Autobox flush out.....

[Babybadger]

Is there a time or mileage that an autobox's ATF should be replaced, instead of waiting for the burning smell.

Mine is sometimes very jolty at gear changing at low speeds , but is fine the faster you are going. I have also noticed that the temp guage is slightly above the 50% mark when it behaves like this.

A mate of mine said last night that he couldn't feel that effect , maybe i feel it more because i am driving it!

[S60D5]

Is there a time or mileage that an autobox's ATF should be replaced, instead of waiting for the burning smell.

Mine is sometimes very jolty at gear changing at low speeds , but is fine the faster you are going. I have also noticed that the temp guage is slightly above the 50% mark when it behaves like this.

A mate of mine said last night that he couldn't feel that effect , maybe i feel it more because i am driving it!

You can flush it anytime! Some people do it every 10k, which is a bit over-zealous, of those who do it, most every 30-40k!

Volvo officially don't include the ATF change as part of a service schedule.

[nikgallagher]

You can flush it anytime! Some people do it every 10k, which is a bit over-zealous, of those who do it, most every 30-40k!

Volvo officially don't include the ATF change as part of a service schedule.

My service schedule (which I assumed was an official one) states it should be changed at 100,000 miles?

Can this flush be done by just draining and refilling, or do you have to plumb it to a pump to circulate the fluid through? Mine needs doing but didn't want to put it in a garage.

[S60D5]

My service schedule (which I assumed was an official one) states it should be changed at 100,000 miles?

Can this flush be done by just draining and refilling, or do you have to plumb it to a pump to circulate the fluid through? Mine needs doing but didn't want to put it in a garage.

Volvo only reccomends it done at 100k if you're using the car as a Taxi, or do a lot of town/stop-start driving! For "normal" use, they don't reccomend it be changed. But obviously its best if it is, much like engine oil!

You can drain and refil, but a full flush will be more benificial but will use much more fluid. You can do it without a pump by starting the car and letting the internal pump push the fluid around, but it's very important you read up on this first as if you let it run dry you'll knacker the auto box.

[Wobbly Dave]

My AT specialist (when I had the auto 850R) said 20K was a good idea. Depends how much power you are running. I have designed a system for improving the life expectancy - (see sticky's in the Volvo Parts for Sale board). 20 - 30 K would be fine. You need to flush change to get all of it out. I have done it 3 or 4 times on different t5s. Uses about 15L to do a complete flush change (box holds 7.2 litres). If you want more info about how 2 do it yourself then just give me a nudge and I will take you through the required steps. Emptying the GB sump will only remove about 3 litres.

[Babybadger]

My service schedule (which I assumed was an official one) states it should be changed at 100,000 miles?

Can this flush be done by just draining and refilling, or do you have to plumb it to a pump to circulate the fluid through? Mine needs doing but didn't want to put it in a garage.

Best take it to Volvo.....Marshalls of melton mowbie quoted me £91 inc VAT all fluids and labour!

[Babybadger]

Volvo only reccomends it done at 100k if you're using the car as a Taxi, or do a lot of town/stop-start driving! For "normal" use, they don't reccomend it be changed. But obviously its best if it is, much like engine oil!

You can drain and refil, but a full flush will be more benificial but will use much more fluid. You can do it without a pump by starting the car and letting the internal pump push the fluid around, but it's very important you read up on this first as if you let it run dry you'll knacker the auto box.

Volvo wouldn't recommend changing it , because it is more profitable to sell a new gearbox!

[Babybadger]

My AT specialist (when I had the auto 850R) said 20K was a good idea. Depends how much power you are running. I have designed a system for improving the life expectancy - (see sticky's in the Volvo Parts for Sale board). 20 - 30 K would be fine. You need to flush change to get all of it out. I have done it 3 or 4 times on different t5s. Uses about 15L to do a complete flush change (box holds 7.2 litres). If you want more info about how 2 do it yourself then just give me a nudge and I will take you through the required steps. Emptying the GB sump will only remove about 3 litres.

Dave , how didi you know when to change yours? Was yours getting 'jolty'?

[Wobbly Dave]

My Box went bang! I had it refurbed and hence there after I just did it every 10K or so

The others I did claimed an improvement in smoothness after the change.

[stuAWD]

Volvo wouldn't recommend changing it , because it is more profitable to sell a new gearbox!
This seems a bit OTT, on that principle, would it not benifit volvo to change the service intervals to 200k.

[John]

Is there a time or mileage that an autobox's ATF should be replaced, instead of waiting for the burning smell.

Mine is sometimes very jolty at gear changing at low speeds , but is fine the faster you are going. I have also noticed that the temp guage is slightly above the 50% mark when it behaves like this.

A mate of mine said last night that he couldn't feel that effect , maybe i feel it more because i am driving it!
Hi Just done mine S70 T5 at 103,000, made a big difference, smoother change, sometimes feels like I have an extra gear. Did it in my mates garage using dextron 3, used around 8 litres.

[Babybadger]

My Box went bang! I had it refurbed and hence there after I just did it every 10K or so

The others I did claimed an improvement in smoothness after the change.

How many miles till it went bang and were there any signs just before?

[Wobbly Dave]

It went at 146K. Principally coz I was misusing it at 1/4 mile meets (left foot power braking). Signs before are clutch slippage (revs rise without going any faster) and ATF smelling like burnt caramel. It can also be characterised by jerky gear changes.

[Babybadger]

It went at 146K. Principally coz I was misusing it at 1/4 mile meets (left foot power braking). Signs before are clutch slippage (revs rise without going any faster) and ATF smelling like burnt caramel. It can also be characterised by jerky gear changes.

Well today , mine did a big 'thump' when going into reverse , and it was hardly carrying any revs. So I checked by going into D then N then R (slight thump) then N then D and so on. It was making a slight thump but not as bad as the first time I selected reverse. Does this mean its starting to go? Its just jerky gear changes , but sometimes its smooth as anything?????

[Wobbly Dave]

It is so, so hard to say. Cardwell's T5-R automatic was jerky for a while before it went. Mine went pop without any symptoms at all.

[Babybadger]

It is so, so hard to say. Cardwell's T5-R automatic was jerky for a while before it went. Mine went pop without any symptoms at all.

Can I put a T5-R or 850R box in it? I understand that they have Limited Slip Differential or is that just on the Manual box. So I need a flush out asap?

[Mrsmopp]

Best take it to Volvo.....Marshalls of melton mowbie quoted me £91 inc VAT all fluids and labour!

OT: Are you in and around Leicester then BB?

x

[Babybadger]

OT: Are you in and around Leicester then BB?

x

Whay are you trying to seduce me? Nope I am in Bexley , Kent area.

[Babybadger]

BTW the autobox works perfectly in sport mode and winter mode is seamless! Its booked in for a complete flush on friday afternoon , so I will keep you posted!

[nikgallagher]

Its booked in for a complete flush on friday afternoon , so I will keep you posted!

Where are you getting it done, and if you don't mind me asking, how much is it costing?

[Babybadger]

Where are you getting it done, and if you don't mind me asking, how much is it costing?

I am getting it done this friday at a place in dartford in kent. They have quoted £109+VAT and have done many 850's before. They specialise in Automatic Gearboxes and have a 'mega flush' machine. Must have 'loads-a-money'..........

[Wobbly Dave]

Sounds a good plan. TBH it isnt the easiest thing to do. I would say AT specialist over a Volvo garage, too.

LSDs were only available on the M59 Manual tranny (850R)

[Babybadger]

Sounds a good plan. TBH it isnt the easiest thing to do. I would say AT specialist over a Volvo garage, too.

LSDs were only available on the M59 Manual tranny (850R)

I am just praying it is slight neglect and not ridiculous wheelspins with no traction on greasy roads battering the gearbox. The torque converter still feels like it is doing the right thing. When I put my foot down it flies and doesn't feel like it is doing anything wrong. Just economy mode feels jerky and the odd thump when warm on reverse. Perhaps I am just paranoid!

P.S. I don't do power braking , just heavy gradual!

[Babybadger]

Feathered it home last night and the gears were changing smoothly, but the temp guage was at 4 o'clock, when in traffic the temp went to 3'oclock/two thirtyish and then it was getting a little jolty, but not as noticeable as a good thrash around. When I got home, checked the dipstick to the autobox (how difficult is that to get out??) and the ATF looks like it is starting to change colour from red to a browny tinge. Can't wait for the flush!! I think I will do the oil as well as that was thick brown but still viscous! Fully Synth I think.

Any suggestions?

[Babybadger]

Flushed and feels miles better, but not 100% top quality firm. The guy at the shop said it may be down to a gearbox mount as some are hydraulic mounted?or even a cv joint which sounds more feasible. It only 'thumps' slightly when warmed up, it doesn't at startup. The guy also said there is no problem with gearchange and the torque converter. So I am stumped why it still 'thumps'?

[NugentS]

I am getting it done this friday at a place in dartford in kent. They have quoted £109+VAT and have done many 850's before. They specialise in Automatic Gearboxes and have a 'mega flush' machine. Must have 'loads-a-money'..........

Can you give me the company details please?

Sean

[pete_s60]

Afternoon all,

I searched and found this thread a week or so ago as my auto box was a little jerky at lower speeds, and sometimes under VERY gentle acceleration it seems to disengage the drive for a few seconds before engaging the higher gear... this results in the revs slowly rising without any acceleration, and then of course when the next hear engages its pretty harsh!

I picked it up from Volvo this morning after having the flush done.... it definitely feels different and more responsive, but it still under gentle acceleration takes ages to select the higher gear and lets the revs rise :-(

The nice people at Volvo said the ATF was very mucky indeed, and lots of skank came out when the flushed it.

Any ideas anyone? What should I try next?

[richiemat]

Afternoon all,

I searched and found this thread a week or so ago as my auto box was a little jerky at lower speeds, and sometimes under VERY gentle acceleration it seems to disengage the drive for a few seconds before engaging the higher gear... this results in the revs slowly rising without any acceleration, and then of course when the next hear engages its pretty harsh!

I picked it up from Volvo this morning after having the flush done.... it definitely feels different and more responsive, but it still under gentle acceleration takes ages to select the higher gear and lets the revs rise :-(

The nice people at Volvo said the ATF was very mucky indeed, and lots of skank came out when the flushed it.

Any ideas anyone? What should I try next?

Hi Pete,

Did they check the software version and reset the TCM counter? The updated software i had made a noticeable difference.

Just might help....

Rich

[pete_s60]

Hi Pete,

Did they check the software version and reset the TCM counter? The updated software i had made a noticeable difference.

Just might help....

Rich



I have absolutely no idea!... Would it be worth asking them do you think? - Would they usually charge for that? - I Payed £161 so I don't know if that would include it or not?

[richiemat]

I have absolutely no idea!... Would it be worth asking them do you think? - Would they usually charge for that? - I Payed £161 so I don't know if that would include it or not?

I couldnt possibly comment whether that cost would include any software, i assume it was cambridge garage? They normally list any items like that on the invoice. Definately check :)

[pete_s60]

Im pretty sure I dont recall it seeing it on there....

Im not to worried about the slightly harsh changes..... but it does concern me when it seems to disengage the gear for a few seconds when it goes to change up if you're really light on the throttle.... surely thats a physical fault rather than software.