Hello,


I'm a newbie to this forum. But before I wrote this post, I spent 2 days reading other posts. I'm still not sure what I do.

I have a 99 XC AWD (are all XCs also AWD?). I bought it about 2 weeks ago with approximately 93K miles. I took it to my independent Volvo mechanic, who kept my 240 DL in perfect condition (my dad has the 240 now), for a pre-purchase inspection. He noticed the ATF was dark and recommended that have i it flushed. I called the Volvo dealer and, as discussed previously, they want a hefty amount of $330. I called the independent mechanic and asked for a referral. They told me to try a local tranny shop. They said they could change the tranny fluid, But... they recommended NOT to do so. They said the tranny fluid is burned, but still don't change it. Why... they said because the current tranny fluid is "married" to the transmission and changing it would cause the tranny to fail. BTW, they also said the tranny will fail, regradless. They just don't know when... 6k miles - 80k miles was their guess. I'm not experiencing any symptoms of transmission failure, at least that I can determine at this time.

If I have the burned trannsmission fluid flushed on a car where the transmission "will fail", will it really fail? My independent Volvo mechanic does not think so.

Should I have the tranny flushed? If so, should I use synthetic or Dextron on a XC with 93k miles - it had Dextron-like fluid in it.

I only have about 5500 miles left on the warranty, so I need to do the right thing soon.


Thank you in Advance for any comments and suggestions you may have!
goldenwebgeek