Below are the remarks from sample results on two 1999 FWD Volvos, one a V-70 with 16,320 miles and the other an S70 with 21,746 miles. Both of these Volvos are driven in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area (Virginia, Maryland, and D.C.) Transmission flush on the FWD Volvos has been tossed around the Brickboard for some time. Working on Volvos everyday has made me wonder long and hard about the various conversations concerning the transmission flush. My response as a Volvo Technician at one of the local dealers has become "If the fluid has turned brown, you need a flush". About a week ago while doing maintenance on an S70 and a V70, I noted brown transmission fluid and considering the low mileage of the vehicles, I decided to draw a sample and send it in for analysis. I share parts of the reports with you.

V-70, 16,320 miles.

Richard: Nothing too unusual showed up in this sample of used ATF. Aluminum, copper and silicon are all high though nothing is high enough to show a problem. Silicon is probably high due to sealers used when the transmission was assembled. Aluminum normally shows wear at the torque converter. Insolubles (oil oxidation) were at the limits at .1%. Suggest changing this oil if you nave not done so already. It is too abrasive for future use.

S-70, 21,746 miles

Richard: The metals highlighted in the spectral examination are all fairly high compared to averages for this type of transmission. Aluminum is normally from the torque converter, while copper , lead and tin are probably from poor wearing brass or bronze clutch plates. Wear at this level is not necessarily high enough to show a problem, but we do suggest changing this oil and resampling in 10,000 miles.

Not everyone is willing to send their ATF off for analysis, but the simple visual test (the fluid is brown) won't cost you a thing. I will continue to sample low mileage vehicles that have brown fluid and if I get any feed back that indicates it is all right to continue using the brown fluid I will post it on the Brick board.