Geartronic Transmission Fluid

[cornclose]

Hey chaps,

I have a 2001 P2 V70 T5 Geartronic. I'll be towing the caravan on holiday in a few weeks time and was wondering if I should get the transmission fluid changed first. I've already checked the fluid level with the engine off and it's fine, but want some advice on the colour that the fluid should be. Also, I read somewhere that on certian cars the fluid level should be checked with the engine running. Can anyone tell me if the engine should be running or not on the V70 when checking transmission fluid level ?

I've read here (before the forum went down) that certain colours are bad, and would indicate that the fluid is ready for changing, but surely brand new fluid (which is red or yellow or whatever) isn't going to stay that colour for very long anyway ?

So, with the forthcoming towing in mind, please can anyone advise what colour/smells I should be looking for in the transmission fluid ?

I'll see if I can post a photo of the fluid colour a little later...

[Tim Williams]

From experance the Geartronic holds 4 litres in the box, but just dropping the fluid and refilling it only changes half of the fluid as the torque converter is still full as is the cooler. Doing a proper flush is much better but very expensive in oil.

[cornclose]

Thanks Tim - My local independant also tells me this. Any idea how much the fluid is ? In any case, at this stage I'm just trying to determine if the fluid needs changing. No harm done if I do change it of course but I'm not wanting to do that unless I have to.

[Rufe]

from Vadis:

Warning! Avoid skin contact with the gearbox fluid.
Note! Use only gearbox oil, Volvo P/N 116 1540-8 (1 litre container), 116 1640-6 (4 litre container). (prices available on request of course - simon :) )

Conditions
The difference between the MAX and MIN volumes is 0.2 litres. Check the oil temperature in the gearbox.

At room temperature (+20 °C) the oil level is close to the MIN mark on the "cold area".
At room temperature (+20 °C) and low oil level the oil barely reaches the dipstick.
The "cold range" (+40 °C) is reached after approximately 15 minutes idling in the workshop, while the "hot range" (+80 °C) is reached after approximately 30 minutes highway driving at an air temperature above +15 °C.
Note! Carry out the check at an oil temperature of +80 °C.


Preparing to check the oil level
Park the car on a level surface.
Apply the handbrake.
Apply the foot brake.
Let the engine idle.
Move the gear selector lever to position P.


Move the gear selector through all positions. Wait in each position for approximately 3 seconds
Move gear selector to position P and wait approximately 2 minutes before checking the oil level.
The dipstick must be pushed down as far as possible into the dipstick tube.
Caution! Wipe the dipstick with a nylon cloth or similar. Do not use a cloth which may leave fluff or threads.

Oil grade, checking

Check the oil
Note! Oil grade: Only automatic gearbox fluid, Volvo P/N 1161540–8 (1–litre container) may be used.

Check the oil. Take a sample with the dipstick.

Is the oil discoloured or does it smell burnt?
-Check whether diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) TCM 0042 or TCM 0046 are stored
-Also fault-trace the gearbox for diagnostic trouble code (DTC) TCM-0046

Is there water in the oil (grey discoloration)?
-Determine the cause of the water in the oil

Note! Always replace the cooler and the additional oil cooler (where applicable) if there are signs of water in the gearbox fluid.

Flush the oil cooler, pipes and oil hoses
Only automatic gearbox fluid, Volvo P/N 1161540–8 (1 litre containers) may be used.
Warning! Avoid skin contact with the gearbox fluid.

Note! Oil. Use only Volvo recommended oil. No oil change is usually required. Cars used as taxis, or mainly used for towing, should have the oil changed. Replacement interval: 75 000 km.

Hope this helps,

Simon

[Rufe]

Total capacity is 7.5 Litres

However, as Tim said, if your changing it you will not need more than 3 litres generally.

For a 4 litre container this is the price:

TRANSMISSION OIL (4L):
P/n: 1161640
Volvo Price: £60.52 inc vat
Our Price: £51.44 inc vat, plus postage
Postage: £6.85 Royal Mail Standard Parcel Force
Availability: In with us the same day or the day after ordering, then sent out with Royal Mail.

[cornclose]

Thanks Simon. Now all I need to do is determine if the colour of my fluid as it is now requires that it be changed. Let me see if I can get a photo of it...

[richiemat]

Note! Oil. Use only Volvo recommended oil. No oil change is usually required. Cars used as taxis, or mainly used for towing, should have the oil changed. Replacement interval: 75 000 km.

I queried this recently at my local dealer, said the same thing and as these conditions didnt apply to me i didnt have the gearbox oil changed. Is there anything which makes you think a change is required or just a good thing to have done?

[cornclose]

I'm just trying to cover all angles really - don't want a holiday outing with the caravan to end in tears...

No, the car drives superbly and gear change is smooth. I do recall checking the transmission fluid shortly after I first got he car and although it wasn't 'red' (i.e. obviously was not brand new) it wasn't what I would call dark brown and didn't smell burnt.

I'm still going to try and get a photo of the colour later but it may be tomorrow before I succeed...

[richiemat]

I'm just trying to cover all angles really - don't want a holiday outing with the caravan to end in tears...



very wise !

think i'll check on mine later too

[cornclose]

Update

Here's a picture of the fluid...

http://www.circle-software.co.uk/temp/volvo/ATF.jpg

Can anyone advise ?

[Tim Williams]

With the fluid that coluor I would flush it, does it smell burnt?

[cornclose]

No. The yellow dipstick makes it look browner than it actually is though. It was almost dark when I took the picture too hence the flash.

[Tim Williams]

If you get a syringe and thin pipe the same lenght as the dipstic then you can draw some out and put it in a glass jar to see it, I think you will be shocked just how dark it is when not smeared thinly.

[richiemat]

Update

Here's a picture of the fluid...

http://www.circle-software.co.uk/temp/volvo/ATF.jpg

Can anyone advise ?

that an identical colour to mine, its got an unusual smell but not what i would describe as burnt

[cornclose]

Thanks Tim,

Ok, I'll try and find some tube to do that - but what colour should it be ?

[Rufe]

It should be a red colour, that photo does look closer to brown than red, (its quite bright red when new, though obviously it does darken a bit)