just had the car in for an oil change. it has 115k miles on it. they recommended a transmission fluid change also.

questions:

1. is this a DIY thing, or something the pros should do? the fluid has never been changed or flushed, so i don't know which is better. or should it not be done at all?

2. also, seems there's a "small" leak in the system somewhere....is it worth trying one of these "stop leak" products?

3. where do you add transmission oil to the system???? a pic would be helpful

i just found the trans dip stick under the radiator hoses where it's almost impossible to get to! nice job, volvo!


thanks very much for any help!

 

It is very much worth it to have the system flushed. I do my cars every 50K miles. I would not put stop leak in there though. I tried this for a leak once and it did not help at all, just gummed things up.

As for adding trans fluid, not sure where the dipstick is. I know on the 5-cylinder models you add it through the dipstick whole.

 

yeah, so i'm not sure if i should have it flushed or changed. i've heard that since neither has ever been done, doing anything would just stir up a bunch of crap and possibly cause problems...

also, i just read in the owner's manual that the trans fluid should never be changed in this model...unless it's used as a commercial vehicle, like a taxi (which it's not).

 

My dad and I spent about 3 hours looking for the tranmission dip stick and couldn't see it anywhere, so good luck on that. I would take it to a Volvo dealer and have a mechanic show you.

As for flushing the fluids, it is always a great thing. I did all the systems myself except for a FULL brake flush and power steering...mainly because I don't trust myself in bleeding the brake pads...and I didn't have the special "green" power steering fluid that Volvo's require.

I would only recommend doing the Coolant DIY, as it is the easiest. The other systems you can semi do yourself with a turkey baster and mini-pump that you can get at Auto Zone. There are some good videos on YouTube that show you the turkey baster method.

 

FYI:
I just spoke with the mechanics at the local Volvo dealership. They actually told me that the Power Steering fluid never needs to be changed unless it becomes contaminated. They said it is different from other cars, and just never needs replacement.

They did say the other systems: brakes, transmission, coolant, and oil need flushing every 30-50K miles to ensure the systems last a LOOOONG time. Not many people do it, but they said they have seem some Volvo's last easily past 150K miles when people regularly change the fluids.

 

i'm just not sure...the owner's manual specifically says the transmission fluid never needs to be changed. direct quote.

also, since i've never had it done i'm afraid i'd stir up a bunch of gunk and cause more problems...

better to leave it alone?

 

???150!?
all the high mileage volvos ive seen are 250-350k miles!
i saw one old wagon beat 600k! still running however barley

 

if u read it carefully on the menu it said depending on the driving condition. & in a ideal driving condition, it should never need to be change. but if it is my car, I'll change it every 96000km. no need to flush, just like u said. but a fluid drain & fill would be recommend. also on vida there should b a reset counter of trans. fluid change. volvo recommend reset the counter after the fluid is changed.

 

Damn, 300K miles? I never knew they were that good! I just got my first Volvo about 2 months ago...but damn.

As for not changing the fluids, why is that? Is the system that closed that it would NEVER be needed?

 

The fill dipstick for the trans fluid is yellow, and located just behind the radiator support, off to the drivers side.
I never flush..as it could cause problems... I just change it out every 50K (cheap insurance)
I change out ALL fluids every two years, regardless of what the dealership says.
Certain fluids are designed to absorb water (like brake fluid)