Hello there, first time using this, but seems helpful since many people are into their volvo vehicles...
well here it goes,
I own a 2001 S40, and it has been great so far... 129000 miles on it now...
here is my question, the tranny oil has never been changed[8D], and the local dealership told me that they would be scared to change the oil since it may start to slip[:@]!!! well, it slips from 2nd to 3rd every now and then but rarely... what are your suggestions if any... shall i take a chance and change the oil or should i wait until the tranny goes out??? and get a replacement one from the junk yard???
thanks alot...

 

Welcome to the forum KeithS40

Bring it to a reputable Volvo dealer. They should be able to rectify the transmission fluid situation without any problems.

 

This post has been moved from Off Topic. Notified the original poster.


JPN

 

yes, i have spoken to a dealership, and i was told that flushing the fluid could actually create more problems... the advisor told me that in the past, some vehicles have had problems due to flushing out the transmission... now, i am confused, shall i do it or not??? has anyone had it done before??? how long do the transmissions on these cars last?
thanks guys...

 

How long they last varries.
It might help and it might make it worse.

I think your car has the 4 speed tranny almost line my 850 does which uses just dextron fluid.

This weekend I bought a Bottle of lucas transmission stop slip. I put it in yesterday and it seems to be working alot better. Tranny feels smoother and my problem is getting less and less.

If you are pretty much looking at a tranny either way trying a $10.00 thing won't make that much of a difference.

 

I had the same issue as you, a slight slip/flare from3-4, flush the tranny it worked fantastic for me, my tranny shop also added lubeguard? (i think thats what its called) additive, i now have no flare or harsh shifting.
don't be affraid just flush it...

good luck
v70 2.4t

 

haha, i might as well flush it... you guys are right!!! well, why not take the chance right?!?! either way, i might just save the tranny after all... guys, i thank you all for your time and information you have provided me with...
regards
keith...

 

okay, with a car with that high of mileage you're going to have to take a risk...most mechanics will tell you that its a hit or miss at that point, you can have the tranny fluid flushed and it can run great for the rest of its life, or you can have it flushed and next thing you know you went from bad to worse...thats a decision you'll have to make....most s40ers will tell ya though that if you have been maintaining the fluid since you've had or as early back as possible its okay to keep flushing it and the longevity of the trans will increase, but to go from no oil changes to a flush with that many miles, it may put the trans into shock and just screw everything up....unfortunately with the s40's their trans are definately a weak spot...

 

There are some things you can do in addition to the flush. Put a bottle of LubeGard ( http://www.lubegard.com/automotive/trans_atf.html ) in with the fresh fluid. I use it with all of my cars since I learned of it in 2000. I used it on a (GM) 700-R4 trans I rebuilt in 2000 and the trans is still going strong.

And add a Magnefine inline trans filter. http://www.magnefine.com/ I know IPD sells them but not sure where else to find them.

(p.s. I'm not a dealer for any of these folks, just a customer)