Greetings,
I just joined because my son bought his first Volvo. We are wondering how difficult it is to change the transmission fluid and filter.

Oh yes. I live in Dundee, Oregon and am just finishing the restoration of my dad's 1965 VW bug. This summer I will begin the restoration of my 69 Chevy Nova.

 

Here's my take on it. Changing the fluid vs flushing are two different things and in this day and age, changing means nothing! So, in order to flush the fluid you are going to need at least nine quarts of the CORRECT fluid (There is a huge difference between Volvo fluid and what is on the market) and then you need to dispose of the fluid. Volvo dealers charge in the vicinity of $135.00 to flush and dispose of the fluid and that is the way I go! It is a messy job to do it yourself! To change your filter on the engine, you will probably need a special wrench that is not available on the general market. Ebay vendors do sell it. I would suggest that you use genuine Volvo filters which are available at the dealership for a nominal charge. The brake fluid should be changed and it is DOT 4. May I suggest that you obtain some Ate Super Blue fluid. You will then be able to visually determine when the old fluid has been removed from the resovoir and lines. The next annual brake change you can use "normal" Ate which is yellow in colour. By rotating each year you can asertain when the old fluid is flushed.
Reg.