Bought this s60 '05 for my kids 2nd hand. Now at 150k miles, had an oil change, etc. at the dealer and they are recommending a transmission fluid change because the fluid color was "a little dark". They want $289, tempted to do it myself but it seems I have as much chance screwing up the transmission if I do it wrong and I don't want to swallow that bill.

I read the service manual and it call transmission fluid a non-service item (I guess if you don't tow), but I find that hard to believe. I'd like to get 50k or more miles out of this car so I will do it if needed.

Any advice?

 

I'm in a similar situation.....just bought a 05 v70 with 149k. (excellent automobile)
I see where timing belt was changed about 2 years ago at 118k, but nothing on transmission.

My question is like yours : ........
Is 150k time to service transmission? .....or should you run on with it??
Is $290 what it should cost???

 

It definitely needs to be done. Should be every 30K, but better late than never. Of course Volvo will say there is no set interval, but their warranty expired eons ago and they won't have to pay for a new one.

This is easier to do than an oil change. Simply remove the drain plug then refill through the dipstick tube. Go to Walmart and get Valvoline MaxLife full synthetic trans fluid in the red container and a long funnel. By the quart the fluid is ~$5 and the 4 qt container is ~$17. You will need ~3.5 qts so for less than $25 you get the job done. If either car were mine I would repeat the drain and fill every oil change until you do four drain/fills which would effectively replace about 90% of the fluid.

 

Drain and refill,? Dealer is stealing.
For a complete flush it's reasonable.


The tranny is 17 quarts (if I remember after my Alzheimer's) and a flush is good for 50-60K.


If they actually check the fluid they are a good group.

 

I may be wrong???......but I don't think there is even a dipstick to check the transmission level on my 05 v70 2.4 s. I have looked for it- nothing there.
In the book that was in the glove box.....it shows "NO" maintenance schedule for the transmission. The schedule ends at 150k. It just says - see dealer over 150k.


Edit: The transmission is listed in the maintenance schedule chart.....but there are no checks to indicate when maintenance is required.

Edit 2: Correction!....there is a transmission dipstick on my car. Front, right side, down low.

 

Considering the Volvo fluid is about $23 per quart, that isn't a bad price even if it is a drain and fill. I prefer to flush them. I do mine every 50k or so