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I need some input on a situation I have with my 1986 740. I bought the car used. The odometer is broken so I'm not sure exactly how many miles it has on it but it reads 201444. The automatic transmisson "clunks" when it's gearing down from 3rd to 2nd. From what I've read changing the transmission fluid would help this. I've heard and read conflicting things about changing the fluid in a car this old. Some say do it, while others say it might lock up the transmission. I might be able to do it myself, but really don't have anywhere to change it. Is there anywhere you can suggest that I can trust that would change it other than the Volvo place? They said they would charge over $300 to change it. One place (AAA Care Care Center) I called say they wouldn't change the fluid in a car that old without knowing if it had been changed on a regular basis or not. Something to do with varnish building up on the gears causing them to spread and if I changed the fluid the detergents in the new fluid would remove the varnish causeing the gears not to mesh right. I've also heard that if it hadn't been changed on a regular basis the seals get worn out and the new fluid would build up pressure causing the seals to go.
I'm not sure if the transmission fluid has ever been changed but from the service book that came with the car is appears the person who originally owned the car had the regular maintaince done, but it doesn't list if the transmission fluid was changed or not. I called the place she had it serviced at but thier records don't go back that far. What do you experts say? I can't afford to put another transmission in it right now and I would hate to change the fluid and have the transmission go. I feel real stuck now not knowing what I should or not do. Also is there any product I could put in the transmission either instead of changing it, or would help lube the seals if I do decide to change it? Any suggestions with this situation would be greatly appreciated.
Stuck in NC
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