2004 1.8 Petrol Auto V40 Autobox oil change

[volvogriff]

Wondering if I should change the auto box oil, or just leave it as its too late and may cause issues. No evidence it has ever been done, currently at 126k miles, no issues as of now.

I usually change autobox oil at around 40k miles intervals. Any advice welcome. Thanks

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by volvogriff

Wondering if I should change the auto box oil, or just leave it as its too late and may cause issues. No evidence it has ever been done, currently at 126k miles, no issues as of now.

I usually change autobox oil at around 40k miles intervals. Any advice welcome. Thanks

If it has never been changed in 20 years to your knowledge, I'd leave it alone. Yes the mileage is low, but the fluid is still potentially 20 years old. Changing it could cause issues. Don't fix what isn't broken as the saying goes.

If you were to change it, do a single drain and fill. Then drive the car around for a few hundred miles, then repeat the process again/as many times as required to get the fluid nice and clean via drain and fills with driving in between each change. So basically, doing it this way, its a 'gradual' transmission service. You don't want to be flushing it repeatedly at once in case you 'shock' the system and cause problems.

Its a chance you take and do at your own risk obviously. The choice is yours. If the car is running okay and the gear changes aren't harsh or delayed, then I'd be tempted to leave it.

[volvogriff]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

If it has never been changed in 20 years to your knowledge, I'd leave it alone. Yes the mileage is low, but the fluid is still potentially 20 years old. Changing it could cause issues. Don't fix what isn't broken as the saying goes.

If you were to change it, do a single drain and fill. Then drive the car around for a few hundred miles, then repeat the process again/as many times as required to get the fluid nice and clean via drain and fills with driving in between each change. So basically, doing it this way, its a 'gradual' transmission service. You don't want to be flushing it repeatedly at once in case you 'shock' the system and cause problems.

Its a chance you take and do at your own risk obviously. The choice is yours. If the car is running okay and the gear changes aren't harsh or delayed, then I'd be tempted to leave it.

Great info thank you. I’ve decided to take the risk and get it done, but asked the workshop to check the oil condition first (CBF in Beccles), who in my experience are very good). Will leep you posted on results.

[Volvophile]

Don't "leave it". At the very least, do a drain and fill of it over a gradual period.

I wouldn't be mad about flushing it. That may cause potential issues.

[volvogriff]

So the gearbox oil cooler pipes are leaking, not sure exactly where its leaking from, this is info from the garage. The oil cooler is not available anywhere, part number 30652176.

Is it likely to be the a leak from the cooler or connecting hoses?

Anyone know how to top up the autobox oil without doing a full oil change?

[volvogriff]

Originally Posted by Volvophile

Don't "leave it". At the very least, do a drain and fill of it over a gradual period.

I wouldn't be mad about flushing it. That may cause potential issues.

The box had little no oil showing on dipstick, topped it up and seems ok now.