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My 95 A/T GLT has 170k on it and I've been told by Jiffi Lube places (when I got my oil changed) recently that I need to have my transmission fluid flushed. The color of it is quite dirty, but it doesn't smell burt, or look burnt at all. I do have a shifting problem occasionally where it catches going from a standstill to first and makes a really hard shift.
I talked to the dealer in Charlotte (University Volvo, who has a wonderful reputation) a few months ago about having a flush done and they advised me never to flush a transmission in a volvo because it's sealed. He also told me that they had previously spoken to engineers in sweden, who advised them to simply keep driving the car when the transmission starts to catch. They said when they flush the transmission on an 850 having the shifting problem, it's like opening up a can of worms on the transmission. I believe I had it flushed when I first got it with 32k miles on it and put in Amsoil synthetic, but maybe I'm mistaken.
I've read numerous times on here about people having the trany flushed. I read up on a lot of the debate, but I still don't "get it." What would you do in my case? Worry about it at all?
Thanks for your comments!
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I just had my 95 854T tranny flushed at 41K miles. Fluid not burnt but quite dirty. My Volvo/Mercedes mechanic says they highly recommend flushes (he had to do mine twice to run clear fluid) to keep transmissions running longer. I'm glad I had mine done. Would have been nice to save some $$ and do it myself, but I'm not that adept at under the hood stuff.
Suzanne
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I felt the same way as you do, about trying to do a tranny flush myself.
I got the courage and bought a tranny flusk kit at IPD for $11 that came with a replacement clamp, draining hose and instructions and I went for it. Easier than you may think. After I did my first volvo, the next day I felt so confident and flushed the tranny in my other 2 volvos, saved lots of $$$, and trannys shift smoother now .
You can do it next time GIRL, do it every 20k miles and your brick will love it.
--
'92 740, '98 v70 John, Tampa Bay
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Thanks, John. You convinced me.
Suzanne
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Go to another dealer.
I was told by my Volvo dealer to definitely replace it every 20,000 miles.
I have it flushed every 20,000 or so with no problems at all.
Rick 97 850-R with 83,000 miles
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You stepped on the hornet's nest. Lots of discussion on this board over the years on this one. First, the flush (power or otherwise) is a DIY procedure. See the many postings on brickboard and Bay 13. Next, this "sealed unit" story is pure BS. Volvo did not want to appear to raise the maintenance cost of the car so they originally said changing was not required.
Now, they recommend changing dirty and/or burned fluid caused by "harsh" environments. I flushed mine in several cars every 30 to 50 K miles. I have used Mobil-1 Synthetic ATF and Amsoil ATF. Once you get a good synthetic in, it seems to stay clean for a long time. I never let it get too dirty so I can't comment on the stories about changing it bringing problems on. If it's already worn out, sure, a change will not fix it.
Drain and fill is a waste of time. You are just mixing the old with the new and never really get it fresh. Only the S80s have a filter, so any wear particles are in your 'Volvo for life' if you don't flush.
The DIY flush method uses the built in pump to change the fluid, so it does not stir up anything. It is easy and can be done under the hood without lifting the car.
I'fe posted a procedure for the S80, but the 850 is very similar but a little different. It takes a 1/2" ID plastic hose about 6' long and a spare hose clip in case the old one breaks. You'll go through about 12 quarts of fluid. Should be under an hour once you have it all together. You do not need to use the volvo method of disconnecting the hose at the transmission. Disconnect the upper hose at the radiator cooler. On the 850/s70, the fluid comes out of the disconnected hose, so that's where you put the plastic hose.
That's my 2 cents.
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usually people see a problem arising with their transmission and run out and get it flushed. Then if the tranny fails weeks later they blame it on the new transmission fluid. So its not the flush that is the demise of the transmission. Its the lack of maintenance running with burnt fluid. So if you have early symptons of your fluid slowly going bad then get it flushed.
If its brown, burnt and pieces of metal then dont, because it'll die soon anyways.
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I realize this is a rather large discussion, but I wanted to bring it back up anyway :P
The part you mentioned about using the internal pump which doesn't stir things up... This was specifically what the dealer mentioned the problem being to having it flushed. That it was possible it would kick out crap that had infact been keeping the transmission from failing. I may give the Bay 13/ ozbrick method a run soon, although it is freezing outside here now. Don't laugh, but my girlfriend does more work on her Saab than I know how to do, so maybe I'll have to sucker into giving me a hand one day.
Thanks!
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I wouln't have it flushed but I do change my fluid out once a year. The do-it-yourself procedure has been posted here numerous times, several by me, so try a search. If that doesn't turn up anything email me and I'll gladly explain it.
FWIW, my 850 turbo wagon had it's trans replaced under warranty by the original owner at 56,000 miles. Looking through all the records at the dealership (nice of them to let me sit down with the folder and take notes) showed that 400 miles before the replacement it was towed in twice for trans related issues. "No drive", "erratic shifting" etc. They power flushed it and a week later it died. In all fairness, it was on it's way out already but the point is, there is no record of the fluid having been changed before the problems started.
After hanging around here and ozbrick
http://au.geocities.com/ozbrick850/
for a couple of years I've decided that regular changes, NOT flushes, are a good thing.
Cheers,
--
Erwin in Memphis, '88 745t 190,000 miles, '95 855t 92,000 miles
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posted by
someone claiming to be John Sevick
on
Thu Dec 11 07:16 CST 2003 [ RELATED]
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I have two informed sources that say FLUSH! With the BG products to be exact.
1) When I bought my 850 with 60,000 miles, my mechanics who do nothing but Volvos in the D.C. area recommended it as a MUST DO because of all the failing transmissions they've seen. When they recommended the job again at 105,000 miles ..
2) I called up a buddy of mine who owns a Volvo dealership AND is a motor head - the best combination! When I asked "how often to you recommend a flush" he just said OFTEN.
Now, the wrong mechanics doing this job might be opening up a can of worms.
John
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I also called University and got the BS answer of sealed unit. Called the dealer on Independence and they did the job for me. My problem was crazy shifting (which has come back this fall with cold weather). The flush helped LY, and I think I need to do it again. My problem is I live on the south side of town.
Bob
95 850
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I'll end up doing it myself. University Volvo is quite expensive, but they have a great reputation in the service department.
Thanks for all of the opinions.
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