To flush or not to flush

[PomBstard]

Car is a 2008 V70 T6 with 125,000km. I can't see any record of the trans fluid having been changed, and other internet info hints that it might not be wise to change it now as the software accommodates changes in the oil. The gears currently change fine, so this is a possible bit of preventative maintenance.

If its a yes - should I go for a flush or just change the fluid? Bit lost as I've never owned an auto before.

[morgrp]

Its an easy job to do. Just make sure the correct fluid is used - Can be done at home with minimal tools -

[morgrp]

morgrp said:

Its an easy job to do. Just make sure the correct fluid is used - Can be done at home with minimal tools -

As for the software, Its often good to get them updated periodically. As the gearbox wears with age its sometimes beneficial to up the shift pressures a small amount to prevent any slippage. Changing the oil shouldn't cause a software issue unless the oil is massively degraded or totally black.

Its a good job to do at home as filter changes are largely impossible due to parts availability so it helps to flush it through a few times to thoroughly clean it out - would be expensive at a garage.

[blueacid]

PomBstard said:

Car is a 2008 V70 T6 with 125,000km. I can't see any record of the trans fluid having been changed, and other internet info hints that it might not be wise to change it now as the software accommodates changes in the oil. The gears currently change fine, so this is a possible bit of preventative maintenance.

If its a yes - should I go for a flush or just change the fluid? Bit lost as I've never owned an auto before.

If your engine had never had an oil change, but was still running well, would you leave it as well?

I would get it changed. For the £40-50 to DIY it, it's a far cry from at least £1k for a new gearbox.

[PomBstard]

Thanks folks - I think I always knew it had to be done, just wanted to make sure I hadn't missed a reason for not doing it.

Indy specialists for Volvos aren't very common over here, but I'm going to take it to the garage that's been looking after it for the past few years - they've been going for about 45 years, so at least have a local reputation to keep.

So, just making sure I've got this right, this won't require any software reset?

Ta!

[csd19]

kapiteinlangzaam said:

blueacid said:

I would get it changed. For the £40-50 to DIY it,

Decent spec JWS3309 is a lot more than £50 in the quantities required.

Which is the wrong oil for the (I presume) 6-speed AW-TF80SC gearbox in the OP's car.

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=209...

Edited by csd19 on Thursday 25th June 17:31

[csd19]

I thought the JWS3309 was originally in the 5-speed AW55/50 boxes and the 6-speed has always been something different?

The 6-speeder I had in my V70, and it's the same box as in my Vectra now. GM spec a different fluid for the TF80SC compared to the 55/50 and from other research I was under the impression Volvo always had as well.

[PomBstard]

Well, fluid was changed on Friday as one of a couple of tasks done at the same time as the annual rego. I didn't get to see the stuff that came out but apparently it wasn't too bad considering how long it'd been in there. Mechanic I used had done a few Volvo boxes and seemed to think there was nothing amiss, also giving me a commentary on how it can be a pain getting the level right on the refill.

Anyway, as there were no evident problems before I've not noticed any difference, though I will now start to drive it a bit harder just to see what the ol' boat can do!