Hi folks,
Please help. I'd like to know what is entailed in a trans oil change. I've seen posts that say don't flush, but I'd like to know if there are screens, filters, gaskets, or any other items needed to do this job. I've browsed a couple parts sites and haven't found any service "kits" or the like for an 850. (94 850 wag 180k) Don't have much in the line of service records. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Jim

 

http://www.ipdusa.com/ProductsCat.as...549&RootID=629

 

RP850,
Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure that's what I'm looking for. I thought I remembered reading advise against flushing these trannys. I think what I'm looking for is a filter and or screen kit or similar, or whatever it may take to do this task. Am I wrong on the flush being a detriment? I just want keep a nice car a good car. I'm hoping for several thousand miles of service from both my Volvos.
........... Thanks,
Jim

 

There is no filter to change. There is a drain plug to drain it then refill with about 3Qrts.

Some say Flush it and others say don't.

I am kind of on the flush side.

 

I have had Volvo's since 1985 and never once changed the trans fluid, and I have never had trans trouble either. I know the R has had it changed, not flushed, every 20K. I don't know if I will continue that or not. I heard once that once you start changing keep changing, but some say if you never change it that's fine too. I changed in on my Suburban regularly because I used it for towing.

 

I also believe that a working fluid subjected to heat and wear & tear is one that needs to be replaced at the proper interval. I did the flush on the 850. I got capacity info from this site, but as I recall I had about 15 quarts of fluid at hand. With the fluid already at operating temp, I unhooked the upper and lower connections of the transmission cooler. Then started the engine - I just diverted the flow from the upper connection to a large tub with the help of some vinyl tubing and let the lower connection draw from a the clean 15 qt. reservoir of fluid, also using some vinly tubing. it was actually pretty easy and took about 30-45 minutes. Once the clean reservoir of fluid was sucked up, i just turned off the engine and hooked the tubes back up to the tranny cooler. I may have topped off a little, but I don't recall.
It worked well. I would say that I ended up with about 85-90% new fluid doing it this way. Letting the tranny pump out all the old first is a no-no from what info I've gathered - just not a good practice.
Hope this helps.

 

Thank you all. I also believe working fluids need changing. I think I will go ahead with a flush. It doesn't seem like too much of a nightmare. Well worth 15 qts. of atf.
...........Thanks again,
Jim

 

I've never heard anything negative about a flush, but a power flush yes.

I've always thought that a flush used the tranny pump itself to flush the fluid out while a power flush used an external pump to forcibly flush out the transmission. Just a theory...

 

Could be what I had read, (can't remember where) was refering to power flush. Merely exchanging fluid doesn't seem like it could be at all harmful. Thank you gentlemen for your input. I've said it before and I'm gonna say it again. "I LOVE THIS SITE!!!!!!!!"
Many thanks,
Jim
"Poorman"

 

I'm kind of on the fence about it too. What do you think about doing a few drain and refills from the drain plug. I was thinking that might be a good compromise...fresh fluid but not a flush that might disturb all the sediment, etc. If I did the drain and refill, I guess it'd take about 3 or four times to get it red?

 

To RP850,
I'm not sure if I'd do it that way, I think it would take a whole bunch more fluid, because you're merely diluting contaminated fluid each time. The trans holds 8 qts, so I'm thinkin' 15 or 20 and you still have contaminates.
Fluid exchange may be a little more involved, but way more practical. I'm sure if I'm incorrect someone who knows waaaaaaaaaaaay more than I do will jump in and correct me.
- Opinions anyone?
. Jim

 

I'm sure that whever the trans is in gear the sediment gets disturbed.

 

Thanks. You're probably right. I should just take the plunge and do it. I just like the 'little by little' idea. Maybe if I do it gradually, the transmission won't realize what I'm doing so it won't blow up on me...

 

that's a good point. Never thought of it that way...

 

So the transmission owns about 8 quarts, but folks are using 15-20 quarts to do a "complete" swap? sounds expensive when doing a sythetic change over.... Theres got to be a better way?

BUT, if you do it the "little by little" way ( 3 quarts at a time.... ) then your mixing sythetic with mineral.... is this ok? and if it is, then what, just keep swapping with sythetic every so often till its all sythetic?

sorry, dont mean to be redundant, just want some 100% clarity... THANKS!

 

Don't we all? Life would be so much easier...

 

Yes it can be a little expensive using synthetic- but how much is a transmission worth? I recently bought a used 1996 850T with 94K. I didn't know the history and the fluid wasn't cherry red. The Volvo is the easiest transfluid change you'll ever do. I used right at 14 quarts to get mine clear as the new stuff.

Get you some 1/2 inch tubing like they say, and a zip tie to refasten the hose clamp- so you don't have to worry about it.

Drain the pan from the drain plug- I think it was like a 24mm, and you'll need either a very short socket or a box end wrench- 6 point is preferred.

Measure what you drained, fill it up, and follow the procedure that has been outlined ad nauseam on this website.

The autozones in my are have a bonus card, and after 5 $20 purchases you get a $20 credit. Just get a few quarts every time you drive by, and soon you'll have plenty of fluid, and you can buy your last few quarts with the bonus- it helps a little.

Also, if you do change out with synthetic, you'll proabblly never change it again until well over 100K on the fluid, because you'll know it was done right with high quality fluid.

Hope it helps.

JD