Hi, recently purchased the IPD auto transmission flush hose, and funnel, etc., to change my auto trans fluid on my 1985 240DL with 212,000. There is some hard shifting from 1st to second, but otherwise the transmission seems ok. I bought the car just 2,000 miles ago, and there are inadequate maintenance records on many things, including whether the auto trans. fluid has been changed recently, or even within 20 - 30,000 miles. So I thought I would try, the procedure looks simple enough. However, I was reading the safety warnings on the IPD directions, and they stated: "Also, if the fluid in your car is severely burnt (black in color) we have heard of a situation where replacing the fluid can cause the transmission to stop working. Apparently, debris in the dirty fluid acts as a friction enhancer allowing a worn out clutch pack to function. The new fluid removes the debris and the trans may now slip to the point of immobility. This is extremely usual, but is something you should be aware of if the trans in your Volvo has been neglected for many years".

I haven't seen enough auto transmission fluid to know if mine is "black", it is certainly dark. Has anyone had a problem with changing their fluid, or should I just go ahead? Also, any recommendations on auto trans fluid type, or are all brands basically interchangeable.?

Thanks!

Eric V.
Chicago

Hi. I bought their kit, and did it on both of my cars in the last two weeks. I think that's their lawyers talking -- in case someone complains. But if your tranny is THAT bad, it's not going to last long anyway. I don't see what you have to lose.
I recommend going for it -- and if you really want to be nice for your car, use some good synthetic transmission fluid (personally, I use AmsOil, but I've heard that redline is good, too).

Hi, all, I did the transmission flush after your comments this weekend, and it went fine. The IPD hose and funnel made it a lot easier than I think it would have been otherwise. No problems at all afterward, it seems to shift smoother, and I feel reassured that I have done a simple needed maintenance job myself! I didn't use synthetic trans. fluid, by the way. Thanks for your encouragement!

Eric V.
Chicago

Eric, I also have an '85 240DL. About 10k ago, I finally did the auto. transmission flush, just as you were doing. I couldn't believe it would be this easy, until I tried it. Actually, I had just made my own flush hose from the 740 FAQ, which worked just as well (thx to brickboard). I'm not sure ALL of the old fluid was pumped out, but as long as MOST of it was, while pouring more fluid into the dipstick as the engine was running. Took me about 10 qts of fluid to fill and flush. Job went well, the fluid being pumped out was almost black (VERY dk. brown). Transmission is smooth as ever, just as it is now. I think you should do this flush after all. I'm sure everything will go well, take care.
--
Michael 'Street'... one AZ '85 244DL 188K miles

I think the IPD warning is just a prudent CYA move on their part to address the very rare eventuality of a problem. As said, if the new fluid causes problems, replace the old stuff (and sell the car). My newly purchased 940 had fluid that was almost brown, and very dirty-looking. It took 13 qts of new stuff before clear red fluid was gurgling out of the hose, including the 2 qts to drain and refill the pan. After, I couldn't detect a change - good or bad - in trans function, but fresh lubricant just has to be a good thing.
--
Bob (81-244GL B21F, 83-244DL B23F, 94-944 B230FD)

Hi Eric,

Aside from the IPD warning (more on that in a minute) "old school" knowledge argues that replacing very dirty fluid in a long negelected automatic transmission can be problematic.

The basic problem is that clean transmission fluid functions as a solvent, and it can dislodge gunk that has collected over many years. This can negatively affect the operation of the transmission.

I experienced a somewhat analogous situation about two years ago. My '87 240 has over 300,000 miles and has had regular trans fluid changes over its life. However the dealer who did the change this time uses an aftermaket trans additive along with the new fluid (I didn't know this at the time). I don't know quite what it was (most of these contain a detergent, plus friction modifiers, etc) but within a week my car had a much harder 3-2 downshift--now it really slammed into the lower gear. I immediately flushed the tranny again myself, but the situation remained the same. This didn't end up being any more than an annoyance, but it's a good illustration of what disturbing the tranny "status quo" can do.

I wouldn't worry *too* much about the IPD note--sounds like an extreme situation. However if it makes you feel better you could save the old fluid until you see how the car runs with the new--if the gunk in the old fluid makes the tranny operate correctly, presumably re-replacing the fluid with the original stuff would put you back to square 1. This is easy to do--just drain the old fluid into gallon plastic milk jugs so you have it if needed.
The bigger problem, as I see it, is the solvent effect of new fluid. There is no way to reverse any changes that might occur.

Not sure what to advise--good reasons to go either way. Bummer though. You want to improve your car but trying to do so could potentially make it worse.

HTH,

Dschwied

Dark is dirty, not necessarily burnt. Run the car up to operating temp, shut it down then pull the trans stick. If the fluid is burnt, you will be able to tell by the smell.

I can't answer as to the transmission getting messed up by changing the fluid, however, FWIW I can offer this. I just had my daughters Buick (FWD) serviced at my mechanics (been using him for 13 years). I told him to power flush the transmision while he was at it. My daughter told me the car ran a lot better since the service. She mentioned that it shifted a lot smoother as well. I never told her I had the transmission serviced.

You are wise to DIY. I had the system "flushed" at Gypped Me Lube 20,000 miles before. My mech told me there was no way transmission fluid could get that dirty in 18 months.

While you are in the fluid change mode, check your power steering fluid. FAQ has detailed instructions.

HTH
--
D.P. Mulvey in Central VA.