Transmission fluid change... worth the risk?

JD79 · May 31st, 2010, 10:27

Hi all,

I'm considering changing the auto transmission fluid in my 940, with an AW71 transmission. The car has 280,000 km on it, and has not had the fluid changed as far as I know. The current fluid is brownish pink, but has no burnt smell.

The transmission is not giving me any grief, shifts smoothly, and doesn't seem to be slipping. But I'm in the process of getting this car as close to ideal in terms of reliability as possible, and would like to know that the transmission is full of good fresh fluid.

I'm intending to use the IPD kit, consisting of a hose attached to the ATF cooler oil return, and running the old fluid out as i put the new fluid in.

I have heard that volvo no longer recommends changing the ATF, and have also heard that changing the fluid in a "vehicle of a certain age" can actually cause more problems than it prevents.

Has anyone on the forum changed the ATF in their AW71 or similar, and have you had any issues following?

Edit> decided to add a poll in the interests of glorious democracy

NewVolvo · May 31st, 2010, 10:34

I believe that my 780 runs the same AW71 transmission and even though I did not have to change the oil, I did it anyway. Personally I think it has made a difference after doing it, if not by feeling any mechanical change, but simply by knowing that fresh oil is now running between the cogs smoothly. Fresh oil is never a bad thing for an engine, so why would it be so for a transmission?

A good example is Irv Gordon's P1800 that he has run from new and only ever changes the oil in it.... it now has over 2 million miles on the clock.....

Oilydad · May 31st, 2010, 14:44

Golden rule of engineering.

If it aint broke, don't fix it!

So long as the fluid is a reasonable colour and doing its job, personally, I'd leave well alone.

But as always, the choice is yours.

Mikeymo · May 31st, 2010, 19:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oilydad

Golden rule of engineering.

If it aint broke, don't fix it!

That's the wrong rule, the correct version is:

'If it aint' broke, keep fixing it till it is'

arcturus · May 31st, 2010, 21:04

Just make sure that you use the correct fluid reccomended for that transmision
I changed mine and yes it did run more smoothly. Remember all oils break down eventually. You should also clean the filter and pan.

cumbrianmale · Jun 1st, 2010, 01:50

Still on the service schedule here, dexron IIE just flush it through. I have 200k m or 320k km on the clock change it every 40k m or 64k km.

JD79 · Jun 1st, 2010, 06:29

Excellent, I'm starting to feel more educated already

I am familiar with the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy, and perhaps it would be applicable here, but it seems to go against an irresistible urge to tinker. And the mantra doesn't particularly fit with other consumables (engine oil, brake pads, hydraulic fluid running the ailerons on the 737 I flew on last month

) That said, if I do go ahead and things go pear shaped, I'll make sure I get it tattooed somewhere visible. Forehead perhaps

As to the type of fluid... I've tracked down a scan of the AW7x service manual, which indicates Type F or G, or Dexron II D. I don't think Dexron II is still available these days. My local parts store carries Valvoline ATF Dex III, and Valvoline ATF Type F. To make matters worse, the Dex III oil has a label saying "Should not be used where type F or G fluids are specified". Arrrrgh!

cumbrianmale · Jun 1st, 2010, 12:29

Some will say dexron III is backwards compatible but I won't risk it. I use F U C H S Titan ATF 3000. F U C H S is a big supplier so you should find a stockist.

ps extra spaces to avoid swear filter.

JD79 · Jun 2nd, 2010, 14:53

Alrighty. Will order a new gasket and filter, and commence transmission transfusion as soon as I get the car back onto its wheels.

Thinking about it, it kind of makes sense that the fluid change is blamed for ruining old transmissions. Many will ignore the transmission until it starts act up. Then, to try and resurrect the flatlining box, they change the fluid. Of course, the thing eventually expires (being on the way out anyway) and the new fluid gets blamed.

Now, next question (theres always a next question). The greenbook on the AW71 specifies very low torque for the transmission filter bolts (something like 5nm. Will I need to fork out for a new low range torque wrench for this?

Cheers once again for the great advice

Profpriv · Jun 2nd, 2010, 17:31

Sometimes, I come on here and wish that I hadnt.

change transmission oil??

Cant think Id ever find the time for that!!!

Probably needs it though,I will find a garage with ramps and easier access.

Shaun

Too much knowledge is a dangerous thing.

View Poll Results: ATF change in a high mileage Auto - worth the risk?
New fluid = better function	31	86.11%
No improvement, but no new problems	5	13.89%
Fluid change caused nasty problems	0	0%
Voters: 36. You may not vote on this poll

May 31st, 2010, 10:27	#1
JD79 Member Last Online: Mar 5th, 2011 06:14 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Hervey Bay	Transmission fluid change... worth the risk? Hi all, I'm considering changing the auto transmission fluid in my 940, with an AW71 transmission. The car has 280,000 km on it, and has not had the fluid changed as far as I know. The current fluid is brownish pink, but has no burnt smell. The transmission is not giving me any grief, shifts smoothly, and doesn't seem to be slipping. But I'm in the process of getting this car as close to ideal in terms of reliability as possible, and would like to know that the transmission is full of good fresh fluid. I'm intending to use the IPD kit, consisting of a hose attached to the ATF cooler oil return, and running the old fluid out as i put the new fluid in. I have heard that volvo no longer recommends changing the ATF, and have also heard that changing the fluid in a "vehicle of a certain age" can actually cause more problems than it prevents. Has anyone on the forum changed the ATF in their AW71 or similar, and have you had any issues following? Edit> decided to add a poll in the interests of glorious democracy Last edited by JD79; May 31st, 2010 at 10:32.

May 31st, 2010, 10:34	#2
NewVolvo VOC Member Last Online: Oct 23rd, 2022 19:52 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Köln, Germany View Photos By: NewVolvo	I believe that my 780 runs the same AW71 transmission and even though I did not have to change the oil, I did it anyway. Personally I think it has made a difference after doing it, if not by feeling any mechanical change, but simply by knowing that fresh oil is now running between the cogs smoothly. Fresh oil is never a bad thing for an engine, so why would it be so for a transmission? A good example is Irv Gordon's P1800 that he has run from new and only ever changes the oil in it.... it now has over 2 million miles on the clock..... __________________ 2019 XC60 T6 R-Design 2017 S6 Avant 1996 850R 1987 780 Bertone Lots of previous Volvo's

May 31st, 2010, 14:44	#3
Oilydad Premier Member Last Online: Mar 21st, 2016 21:21 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Exeter Devon	Golden rule of engineering. If it aint broke, don't fix it! So long as the fluid is a reasonable colour and doing its job, personally, I'd leave well alone. But as always, the choice is yours. __________________ Are We Nearly There Yet! No longer a VOLVO owner, not by choice, but 'cause they don't make proper Volvos any more!

May 31st, 2010, 21:04	#5
arcturus arcturus Last Online: Yesterday 08:25 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Sagres Portugal	Just make sure that you use the correct fluid reccomended for that transmision I changed mine and yes it did run more smoothly. Remember all oils break down eventually. You should also clean the filter and pan. __________________ life's too short to drink bad wine Last edited by arcturus; May 31st, 2010 at 21:06.

Jun 1st, 2010, 01:50	#6
cumbrianmale Forum Support Team Last Online: Yesterday 21:11 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Deep in Makem territory	Still on the service schedule here, dexron IIE just flush it through. I have 200k m or 320k km on the clock change it every 40k m or 64k km. __________________ Current 04 S80 D5 SE Auto 03 S80 D5 SE Man Previous Volvos 90 240 GL B230FB Auto 96 940 CD 13 V40 D2 R-design 89 745 GLE 98 V90 3.0 24v 98 945 Celebration Auto 96 965 SE Auto 86 744 GL 81 244 DL

Jun 1st, 2010, 06:29	#7
JD79 Member Last Online: Mar 5th, 2011 06:14 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Hervey Bay	Excellent, I'm starting to feel more educated already I am familiar with the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy, and perhaps it would be applicable here, but it seems to go against an irresistible urge to tinker. And the mantra doesn't particularly fit with other consumables (engine oil, brake pads, hydraulic fluid running the ailerons on the 737 I flew on last month ) That said, if I do go ahead and things go pear shaped, I'll make sure I get it tattooed somewhere visible. Forehead perhaps As to the type of fluid... I've tracked down a scan of the AW7x service manual, which indicates Type F or G, or Dexron II D. I don't think Dexron II is still available these days. My local parts store carries Valvoline ATF Dex III, and Valvoline ATF Type F. To make matters worse, the Dex III oil has a label saying "Should not be used where type F or G fluids are specified". Arrrrgh!

Jun 1st, 2010, 12:29	#8
cumbrianmale Forum Support Team Last Online: Yesterday 21:11 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Deep in Makem territory	Some will say dexron III is backwards compatible but I won't risk it. I use F U C H S Titan ATF 3000. F U C H S is a big supplier so you should find a stockist. ps extra spaces to avoid swear filter. __________________ Current 04 S80 D5 SE Auto 03 S80 D5 SE Man Previous Volvos 90 240 GL B230FB Auto 96 940 CD 13 V40 D2 R-design 89 745 GLE 98 V90 3.0 24v 98 945 Celebration Auto 96 965 SE Auto 86 744 GL 81 244 DL Last edited by cumbrianmale; Jun 1st, 2010 at 12:32.

Jun 2nd, 2010, 14:53	#9
JD79 Member Last Online: Mar 5th, 2011 06:14 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Hervey Bay	Alrighty. Will order a new gasket and filter, and commence transmission transfusion as soon as I get the car back onto its wheels. Thinking about it, it kind of makes sense that the fluid change is blamed for ruining old transmissions. Many will ignore the transmission until it starts act up. Then, to try and resurrect the flatlining box, they change the fluid. Of course, the thing eventually expires (being on the way out anyway) and the new fluid gets blamed. Now, next question (theres always a next question). The greenbook on the AW71 specifies very low torque for the transmission filter bolts (something like 5nm. Will I need to fork out for a new low range torque wrench for this? Cheers once again for the great advice

Jun 2nd, 2010, 17:31	#10
Profpriv I've Been Banned Last Online: Jun 15th, 2015 21:48 Join Date: May 2009 Location: BURGESS HILL	Sometimes, I come on here and wish that I hadnt. change transmission oil?? Cant think Id ever find the time for that!!! Probably needs it though,I will find a garage with ramps and easier access. Shaun Too much knowledge is a dangerous thing.

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