Hey guys, my 95 850 turbo has been having some transmission problems like not shifting till its warmed up and slipping/jerking when hitting harder acceleration. Everyone ive talked too said get a tranny flush asap. So i go to jiffy lube and they told me that if the tranny hasnt been flushed in a while then, it would probably make it worse and recommended me not to get it done. Also, they said that they couldnt do a full flush on the car, they could only take old fluid out and put new in. Have any of you guys done tranny flushes or any experience with this senerio? please help
thanks brent

 

Search this forum or google you can diy

 

To be honest it's a crap shoot. Doing a tranny flush at this point may:

1. Fix the shifting problem
2. Not do anything
3. Coerce the tranny into total failure

Do a search in this forum for "tranny flush" and you will find lots of experiences and opinions.

My experience: years ago I owned a GM product with 100K mls on it; auto tranny worked fine. I did a tranny flush as part of routine maintenance and the tranny failed (had to be towed 40 mls) within two weeks and had to be rebuilt.

If you do decide to do the tranny flush, do a real flush, not just change the fluid in the sump pan. Here's a thread covering this if you decide to DIY.

Good Luck!

 

Where's the thread?

 

>So i go to jiffy lube

When you service a Volvo, steer clear of any of the franchise shops. They are generally for starting-out mechanics and would not have the correct service documentations (factory manual). I would not even let them change my oil.

Try to find an independent shop that specialises in Swedish/Euro makes, or go to the dealer (be ready for their scums; they'll try to sell you a new tranny).

The reason why sometimes tranny flush is not recommended is this:

If a tranny had never been flushed, the original fluid has formed gunks inside the tranny and introducing fresh ATF may melt/dislodge such gunks, which in turn clogs tiny hydraulic passages thus rendering the tranny inoperative. I flush mine at every 30,000 miles/3 years.

In your case, however, the tranny seems to be facing its end, so I would go ahead and do a complete flush. Ask FCP Groton/IPD to see if they carry tranny flushing kit; that's what I would use. Before flushing, however, tell us the fluid level as well as the colour & odor of the fluid. Good ATF should be clear red and must not have burnt smell, and the fluid level should be correct; the ATF level must be checked with the tranny at normal operating temp with the engine running. If nothing else works, try dumping a bottle of Lucas transmission additive or fill the tranny with synthetic ATF. These are a shot in the dark but cheap alternatives.

Wait for others' opinions as well.


JPN

 

Do it, I have a 1994 Volvo 850 with 193K on it. When I got the car, the trans fluid was terrible. I flushed it and the car shifts a lot better. If it ends up going out on you, it was more then likely going to go anyway.

 

ok thanks alot for all your help guys....and the tansmission fluid is about 3/4 of an inch higher than the highest hot level for the fluid....the fluid is dark brown on the dip stick and doesnt smell burnt.

 

I wouldn't do a full flush first, rather do a couple of drain n' fill and see how it goes.
Here is the write up for the full flush:
http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/cha...pic.php?t=8767
BTW, the ATF level should read while the engine is running and after had been shifted though all the gears (i.e. P-R-N-D-3-2-1).

 

i just read it while car was running and it still was a 1/2 inch above hot level and did smell a little burnt

 

Do the drain and fill or the flush. It also does not help that the level is 1/2 to high.

 

+1. My AW50-42LE used to throw "Incorrect Gear Ratio" code due to low ATF level, as little as a 1/2 quart.

If the fluid smells burnt, I would flush it.


JPN

 

You need drain out the excess ASAP.

Well, the reason I suggested to do drain and fill FIRST is that you dont know how bad your tranny is at this point, so why take the risk imposing stress upon it.

 

+1.


Jpn

 

Like others have already pointed out...it's a crapshoot.
Mine is having troubles as well. I talked to the local Volvo dealer, and even they told me not to mess with it. Just pray that it keeps working.

Problem with mine is - everything is perfect when cold. Once it warms up, it starts to shift hard, and mis-shift when coming to a stop. Instead of going in 1st, it goes in 2nd. Then when the light goes green and I step on the throttle, it suddenly shifts back to 1st.
It's annoying.

So knowing about the risks, I did a partial drain. I drained(actually sucked from the top) 3qts. and put in 3qts. of Valvoline Dex VI Synth. At first I thought I had improved it...but after 50 miles I realized it was just the same.

It's risky.

 

Sounds like your tranny is to far gone. Sorry bud.

 

Well, it's not perfect, but it's still running. It has been like that ever since I bought the car 6 months ago. Hasn't gotten worse or anything. So, fingers crossed and it might last me until I save up for a Turbo car.

 

In your case you might want to switch to Mobil type 3309 ATF (compatible with Volvo 3309 ATF, some people think that is the same as Toyota type IV ATF). Some reported it greatly improved slippery.

BTW, not to drain from the drain plug, the bad sh#@% remains in the bottom of the pan and recycles back. Plus, one full drain n' fill is about 1/4 - 1/3 of the total fluid, 3 qts is only about 1/4 of total. No wonder after 50 miles you went back to the way as before.

You are better off do a full passive flush as the link I give at my 1st post here.