'02 S60 Tranny Flush Concern

[TheMan5952]

So I took my car into the dealer here to get the transmission service done 2 weeks ago, this weekend I changed my oil and while I was doing it I checked my transmission fluid. It looked the exact same and had the same odor. I took my car back to the dealer and apparently they only flush 7 quarts through it. Have any of you other guys who got the dealer service done seen this? From everything I've read for the DIY flushes you are supposed to use 15 quarts. So what the dealer is going to do for me is charge me just for fluid and reflush the transmission, which I don't really agree with but it's all they are willing to do.

[Guest 850T-5]

First, the whole purpose of a "flush" is to replace all the fluid, I've never heard of such a thing. The capacity of the transmission is about 8 quarts so nearly all the fluid still should have been replaced if they actually ran 8 quarts through.

Even after just doing a drain and refill (half the fluid) when fluid was worn with other Volvos I've owned in the past, it stays a pinkish/reddish color until driven for a while, then I repeat the process a few times.

Sounds like they just did a drain and refill or if they don't have a drain plug then they just pumped out the fluid in the pan and refilled the pan.

This is good that you check things after paying for a service to be performed to make sure you don't get ripped. Be sure to drive it down the street somewhere like into a gas station, shut it off and check the fluid immediately after this time.

[TheMan5952]

They told me I can watch them do it this time.

[FredMc]

They told me I can watch them do it this time.

There is a drain plug. It dumps out about 3.2 quarts. The total capacity is around 8 or 9 quarts.

Even if they got the 3.2 quarts out and refilled it with new. That would still replace the old oil with fresh additives. What I am saying is that it's not a bad thing.

A flush whatever that means to a dealer is debateable. To get pristine fluid, you would need a case of the volvo fluid. Not a cheap thing.

I always do a drain and fill three to four times with the 12 qt. case of Mobil 3309. Cost... $50.

Dealers are charging $80 for 4 quarts. I would guess a flush would require 12 quarts or $240, plus their time. I have heard estimates of $400 too do a flush. so using math, the dealer is charging $160 in labor for whoever they choose to operate the Ttec machine.

Make your own decisions on that one.

[2001T5]

How do you do your drain and fill? Drain, fill, drive around for a few minutes, rinse & repeat? Or do you do this over the course of a few days? Or does it really matter which way it gets done?

[theForgottenone]

How do you do your drain and fill? Drain, fill, drive around for a few minutes, rinse & repeat? Or do you do this over the course of a few days? Or does it really matter which way it gets done?

Not exactly the same but you get the idea. Just find your tranny cooler hose and drain plug. The dealer might only drain/fill not a full flush with the evacuator.

how to drain/fill tranny fluid on S40

[FredMc]

Not exactly the same but you get the idea. Just find your tranny cooler hose and drain plug. The dealer might only drain/fill not a full flush with the evacuator.

how to drain/fill tranny fluid on S40

I only drain and fill because it's like changing the oil. Method above is a flush using the trans pump. It does work.

I drain and fill, drive around for a couple of minutes, and that gets the oil from the torque converter mixed with the new oil, and do that two more times.

Not messy.

Actually the better way, although I am not that patient, is to just do a drain and fill over the course of the next three oil changes, since the car is up on blocks anyway.

[BillAileo]

The method described in the "How to drain/fill.." link is bascally the method described in VADIS for accomplishing a flush without fancy equipment. In my opinion, it is superior to multiple simple drain and fills because much less mixing of the old and new ATF takes place if it is done properly. However, the important thing is that any drain and fill method is better than not changing the ATF at all.

Bill

[theForgottenone]

The method described in the "How to drain/fill.." link is bascally the method described in VADIS for accomplishing a flush without fancy equipment. In my opinion, it is superior to multiple simple drain and fills because much less mixing of the old and new ATF takes place if it is done properly. However, the important thing is that any drain and fill method is better than not changing the ATF at all.

Bill

Drain and fill is like...having a dirty water bucket....empty 1/3 out. Refill with clean water and repeat for 2 more times :lol:

[Guest chiller man]

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[Guest Guest]

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[Guest 850T-5]

Draining and refilling actually works fine if you do it several times, rather than just doing it once. Let it drain completely and pour maybe half a quart of fluid through the first couple of times.

In fact, I prefer this gradual method rather than undoing transmission lines and risking not enough fluid going in as it is going out during a flush or something causing further problems. I believe this is the safest way to change out the fluid.

I typically do this, and repeat about a total of 5 times. Very easy, gradual, fluid stays brand new looking just like a flush even after the 3rd or 4th time usually unless the fluid was really nasty. Each time it's actually more like changing half of the fluid being total FWD capacity is about 8 quarts, pan holds about 4.

I've done this on my 960, S90 and 850, after completely changing the fluid out on each. Many miles later, moderate to hard driving at times, shifts still feel new, fluid still looks and smells brand new. My S90 and 960's fluid was also black and wattery. Just wanted to throw this out there for those that think a flush is absolutely necessary.

[Guest koza]

I only drain and fill because it's like changing the oil. Method above is a flush using the trans pump. It does work.

I drain and fill, drive around for a couple of minutes, and that gets the oil from the torque converter mixed with the new oil, and do that two more times.

Not messy.

Actually the better way, although I am not that patient, is to just do a drain and fill over the course of the next three oil changes, since the car is up on blocks anyway.

where is the plug located ???

[Fisher]

Drain and fill is like...having a dirty water bucket....empty 1/3 out. Refill with clean water and repeat for 2 more times

IMO, doing repeated drain-and-fill you have a better chance of removing clutch material and other chunks of stuff that has settled in the bottom of the pan. So doing a flush only through the coolant lines is like drinking a glass of chocolate milk and finding that most of the chocolate has settled to the bottom. :P

[BillAileo]

If the VADIS directions for doing a flush through the coolant lines are followed the process begins by first draining & filing the the pan, so it is actually not a "flush only through the coolant lines.".

Bill