Transmission Flush - Completed

[Dxthomas]

Carried out a Gibbons method flush on my 2007 D5 yesterday.

First time I've ever done anything like this. Pleased to report that it all went to plan - except for some lost skin and the fact that I stupidly forgot to replace the drain plug washer when I had it out during the initial sump drain - doh!

I'd recommend anyone with even a modicum of spanner skills to give it a go. My previous experience of diy mechanics on cars is zero. Plenty of detailed "how to" guides make it all very easy to do - including purchasing all the specific tools (i.e. those which your household toolbox doesn't contain).

As well as all the helpful info on this forum, I also found the following write-up very informative: http://www.timthurber.com/volvo-xc90...-80sc-6-speed/

I bought all new clips / gaskets / o-rings from FRF, and used about 16l of Mobil ATF 3309. Nice and cherry-red at the end.

Used VIDA to check fluid temp (55 deg) before final fluid check - and then reset the fluid quality counter.

Only odd thing was that the car stalled every time - when I was cycling through the gears during each flush. I'm guessing it must be something to do with the air intake system which I dismantled to get access to the fill plug.

My forever enduring wife has just asked that she also get special mention for helping with the flushing part of this - which she wasn't best pleased about, as she had a million and one other things to do in the house (like watching Master Chef or Britains Got Talent...I suspect!).

[Tannaton]

Good man! Your car was probably stalling because you had bypassed the airflow meter I suspect. Nothing to worry about. Does it feel any better though?

[luggsey]

Yep, stallings normal while the air pipes off affecting the MAF I suspect.
When I changed my six speed box oil I didn't have Vida and relied on the box adapting itself, that works but I recommend reseting the adaptions if your box is not smooth or lurches between gears when hot.
My car almost instantly improved after resetting adaptions.

[Dxthomas]

Originally Posted by Tannaton

Good man! Your car was probably stalling because you had bypassed the airflow meter I suspect. Nothing to worry about. Does it feel any better though?

I haven't driven it yet. It was feeling pretty good anyway - especially for a car with 190,000 miles. It's service history shows at least one previous ATF fluid change.

I will take it to London this week - good run to see if I notice any difference.

[Dxthomas]

Originally Posted by luggsey

Yep, stallings normal while the air pipes off affecting the MAF I suspect.
When I changed my six speed box oil I didn't have Vida and relied on the box adapting itself, that works but I recommend reseting the adaptions if your box is not smooth or lurches between gears when hot.
My car almost instantly improved after resetting adaptions.

I'm in a bit of quandary as to whether or not to reset the adaptions. There seems to be mixed opinions. A lot of people seem to suggest that the box will automatically adapt anyway? I've decided I'll run the car for a week or two and see how I get on.

[colinbos]

Good job Dxthomas.... I do love it when people take the plunge with confidence and 'have a go'.

Kudos to you

[S60D5-185]

When I changed my fluid a couple of weeks ago I cleared the counters and the box and but did not go through a readaptation . Twice I've done this now, once on the xc70 and now the 90. The box has quickly relearnt by itself and definitely felt better.

[luggsey]

Originally Posted by Dxthomas

I'm in a bit of quandary as to whether or not to reset the adaptions. There seems to be mixed opinions. A lot of people seem to suggest that the box will automatically adapt anyway? I've decided I'll run the car for a week or two and see how I get on.

It's only the adaptions memory you would need to wipe, not go through the adaptions relearn process.
My box was very unhappy and grumbly after an oil change without resetting adaptions, it was flaring and hard changing but it did improve dramatically after a few days. I think clearing the adaptions would have improved it right away.
But you are ok to try it without any reset, just the oil counter needs resetting.
Saved yourself about £300 on dealer prices there!

[XJSDriver]

Yup - that is the same colour my oil was after 90,000 miles - yuk!

Just used vida to reset the counter and all sweet - I think I caught mine just in time, another 10-20,000 miles and sure would have begun to get sticky solenoids. Crazy that the filter was taken out