The trans fluid in my 1994 850T (U.S. spec) is a bit dark, looks original to me, and I wanted to change it.. What I've done in the past with my other volvos (rear drive) is to just drain the fluid, replace what I've drained with fresh, then drive it a few miles to cycle the fluild.... then repeat for about 4 or 5 times so in the end, the fluid is pretty clean (without dropping the pan or messing with the filter or trans lines). After crawling under my 1994 850T, I didn't see any drain plug or pan/filter access point. The on-line service manual I consulted (mathews volvo site with a 1995 850 factory manual) apprears NOT to recommend any trans fluid change/service up through or beyond 100K miles (this car probably has 140K on it). Is there any way to easily drain and replace the fluid? I guess I can get something to vacuum it out the filler tube but there's got to be a better way. The trans lines going into the radiator look to have some sort of funky hydraulic twist/snap connector assembly (vs. threads)... As mine looks a bit rusty I'm hesitant to mess with them unless necessary. Any ideas? Thanks!

J.C.

 

Your method sounds fine and is exactly what I have done in the past. There should be a drain plug on the transmission. If I remember correctly it is on the left (drivers side of the transmission case) Do a search and you should be able to find detailed instructions

 

I did the same thing on my 850. The plug is right behind the fuel lines (I think that is what they are). I used a 6 point 15/16" socket with a 3" extension on my ratchet but others have used a box wrench, that is preferable if you have one that big (I didn't).

I bought 1 gallon of fluid, that's about what it drops when you pull the plug. I did it twice so far, once at 143k or so (original fluid I believe) and again around 400 miles later, and I'm around 3,000 miles into that second change. My car used to drop into neutral when coming to a stop and slip as I hit the gas from there. This is completely gone but now has developed a hard shift from 2-3 when I don't step on the pedal. Weird. I think it did more good than harm though. I'll take a hard shift over slipping any day.

edited: changed "12 point" to "6 point"

 

Well, those will work, but you want to replace all the fluid.
Try this - http://volvospeed.com/Repair/Transflush.php

It will work fine, and you will get most of the old fluid out.

 

Yes he said he didn't want to mess with the lines. Also I would add that sometimes a complete flush on old fluid will do more harm than good. For those of us with old fluid but tranny issues or who simply want new fluid in there a slow-but-sure method of transitioning from old fluid to new fluid is probably safer IMO. Of course this isn't backed with any scientific evidence or anything but I have read numerous reports on the newsgroups about people getting trannies flushed and then failing soon thereafter.

 

Will do a more thorough search on the next warm day.. will follow the fuel lines... knew there had to be a drain someplace but didn't see it when I was working on the catalyst. Thanks!

 

If you look straight at the oil pan and drain plug for the engine. Then look directly left on the transmission by where it meets the motor just on the other side of the power steering lines the drain plug is there.

I use a boxed end 15/16 wrench to remove the drain plug.