Hello,

I have a '99XC. In order to flush the transmission, do you have to replace a filter too? Or, do you just disconnect one of the lines leading to the radiator, and flush one quate of ATF at a time, until it runs clear?

On some other cars I've had with automatic transmissions, I would be required to drop the pan, and then remove the old paper element filter, install a new one, replace the old gasket on the pan with a new one, and then re-install the pan. Thereafter pour in the required number of quarts of ATF fluid.


Does the V70 XC also have a filter or strainer (like on the old air cooled VW engines) that has to be replaced/cleaned?

By the way, how many quarts does a '99XC hold of ATF? Also, is there a seperate procedure for servicing the AWD mechanism itself?

Thanks to all who respond.

Hugh

Hi,

I had good luck with this method on my 2000XC and 97 GLT.

http://www.volvospeed.com/Repair/Transflush.htm

Good Luck,

Kele'

Kele' Thanks! Hugh

Hugh,
No filter required. It is as simple as you described: hook a hose to the cooling line leading to the radator, and flush a couple of quarts at a time. IPD sells a hose, clamp, and O-ring kit for about $12 to do the flush yourself. Here are their instructions: http://www.ipdusa.com/pdf/PI-290TrannyFlushKit.pdf
Generally, 12 Quarts will be a nice, thorough flush, but the best rule is to flush until the fluid coming out looks completely red, not brown. BTW, for my 98 XC, I switched to Mobil 1 synthetic ATF, and I have been very happy with the smooth transmission performance.

I don't know of any routine fluid change for the AWD mechansim, but would be interested if anyone else does.

Gordon
--
86 240 DL 120K; 98 V70 XC 125K(Bilsteins, ipd strut tower brace & sway bars, Wetterauer chip)

Gordon,

Thanks! The AWD mechanism may be a sealed unit?

Hugh

If by "AWD mechanism" you mean the viscous coupling, it is intended to be a sealed, non-servicable part. Also, once the fluid is cooked the plates inside are usually shot (they have small teeth on them that agitate the fluid, and apparently these wear down).

This is why it's so important to maintain proper tire pressure, if there is any difference in rolling circumference between front and rear tires you will be constantly loading the VC and heating it up, cooking that fluid. And from what I've heard, you do NOT want to buy a new VC. ($$$)

If you are referring to the differential/transfer case, it looks like that takes GL5/80W gear oil.

Stevewa,

Thank you for your response. When you say "check the air pressure" do you mean that in order insure the same wheel circumference of the front to the rear tires, they all must be set at the same tire pressure? In theory, the amount of tire pressure would affect the circumference of the tire.

On the gas cap panel, there is tire pressure information provided by Volvo for my '99XC that indicates and recommends different tire pressure settings for the front and rear tires. I do check on a regular basis to rotate the tires, so they wear evenly. I also check the air pressure on a regular basis too to insure the tires pressure is withing the recommended levels provided by Volvo.

You are right, replacement of the viscous coupling is expensive, as is the replacement of the bevel gear. I've read numerous postings about each, and they certainly got my attention. I'm trying hard to avoid both expenses.

I actually bought the '99XC for my father-in-law. He along with his wife drive my 3 girls to school and doctors appointments and anything else they require. My small way of showing my appreciation is closely monitor the maintenance of his XC, and on the "QT" quietly make arrangements for any needed service. Fortunately, I have a great independent Volvo shop to rely upon.

Thanks to this forum, and the advice I've received, my father-in-law's XC's ownership experience has been trouble free. With you help and advice, that's the way I want it to always be. Thanks.

Hugh

Sorry, I meant you should follow the pressures as stated on the fuel filler flap. I've gotten into a "flap" with my dealer on this very issue.

For the same reason, it's important if you replace any tires to replace all four at the same time so all the tires have the same amount of tread on them...

Stevewa,

Thank you for your response. I make it a point to check the amount of tread on the front tires versus the rear on a regular basis. As soon as I detect more wear on the front tires (they wear faster than the rear) I swap them with the rear tires. On a monthly basis, if not more frequently, I check the air pressure too, pursuant to the recommendations that Volvo has posted on the gas flap.

You know, Volvo should be pleased that its customers go to such trouble to find out on their own how to properly maintain their Volvos. It must be something about Volvos and the type of people who buy them. We know there are vehicles on the market that are less trouble proned, but they aren't Volvos. Go figure.

Hugh

Frankly, this 2000 XC will probably be my last Volvo unless they figure out that going from a 25MPG car to a 18MPG car is NOT progress. Volvo has totally lost the "economical" part of the value equation that got them where they are.

They also need to figure out that a $600+ throttle module is NOT a wear item, and should be included in the emissions system warranty.

Right now my commute car is a 2002 Toyota Prius, which despite all the new "untried" technology it uses, has been far less trouble than the XC has been. I'm looking with interest at the Ford Escape Hybrid and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid as possible replacements for the XC. I think that if Volvo released a hybrid version of the S40/V50 using the licensed technology that Ford bought from Toyota they would fly out the doors of the dealerships.

Steve,

My father-in-law, love's his '99XC, but you're right. It doesn't get very good gas mileage, and that was a concern I had even before gas hit $2 plus in CT where I live. I like the attributes of AWD, but choke when I see how it affects gas mileage. His has the computer option that will tell you how many MPGs you're getting on a tank of gas and he averages 16.7 mpg. Not very good.


Steve,

Recently, Consumer Reports compared the XC90 T6 to other high end SUVs. The biggest criticism CR had was that the XC90 T6 averaged 11 mpg. A Hybrid engine dumped into the XC90 would be a home run for Volvo. You're right, they wouldn't be able to keep up with demand.

Personally, I hope Volvo goes with hat-in-hand to Toyota and ask specifically for the Hybrid technology employed in the Prius. If it's Toyota, you know it will work.

Your comment about the $600 plus throttle module is on the mark. A good friend, who is an independent Volvo mechanic cringes when he tells customers they that they have to replace the throttle. He too feels this is something that should not automatically go at approximately (60K) just after the factory warranty expires. That defect along with others, is one of the reasons he is reluctant to tell friends to buy Volvos made from 1999 forward. That's coming from a guy who makes his living fixing Volvos. You know, I hope some one from corporate Volvo sees this posting. I'm sharing this as a friend who wants to see the brand survive and prosper.

My 2 cents.

Hugh

Depending on how good a job Ford did at the negotiating table, Volvo might be able to piggyback on the licensing agreement that made the Escape Hybrid possible.