for the holidays if i get some time. I take it your using Mobil, checked the msds sheets for both this and the Volvo stuff and convinced the same fluid.