Transmission & Differential Fluids: To Change or NOT To Change
 

Hello, Gents.

I have a 1990 Volvo 240DL wagon in excellent running condition and I just left the service area of a Volvo dealership at which the desk representative told me flat out I should not change the Trans or Differential fluids in my 240--and nor would they.

Does this sound legit to anyone and/or are they just afraid to work on an older volvo--in hopes that my old 240 fails and I would *have* to buy a new volvo?

My car has close to 140K after nearly 3 decades.

Sincerely,
Russell

YMMV but... I always change the transmission fluid on a new to me Volvo redblock. I use 2-3 five quart jugs of Castrol multi import vehicle fluid. I attach a clear vinyl hose, about four feet in length, to the upper transmission line on the radiator. With the engine running in park I fill the tranny while it's being pumped out. I can pour and fill as quickly as the fluid is pumped out. Volvo has a TSB that says cleaning the tranny screen is not needed...so I dont bother with it.

I've done this on a...
'89 740 with 200k?
'91 740 with 221k
'92 240 with 210k
'92 940 with 287k (currently at 360k)
with no ill effects on the tranny.

I'll also turkey baster the fluid from the power steering resivour and refill with the tranny fluid.

I've only done the diff fluid on one of my Volvos. I wouldn't say you shouldn't do it. If you do...make sure you can remove the fill plug BEFORE you drain the fluid.

I do my 89 740 trans. every 50K miles when I do a belt change. Never done the diff. Only has 375K on the car.

50k miles for AW71 is just right. Rear end, I'd check it but barring leaks... Shops, etc. are incorrect when it comes to many cars related issues, self interest, ignorance, whatever--ignore them!