I have a 1984 242, and to be honest, can't recall the last time I had the transmission touched. I actually hadn't checked the transmission fluid in years, it was running a bit rough, and last night realized the ATF barely touched the bottom of the dipstick. Today I put 1.5 Quarts in, and it may need a bit more.

1. Is a transmission FLUSH a good idea? It probably has 300K miles on it (2nd owner), and I don't recall ever doing it. I'd prefer keeping the tyranny happy over a 3K replacement!

2. What side of the dipstick to use? The black dipstick end has a SHORT mid-max on one side; and a wider mid-max on the other - maybe separated by 1" to 1.5". WHICH SIDE DO I USE IN A MODERATE CLIMATE - 60 to 70 degrees??? (West Coast)

3. Will any high-end synthetic oil / ATF Dextron II / IV / VI work?

Thank you all in advance.

 

Assume you got AW70, which the 84 244 I dealed with has, Dextron II compabitable is fine. Do check the user manual and side tag of the trans, some may be ZF.

Regarding check your fliud, volvo has a very specific procedure, which you can find on line, I remeber get the car fully hot, cycle each gear for 3 sec each and wait 2 mins then check with car running (please double check online). in that case, you simply use the hot reading, its more accurate.

I would never flush an old trans like this, depending on the color, you can do a change, simply drain from the pan, it has a drain plug, so its easy. Then fill whatever amount came out. Do this every 50k miles or so, and see how it goes. you can also take off the pan and clean it, thats even better.

If the trans starts to slip after change, either put the old fluid back in or, I put a bottle of lucas in mine, get the correct type. For an old and simple auto trans like this, lucas will actually work. BUT, if your fluid is already very dirty, don't put any additive in it, it might gunk up and you will be into the trans shop with a big bill.

Cheers!