Auto gearbox oil change

[JonesyGT]

Howdy all, I have had my 2012 s60 d4 geartronic (54k miles) for just less than a week now and its a lovely car but im interested in changing its gearbox oil, never buy into 'filled for life' nonsense.

Does anyone know of a good place in the Manchester area to do it? Or do I just take it to my local volvo? Or is it easy enough to do myself? The only thing that puts me off with doing it myself is the adaption reset as I dont have VIDA.....yet.

[alf27]

www.hallmarkvolvo.com Stockport.

[Fat Magpie]

Howdy all, I have had my 2012 s60 d4 geartronic (54k miles) for just less than a week now and its a lovely car but im interested in changing its gearbox oil, never buy into 'filled for life' nonsense.

Does anyone know of a good place in the Manchester area to do it? Or do I just take it to my local volvo? Or is it easy enough to do myself? The only thing that puts me off with doing it myself is the adaption reset as I dont have VIDA.....yet.

Let us know how you get on, I don't buy into this oil for life either.

[Crockers]

What will this cost ??

[Tannaton]

I believe that car has the AISIN WARNER TF80 6-speed gearbox, which as you say the manufacturer regards as sealed for life.

Volvo do not include transmission oil changes in their service schedule for this gearbox. However for it's predecessor (AW55-50) they did recommend oil changes at 36k miles for heavy use vehicles (taxi, hot climate, heavy towing). I'm not sure if this recommendation applies to the TF80 as well.

However just about everyone in the trade regards the "sealed for life" as a bad thing, and would recommend changing the oil. Suggest you have a look on the XC90 forum - this gearbox was used in all post 2005 Mk 1 XC90 and it gets a harder time in that platform due to the additional 500 Kg or so that it weighs. The general consensus is that you should change the oil about every 72k miles or sooner if it becomes black or smells burnt. So unless your oil matches the latter, you maybe don't need to change it just yet but doing so is no bad thing.

Other manufacturers that fit this gearbox to their cars have included oil changes in the service schedule, and almost all that fitted the AW55 gearbox did so, and some latterly which suggests it was based on feedback from dealers.

Another thing I would mention is that there is also a theory where if the fluid is really dirty - changing all of the oil at once can cause damage as it will cause thick, heavy deposits to be loosened - in that instance it is recommended to change the oil gradually (say 1 litre every 1,000 miles). Most of the experienced mechanics on here haven't come across this (according to posts in the XC90 forum) but it is documented elsewhere.

Nearly all people who change the oil report noticeable improvements in feel and shifting - for some people it has even fixed problems for which they were told a new gearbox was needed. Ideally the gearbox should be taken through the full re-adaptation process, which takes about 15-45 mins on a quiet road, just re-setting the adaptation memory is second best option but neither is absolutely essential as the gearbox will re-adapt over time. But doing the first or second is much preferred to doing nothing.

This gearbox is used in many cars - Saab, Vauxhall, etc. so maintenance is wall documented:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOfjTW6b6AU

http://www.volvoxc.com/forums/showthread.php?21696-TF-80SC-transmission-fluid-change

[luggsey]

Good post from Tannaton, I would add that I changed my TF80 six speed oil at 225k with good results.
The theory about oil changes causing gearbox damage have been debunked on this forum by many of us oil changing high mileage boxes with no damage caused.
I think the theory comes from people that oil change damaged boxes or use the wrong oil or wrong amounts of oil.
There is no reason to think a good working auto box will be damaged by clean oil following the experiences of many here.

[JonesyGT]

My car appears to be fitted with a TF-80SD gearbox, does anyone know if this is the same oil change procedure as the SC? I can't seem to find anything referencing the SD apart from some Russian websites.

[luggsey]

My car appears to be fitted with a TF-80SD gearbox, does anyone know if this is the same oil change procedure as the SC? I can't seem to find anything referencing the SD apart from some Russian websites.

There are loads of threads about the six speed on here.
Main difference is there is a large Torx driven filler plug on top of the box.
The drain plug is a dual drain plug and level check, there is a tube within the drain plug that sticks up a couple of inches into the sump, it's got its own drain plug within the sump plug! Clever design and really simple when you see it.
Make sure as always you can get the filler plug off before draining.........

[Tannaton]

The theory about oil changes causing gearbox damage have been debunked on this forum by many of us oil changing high mileage boxes with no damage caused.

There is no reason to think a good working auto box will be damaged by clean oil following the experiences of many here.

I don't subscribe to the theory either - if it was your engine oil you wouldn't think twice.

[mordred1973]

I believe that car has the AISIN WARNER TF80 6-speed gearbox, which as you say the manufacturer regards as sealed for life.

Volvo do not include transmission oil changes in their service schedule for this gearbox. However for it's predecessor (AW55-50) they did recommend oil changes at 36k miles for heavy use vehicles (taxi, hot climate, heavy towing). I'm not sure if this recommendation applies to the TF80 as well.

However just about everyone in the trade regards the "sealed for life" as a bad thing, and would recommend changing the oil. Suggest you have a look on the XC90 forum - this gearbox was used in all post 2005 Mk 1 XC90 and it gets a harder time in that platform due to the additional 500 Kg or so that it weighs. The general consensus is that you should change the oil about every 72k miles or sooner if it becomes black or smells burnt. So unless your oil matches the latter, you maybe don't need to change it just yet but doing so is no bad thing.

Other manufacturers that fit this gearbox to their cars have included oil changes in the service schedule, and almost all that fitted the AW55 gearbox did so, and some latterly which suggests it was based on feedback from dealers.

Another thing I would mention is that there is also a theory where if the fluid is really dirty - changing all of the oil at once can cause damage as it will cause thick, heavy deposits to be loosened - in that instance it is recommended to change the oil gradually (say 1 litre every 1,000 miles). Most of the experienced mechanics on here haven't come across this (according to posts in the XC90 forum) but it is documented elsewhere.

Nearly all people who change the oil report noticeable improvements in feel and shifting - for some people it has even fixed problems for which they were told a new gearbox was needed. Ideally the gearbox should be taken through the full re-adaptation process, which takes about 15-45 mins on a quiet road, just re-setting the adaptation memory is second best option but neither is absolutely essential as the gearbox will re-adapt over time. But doing the first or second is much preferred to doing nothing.

This gearbox is used in many cars - Saab, Vauxhall, etc. so maintenance is wall documented:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOfjTW6b6AU

http://www.volvoxc.com/forums/showthread.php?21696-TF-80SC-transmission-fluid-change

what is the adaption process that takes 15-45 mins on a quiet road?

[Tannaton]

what is the adaption process that takes 15-45 mins on a quiet road?

Below is the process for the earlier AW55 5-speed transmission, but I believe it is the same process for the TF80 6-speed - could anyone confirm?

You need Volvo VIDA to put the transmission control module into adaptation mode (or other compatible code reader). When you undertake this process, you can feel the shifts getting better and smoother as you do it.

FYI to correct my earlier post - Volvo also recommend ATF fluid changes for the TF80 at 36k if used in harsh conditions - this was confirmed in another thread recently.

What this post does not mention is that when in adaptation mode you usually get the message "Transmission Fluid Temp High" on the dash - ignore it.

Performing the adaptive learn procedure on a Volvo requires a VADIS (Volvo factory scanner)
to put the TCM in the “Control Module Adaptation” mode. Some vehicles do not
have this function available and will need to have the TCM software reflashed so that the
control module adaptation mode will work. The TCM will not go into adaptation mode
unless the transmission oil temperature is between 150°F and 230°F. The TCM will
not adapt in Geartronic or Winter Mode.

While the TCM is in the Adaptation Mode, the orange triangle in the center of the instrument
cluster will flash when the adaptation has been completed for a particular shift.

To adapt the up shifts:
• Use the “D” position. Accelerate from a stop at a light throttle, about 1400 rpm,
through the gears to 4th, keeping the throttle steady. Come to a stop and repeat until the
orange triangle flashes after each shift.

• Next, accelerate from a stop though all five gears at a throttle opening of about 1800
rpm, keeping the throttle steady. Come to a stop and repeat until the orange triangle
flashes after each shift.

• Finally, accelerate through the gears at a throttle opening of 2500 rpm. Repeat until
the orange triangle flashes after each shift.

To adapt the down shifts:
• Use “D” position. While driving at about 45 mph in 5th gear release the throttle and
lightly brake to a stop. Repeat this procedure until the orange triangle flashes after
each downshift.

To adapt the garage shifts:
• With the engine idling and the brake pedal depressed, shift to “N” and wait 5 seconds,
now shift to “R”, wait 5 seconds then shift to “N”. Repeat this procedure until the orange
triangle flashes.

• Repeat the above procedure for “D”.
To Adapt the Neutral Control Function:
Note: Not every Volvo has the Neutral Control Function.

• While driving at about 5 mph in “D”, slowly come to a stop. Repeat this procedure until
the orange triangle flashes.

• With the engine idling and the brake pedal depressed, move the shifter to “D” and wait
about 25 seconds for the orange triangle to flash. This lets you know that the TCM is
ready to adapt. Once the flash is seen, release the brake and allow the vehicle to
crawl forward. Repeat this procedure until the orange triangle flashes just after the
brake pedal is released.

Once all of the adapts have been learned, turn off the ignition and the TCM will exit
the adaptation mode.

[mordred1973]

safe to assume they only did the computer reset at the dealer after the fluid change, they only had the car 2 hours...

[Tannaton]

.

I would say so, the main dealer will rarely do the full adaptation process as it works out very expensive for the customer for a tech at full workshop rate to drive into the country and do the adaptation.

In theory the TCM will continue to adapt to your driving style after the work has been done, and even by just resetting the adaptation memory it should eventually adapt to the same place anyway - but I've done a few cars where the shifts have been improved by doing the adaptation without any other work. Hence I think it is worth doing.

[mordred1973]

Alas I cannot do it unless the dealer put it back into adaption mode.

[Tannaton]

.

Alas that is the case - the adaptation mode is cancelled when you turn off the engine.

[jp11]

So are we saying that the adaption thing isn't normally done by a dealer after their oil change because of cost, but that it adapts itself anyway and will be OK? You could only do the adaption if you've got VIDA (and not may of us mortals have that).
My 2010 S60 D3 has 146k on it. The box works great but it does whine in top gear. My dealer said an oil change might help, or it could get worse! Obviously if it's already whining there's some wear somewhere. What does the jury think?

[Fat Magpie]

Do it, I can't see how new oil would be a bad thing if the oil change and filter change is done correctly.

[JonesyGT]

Still researching this...............it seems my gearbox uses a later spec oil to the SC, the manual recommends AW1 (JWS 3324?? not sure on this second spec) rather than the JWS 3309.

Im thinking about changing the oil myself once i get to the bottom of the oil spec puzzle but one thing im thinking about is the adaption / oil degradation counter, is this carried out / reset after every oil drop or after a few changes once the dilution is cleaner?

[Tannaton]

.

As has been said new oil is no bad thing, even without the adaptation process or clearing the memory. If in doubt of the spec for the oil, check out the cost of buying it from a dealer. Is it not in the handbook?

[GJB]

.

Has been known to be much cheaper for correct oil from Toyota

[anotherv60]

Apple juice, orange juice and water all have the same viscosity, but they taste completely different and they are very different in terms of their corrosive nature, its the same with different transmission oils. Transmission oils are NOT all the same, especially in an automatic transmissions, incorrect supply can bring on loads of issues with materials compatibility, clutch glazing, reducing efficiency (higher hydraulic pressure) and corrosion issues, not to mention reduced anti-wear protection. Sure the transmission will run, but will it continue to last as long as it could do with the correct oil?

[Dash300]

I have the 8 spd. auto box and for those of us who tow with our cars you will require an g/box oil change every 2 years. This is not made clear when Volvo fit the towbar and they will not pay for it as part of the 5 year service package despite it featuring in the service schedule requirements.

[JonesyGT]

As has been said new oil is no bad thing, even without the adaptation process or clearing the memory. If in doubt of the spec for the oil, check out the cost of buying it from a dealer. Is it not in the handbook?

The spec quoted in the manual is AW1 as per my original post.

No one seems to know what the equivalent spec of the oil should be, Opie oils have failed to reply so I will purchase it from the dealer. Everything i'm reading on the net appears to be pure speculation rather than voiced from experience.

So with this in mind i'm going to buy it from Volvo, the price quoted is £58 for 4L.

Im going to flush it a few times and then complete the adaption and reset the oil degradation calculator using vida.

[PierreC]

Aisin-Warner - the manufacturer of the TF80SC transmission - is a Toyota company. The recommended transmission fluid for this transmission in Lexus and Toyota vehicles is Toyota T-IV ... at around half the price of what you will pay for the same stuff from a Volvo dealership when branded "Volvo".

I have been using Toyota T-IV in my XC70 and XC60 for around 8 years and it is the identical stuff that Volvo sells.

Typically a full flush requires 16 litres (or 4 x 4 litre containers) to ensure that all the old fluid is replaced.

The challenge for DIY replacement of the fluid is that there is no "dipstick" to determine the level of the transmission fluid and the actual level is determined at certain temperatures by VIDA ...

[JonesyGT]

.

Hi Pierre

My auto box is a TF-80SD in a 2012 s60, AW1 is spec'd in the manual.

Is the Toyota Spec oil T-IV the same as AW1 and not the earlier JWS3309 oil?

As an alternative to Volvo I was looking at this one from opie oils

https://opieoils.co.uk/p-906-motul-multi-atf-fully-synthetic-car-automatic-gearbox-oil-atf.aspx

[PierreC]

Ah! My 2010 T6 has the TF-80SC transmission and the manual specifies JWS3309 fluid, which is exactly the same as Toyota T-IV.

It will be very interesting to know what the Toyota designation of the TF-80SD transmission is, and what transmission fluid they use (i..e. is there a newer version of T-IV - T-V? - that meets the AW1 spec)? Or maybe the T-IV has been "upgraded" to meet both specifications?

I assume the "AW" in AW1 designates Aisin-Warner, so there is bound to be a (cheaper) Toyota equivalent.

Interestingly, my V40 D4 has a TG-81SC (8 speed) transmission - the owners manual states that it needs AW1 transmission fluid.

[xc60t6]

Hi,

I'm new to this. I own a 2012 Volvo XC60 T6 with 6 speed transmission. Does anyone here have information on the actual Volvo transmission fluid, differential fluid and halfex fluid part numbers?

[GJB]

.

Try Opie oils web site .

[GusGecko]

I havnt yet asked the dealer, but is the general recommendation to change automatic transmission fluid at 50-70k miles unless heavily towed?

Have many owners done this?

[Tannaton]

.

Yup, Volvo recommend 36k for arduous use vehicles such as hot climate, taxis and towing. I think I'm correct in saying that most of the mechanics on here would say a figure as you suggest for normal, domestic use cars.

Just about everyone that does change it reports an improvement in feel/behaviour. Don't forget to at least clear the adaptation memory though - better still do the full process.

[v70stu]

How is the memory cleared? With a battery disconnection?

[Tannaton]

.

Noooo.... must be done with Volvo VIDA or other Volvo compatible diagnostic equipment that can read/write to the TCM.

I've read in a few places people suggesting that if you disconnect the battery and short the leads it will clear all sorts of things but it's an old wives cobblers tale - in the same way the car doesn't forget your keys and what it is...

[cookci]

I might have missed it but whats the going rate for a change on the 6 speed?

[wimorrison]

You don't, officially there is no oil change needed

[mordred1973]

I might have missed it but whats the going rate for a change on the 6 speed?

about £250 from a Volvo dealer, bit less from a specialist from my own experience last year.....

[Chief inspector]

The gearbox needs to be flushed on the diagnostic machine, I have the kit for Fiat group cars and the transmission needs to be up to temperature and it exercises itself during the process, just a drain and refill wont work and has the potential for air bubbles.

On the Alfa 159 for example also with the FWD Aisin unit (6spd), you hook it up, warm it up and follow the prompts to drain and refill, assume Volvo is the same as both ultimately connect the the Aisin control unit. While you're doing it solenoids etc. seem to exercise themselves and you need to run through the gears as well.

[luggsey]

.

Lots of us on here have flushed/changed the oil on the six speed AW box without such problems, the Volvo documented method is I believe using the cooler line as well.

[St James]

I got my gearbox oil change in my service pack, fixed at £190 extra on top.

That's with Paul Rigby in Birmingham.

[Spacejam]

Below is the process for the earlier AW55 5-speed transmission, but I believe it is the same process for the TF80 6-speed - could anyone confirm?

You need Volvo VIDA to put the transmission control module into adaptation mode (or other compatible code reader). When you undertake this process, you can feel the shifts getting better and smoother as you do it.

FYI to correct my earlier post - Volvo also recommend ATF fluid changes for the TF80 at 36k if used in harsh conditions - this was confirmed in another thread recently.

What this post does not mention is that when in adaptation mode you usually get the message "Transmission Fluid Temp High" on the dash - ignore it.

Performing the adaptive learn procedure on a Volvo requires a VADIS (Volvo factory scanner)
to put the TCM in the “Control Module Adaptation” mode. Some vehicles do not
have this function available and will need to have the TCM software reflashed so that the
control module adaptation mode will work. The TCM will not go into adaptation mode
unless the transmission oil temperature is between 150°F and 230°F. The TCM will
not adapt in Geartronic or Winter Mode.

While the TCM is in the Adaptation Mode, the orange triangle in the center of the instrument
cluster will flash when the adaptation has been completed for a particular shift.

To adapt the up shifts:
• Use the “D” position. Accelerate from a stop at a light throttle, about 1400 rpm,
through the gears to 4th, keeping the throttle steady. Come to a stop and repeat until the
orange triangle flashes after each shift.

• Next, accelerate from a stop though all five gears at a throttle opening of about 1800
rpm, keeping the throttle steady. Come to a stop and repeat until the orange triangle
flashes after each shift.

• Finally, accelerate through the gears at a throttle opening of 2500 rpm. Repeat until
the orange triangle flashes after each shift.

To adapt the down shifts:
• Use “D” position. While driving at about 45 mph in 5th gear release the throttle and
lightly brake to a stop. Repeat this procedure until the orange triangle flashes after
each downshift.

To adapt the garage shifts:
• With the engine idling and the brake pedal depressed, shift to “N” and wait 5 seconds,
now shift to “R”, wait 5 seconds then shift to “N”. Repeat this procedure until the orange
triangle flashes.

• Repeat the above procedure for “D”.
To Adapt the Neutral Control Function:
Note: Not every Volvo has the Neutral Control Function.

• While driving at about 5 mph in “D”, slowly come to a stop. Repeat this procedure until
the orange triangle flashes.

• With the engine idling and the brake pedal depressed, move the shifter to “D” and wait
about 25 seconds for the orange triangle to flash. This lets you know that the TCM is
ready to adapt. Once the flash is seen, release the brake and allow the vehicle to
crawl forward. Repeat this procedure until the orange triangle flashes just after the
brake pedal is released.

Once all of the adapts have been learned, turn off the ignition and the TCM will exit
the adaptation mode.

Do you know if this procedure is the same for the TG-81SC gearbox?

[Bits]

Hi All,
I bought a 2006 D5 XC90 a week ago. The gearbox needs a fluid service as a message came up today on the dash. The car has done <90k miles.
I have bought 7l of Triple QX ATF Plus, purchased from Euro Car Parts.
I have purchased 2 sets of sump washers (Alu and rubber) from Volvo.
I plan on doing the fluid change myself; :rolleyes:

Remove the torx fill plug after getting the gearbox up to temp.
Remove the sump tube and collect the oil in a clean container.
Inspect the old oil for any contaminates - metal etc.
Weigh the old oil.
Replace the sump plug when the old oil stops dripping and use a new alu washer - usually after a cup of tea.
Weigh the same amount of new oil and add to the box - refit the torx plug.
Run the car for several hundred miles then repeat the oil change using the Toyota cheaper oil.
Any comments please - will be appreciated.
Regards,
Mark. :regular_smile:

[Tannaton]

Hi All,
I bought a 2006 D5 XC90 a week ago. The gearbox needs a fluid service as a message came up today on the dash. The car has done <90k miles.
I have bought 7l of Triple QX ATF Plus, purchased from Euro Car Parts.
I have purchased 2 sets of sump washers (Alu and rubber) from Volvo.
I plan on doing the fluid change myself; :rolleyes:

Remove the torx fill plug after getting the gearbox up to temp.
Remove the sump tube and collect the oil in a clean container.
Inspect the old oil for any contaminates - metal etc.
Weigh the old oil.
Replace the sump plug when the old oil stops dripping and use a new alu washer - usually after a cup of tea.
Weigh the same amount of new oil and add to the box - refit the torx plug.
Run the car for several hundred miles then repeat the oil change using the Toyota cheaper oil.
Any comments please - will be appreciated.
Regards,
Mark. :regular_smile:

That’s should be fine... except make sure you remove the whole sump plug not just the middle level drain (which I believe is what you are saying).

You will get around 3.5 litres out each time, maybe 4 if the car has been driven onto ramps and is “nose up”. 4 of these changes will get you to a circa 94% change.

What is the exact message on the dash?

[Tannaton]

Do you know if this procedure is the same for the TG-81SC gearbox?

I can’t answer that I’m afraid...

[windy millar]

I will do my second change this afternoon, the first was 3 weeks ago and gave smoother changes afterwards.
I plan to do this every 2 or 3 weeks weather permitting until it is pretty clear, which it certainly wasn't on the first drain.
My thinking was to give it time to circulate the new oil to mix better with the old, is this a bad idea? ie. is it better to drain and fill until clear in one go rather than my method?

[S60D5-185]

I will do my second change this afternoon, the first was 3 weeks ago and gave smoother changes afterwards.
I plan to do this every 2 or 3 weeks weather permitting until it is pretty clear, which it certainly wasn't on the first drain.
My thinking was to give it time to circulate the new oil to mix better with the old, is this a bad idea? ie. is it better to drain and fill until clear in one go rather than my method?


That's the way I do it for exactly the same reasons as yourself.

Plenty of others have done it in one go via the Gibbons method without any issues though.

Personal preference I suppose