I just purchased an 01 2.4t with an automatic transmission (non-geartronic) andI checked the ATF fluid (yellow top dipstick), which I noticed was black. It does not seem to have any transmission issues but I figured since the fluid was black then it need to be changed. From previous posts (search function) it seems you needed 15 quarts of fluid to flush it properly. My question is, should I let the dealer complete this or is this an easy job to do at home? The fluid did not smell bad but it was BLACK....so I am sure it needs to be replaced asap. How much will it cost if I do it myself as compared to the dealer?

Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

I just called an independent Volvo Mechanic and was told absolutely do NOT flush the transmission fluid. He said that Volvo had an additive in the ATF fluid and that it was no big deal that the fluid was black. He said most individuals start having problems with their transmissions after a fluid flush or add/drain. It sounded good to me (although hard for "me" to believe coming from my experience with american transmissions in the past) especially since he wasn't making any money off of me for not taking my car to him.....The dealer quoted me $369.99 for a ATF flush....
Any ideas?
Thanks!

 

You don't have to go all out and do a flush every time. I recently did a drain and refill. I bought a 4L container from the dealer and thats about the same amount that drains out when you let it drain out. It has made a difference in my car, the shifting is smoother and so far I have not had the occassional shift flare I used to get. The new fluid was more traditional looking in terms of its colour than the burnt smelling darker fluid that came out. So, additive or no additive, my old fluid had broken down.

It wasnt cheap of course, 4L cost me 90$CDN. The drain cost another $20. If you do decide to do this, I'd recommend getting a new gasket for the drain plug.

 

I am a little undecided on what to do at this point. I haven't owned the car long enough to get a feel for any issues. I have ALWAYS replaced ATF and manual transmission fluids on a regular basis but these vehicles were Cheverolet/Ford/Dodge trucks. I am new to Volvo transmissions......

Thanks for the heads up on the gasket as well....

 

I just did a trans flush on my 04 S60R with AWD and it was $150....your dealer is overpriced.

 

Not necessarily overpriced, there are different types of tranny fluids. The synthetic (or so-called synthetic, without opening that can of worms again) is more expensive than the nonsynth.

 

I swear by a fluid change every other year along with 'antifreeze' change. Every single year I change the brake fluid. Because the trans flush uses quite a few quarts of fluid I let the dealer change it. The cost is in the $150.00 range which works out to a whopping $6.25 per month..........well worth it!

REG

 

Is therea special reason my dealer wants $369 for a flush? That seems a little high to me. I spoke with another independent shop and the cost was $200 to flush it with "BG" synthetic fluid.

Thanks!

 

https://volvoforums.com/m_35817/tm.htm
Read through this post

 

Thanks tech!

Also, I looked at the fluid a little closer last night and it actually appears the fluid is BROWN and not black. My mistake....(basement is not lighted very well). I still plan on doing a flush at home this summer. Thanks for the help.

 

Here is a cheap place to buy the correct transmission fluid;

http://store.avlube.com/mobilatf3309.html

 

http://www.mazda6tech.com/tsb/aisinwarner.pdf
So much misinformation regarding this subject. Above are all the part numbers to get such a fluid at.

The fluid is Mobil 3309 to a JWS 3309 oil spec. ALL AW trans with 5 speeds need this fluid. Volvo doesn't approve anything else.

You can get it at the Dealer with the rip off price of $20 per quart or call a local mobil distributor (like I did Monday of this week) and get a 12 quart case of Mobil 3309 for $49.72. The reason a dealer will charge $350 or more for a flush is that they are using 12 X $20 or $240 worth of their rip off fluid.

The fluid is NOT synthetic and I can prove it. And have on two other forums. In Volvo's own words they call it "mineral fluid". It's the manual trans fluid is what Volvo calls "synthetic". Read their chemical parts catalog at the Dealer and see for yourself.

If anyone is using NON JWS 3309 then is only anectdotal and has no engineering or testing protocol. In other words it's the seat of their pants since they are not trans engineers nor do they work for Volvo Engineering. (again read the above link for evidence).

How could someone determine that another trans fluid is "better" that the JWS 3309? Just get it direct from Mobil and do a flush for fifty bucks and be done with it.

 

Stop that silly talk. You know not what you speak...

Information copied direct from Volvo Chemical Parts catalog. Their own wording. Show this to anyone who says it's "synthetic' and ask them why they say that if Volvo calls it "mineral base" itself.
the manual trans fluid is synthetic and lists the base oil as synthetic
the automatic trans fluid is not synthetic (as I have said all along) and lists the base oil as mineral.

Proof below, and people stop butchering this subject up. I only deal in facts I can back up.
NEW DEALER STOCK, VOLVO TRANSMISSION FLUID - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. A MINERAL OIL SUITABLE FOR AW55-50SN AND AW50-42LE. THE OIL PROVIDES AN EASY GEAR CHANGE AT LOW TEMPERATURES AND OPTIMUM PROTECTION AT HIGH TEMPERATURES.
IMPORTANT: THE OIL IS NOT TESTED OR SPECIFIED UNDER STANDARDS OTHER THAN THOSE INDICATED IN THIS LISTING. IN ORDER TO SPECIFY THE CORRECT OIL FOR THE CAR, ALWAYS CHECK THE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR THE CAR
TECHNICAL DATA:
DENSITY: 870 Kg/ cu M
BASE: MINERAL OIL
LOWEST FLOW POINT: -65.2F
FLASH POINT: 388F
VISCOSITY @ 104F: 40 sq mm/sec
VISCOSITY @ 212F: 7.5 sq mm/sec
VOLVO PART NUMBER 1161640.

This is the Manual trans fluid data sheet
NEW DEALER STOCK, VOLVO TRANSMISSION FLUID - SYNTHETIC. A MULTIGRADE SYNTHETIC OIL INTENDED FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS IN PASSENGER CARS. THE OIL HAS VERY GOOD LOW TEMPERATURE PROPERTIES AND ENABLES SMOOTH GEAR CHANGES DOWN TO -40F.THE LOW FRICTION CONTRIBUTES TO LOW FUEL CONSUMPTION. RECOMMENDED FOR ENGINES SUCH AS M56, M58, M90 AND M5M52. THE FLUID HAS BEEN SPECIALLY DEVELOPED FOR THESE TRANSMISSIONS AND HAS NO EQUAL ON THE MARKET. IT OFFERS VERY GOOD GEAR CHANGING AND LOW TEMPERATURE PERFORMANCE.
IMPORTANT: THE OIL IS NOT TESTED OR SPECIFIED UNDER STANDARDS OTHER THAN THOSE INDICATED IN THIS LISTING. IN ORDER TO SPECIFY THE CORRECT OIL FOR THE CAR, ALWAYS CHECK THE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR THE CAR
TECHNICAL DATA:
QUALITY: API GL-4, VOLVO STD. 97308, 10; SAE 5W - 30, (SAE 75W)
DENSITY: 890 Kg/ cu M
BASE: SYNTHETIC
LOWEST FLOW POINT: -54.4F
FLASH POINT: 453F
VISCOSITY @ 104F: NE
VISCOSITY @ 212F: 10.5 sq mm/sec
VOLVO PART NUMBER 1161645.

GAME... SET... MATCH

 

.....amd the worms have escaped regardless

 

hey uncle eat some vegamite, don't choke,and try to contribute something sometime.