Just had my trans fluid changed at volvo for $500. It is a 2001 s40. Next time can I buy the fluid and get it changes at a trans place for cheaper? If so what fluid should I buy?

 

You can buy the Fluid and do it your self.

Most of the time you should just drain and refill.
Some will flush the entire system.

Drain and refill takes about 3 Quarts.
Flush takes about 12-15 Quarts.

 

I have a 2000 S40 with the 1.9 L engine and 4 speed transmission. The manual says use Dexron III/Mercon trans fluid. I can't find the drain plug. I have seen the picture on VADIS, but I don't find the drain plug on the car. I believe it is on the driver's side below the half shaft, but I don't see it on my car. Does anyone have a picture? Thanks

 

Sorry no pic but it is close to where the Trans meets the enigne. You will need a 15/16 wrench to loosen the plug.

 

Dont the early model s40 take the Expensive syn. fluid that is why the price is so much should be an hour labor for the flush. Then all the rest is parts.

 

exchanged fluid in 02,s40.could not find drain plug.I would think there would be one with a magnet.Used Valvoline maxlife.

 

$500 for a tranny fluid change? Asked at my dealer what they would charge, $150. And that was with the sales tax. Tom

 

mine cost around 300 but they said its because they have to use their special machine and flush it when they change the fluid.

 

Yeh - my dealer just quoted me a couple hundred bucks, originally qtd the 169 price but then said wait, needs the synth. fluid. raised the quote to 229.

A couple months ago I went to visit purrfect auto on a coupon... he said they would have to charge extra (10.00 qrt), but didn't want to do it incase they messed up... and yet they advertized volvo and saab would do.

what's a girly girl to do? buy the fluid and take it to Kragen, or ROP auto repair students?!?! eek.


toodles, smc

 

Fellow Volvo Fans,
I would like to thank all of you who put your experience on line for all to learn from! You knowledge is empowering to those of us who want to learn to do work on our cars and not be held hostage by some dealer prices!

I purchased a 2001 s40 and have done a ton of work by myself to get it up to date.
For those of you who want to change transmission fluid, I researched everything here (and s40concepts) and then geared up to do it. I decided that a power flush was in order dueto the fact that who knows when it had been done. I priced the dealer at a sale price of $365 (power flush...LOL) and buying their "Volvo ATF" at $20 a quart! Then I went to Avlube bought 12 quarts for $55, and took it to a Kwiklube place that I trust nearby. I watched them suck out the disgusting black liquid and re-inject 1/3rd of the Mobil 3309 ATF, then turn the car on, suck out 2nd 1/3, then run the gears and do the last part. It cost me $72 there.
Afterwards the car runs so much smoother! You can barely tell when it changes gears! I am very happy about having done it, and am sure I will be happy for a long time with it! Next time I will probably do a drain and fill and save even more!
Like NIKE says...just do it!!

Thanks for your expertise!

Kevin
Dallas, TX