HV 104k BUT TRANNY SEEMS TO SHIFT A LITTLE STRONG. ANY SUGGESTIONS
FOR FLUID ADDITIVE OR ???? SOME MECHS SAY THESE TRANNY'S ARE A LITTLE WEAK?
SHOULD I BE CONCERNED? EXPECTED LIFE??? THANKS.

I agree with the others hear--flush the tranny. Just use plain old Dexron III if you're on a budget. Mobil 1 if you're rich.

ALSO, other things may cause hard shifting, or at least the feel of hard shifting. Inspect your upper engine mounts in particular. Both of them (the one above the spark plug cover AND the one mounted to the firewall) tend to break down. When the rubber is shot, the whole operation "slams" during shifts. Make sure you carefully examine both mounts--sometimes it is easy to miss the warning signs.

I would avoid additives and do a trans flush. I have used Mobil 1 trans fluid in the past with good results. Be sure to check the manual for the right type (there are several). Get the flush kit from IPD or make up your own - i used leftover washing machine drain hoses and std hose clamps, with a 5-gal bucket.

i think volvospeed has the directions, it's pretty easy, but be sure to have at least a case of fluid 12qt available, esp if its your only transport.

Stay away from that junk.

I would drop the pan, clean the pan, replace the filter, refill, then do the hose method flush. Check your manual carefully regarding required replacement fluid. I'm not sure which fluid the '97 automatic specified, but I suspect that it is one of the specialized Toyota/Aisin-Warner types and not generic Dexron.

John

There is no tranny filter inside the transmission and no need to drop the pan too. Volvo is not like Toyota or Lexus which has filter inside the pan. Flush with hose is the way to replace all the old tranny fluid.

Ching-Ho Cheng
--
1995 855 NA, Bilstein Strut & Shocks, Volvo Protective Grill, K&N Filter, E-Code Lens, ClearCorner Light, Alpine CD-Changer, AutoDim RearView Mirror, 6000K HID

what pan and what filter? and wrong on the fluid. Best to know what you are talking about before posting advice.

it has been well established that flushing is the best approach and dex/merc is the correct fluid (or better yet, Mobil1 ATF).

My 95 854T is 210k miles and starting to slip, ordered Auto-RX and got it today and add it to transmission. After 1500 mile of driving I will flush the tranny with Mobil1.

additives (and i speak from experience) either do 1) nothing or 2) really screw up your car. if you drive without abusing your "tranny" it should last at least 160,000 miles (mine has). my secret? one tranny flush at 140,000 miles and no racing.

I believe HO meant to say change the tranny fluid every 30K miles. Easy to flush. Same tranny for T5 or plain 5 cyl.

Klaus
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1975 164E running? 1995 854T sweet 1998 V70 R work horse

I want to cut my upper line (hose portion) about 2-3 inches after its connection. You see the clamp/fitting is so rusty that I dread removing it, for fear of braking and or cracking the radiator connection! I just figured that I could run a go between line (steel) and then just clamp it all down upon the conclusion of the flush. What size might fit inside the rubber portion of the upper line? I have been flushing trannies for years like this, with the exception to cutting a rubber line. My other volvos (740's)have benefited greatly by these flushes (more simplier line/steel connection). What say you?

1995 850 GLT S.W. A.T. 157,000 miles
Best Regards!

Cutting the line is not a problem, that is what one does to insert a filter. The inside diameter is 3/8in. A copper connector should work from HomeDepot. If you get a Magnafine filter, get a 90 degree connector so the hose will not kink.

Klaus
--
1975 164E running? 1995 854T sweet 1998 V70 R work horse

If you put on a filter, about 3" otherwise, where ever it is comfortable.

Klaus
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1975 164E running? 1995 854T sweet 1998 V70 R work horse

Thanks Klaus! How many inches should I cut beyond the actual connection to the radiator, and or should I just cut after the angle?

Mine is already passed 160k miles and no tranny additive from day 1. Just flush the tranny fluid every 3k miles with Mobile 1 ATF.

Ching-Ho Cheng
--
1995 855 NA, Bilstein Strut & Shocks, Volvo Protective Grill, K&N Filter, E-Code Lens, ClearCorner Light, Alpine CD-Changer, AutoDim RearView Mirror, 6000K HID

"flush the tranny fluid every 3k miles with Mobile 1 ATF."

30k not 3k. And well worth the effort.

I agree I don't see the need for tranny additives. Its ust that I don't want to break my line connection at the radiator and would like to cut the rubber line at at a reasonably lower point and add a steel line "go between" say 3/8 and clamp it down. So whenever I conduct a flush,all I have to do is just disconnect via the "go between section" without disturbing the questionable rusty connection. All of my other 740's have passed the 450-500,000 mile marker (original mileage). I have faith in my 850. I just think that Volvo shouldn't encourage such a long extension of time for a maintenace interval that could save people from monetary migranies to say the least.

Thanks for the response. How much "flush" should I plan on?
Some specs seem to indicate about 12 quarts - ouch! But will do what is best.
Thanks again. Wayne

Save 3 gallon size milk jugs and mark the 2 quart level on the outside of each.

Then buy a case of Dex/Merc tranny fluid (12 quarts).

Pump out 2 quarts at a time and pour in 2 fresh quarts down the dipstick hole for the tranny. This should only take 30 minutes. I always stop at the dealer and get a new hose clip and washer to replace the ones on there.

Klaus
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1975 164E running? 1995 854T sweet 1998 V70 R work horse

Be prepare to need about 12 - 13 quarts depending upon the color of your current tranny fluid. If it is dark brown color, then 12- 13 is OK. You have to watch the old fluid coming out during flush until bright red tranny fluid coming out of the tranny hose. Then you are done. However, don't forget that you need last few quarts of new tranny fluid to refill the tranny back to it original fluid level.
--
1995 855 NA, Bilstein Strut & Shocks, Volvo Protective Grill, K&N Filter, E-Code Lens, ClearCorner Light, Alpine CD-Changer, AutoDim RearView Mirror, 6000K HID

I'd flush the tranny vs using snake oil additives which are not recommended by volvo. Procedure is well outlined on this forum. Takes about half hour and you won't even get your hands dirty.

bl