Transmission fluid change via vacuum pump

[kdst5]

I believe the big problem with the volume is the temperature of the fluid as it expands and contracts quite a bit. So if the temperature of the fluid you take out of the box is the same as temperature of the new fluid it shouldn't be a problem.

It's also why I believe the official way to set the level is to get the temperature up to I think 80C and then undo the level check bolt. Quite how much the fluid expands with temperature I don't know.

[DieselDoNicely]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

Hello all,

I come across a post recently where someone asked if it was possible to suck the fluid out of the transmission using a hand fluid extractor. I thought this was intriguing, so I'm just wondering has anyone managed to do this on the TF80-SC transmission? I can't find the thread with the original post.

I'm assuming, if possible, if would be a case of sucking the old fluid out via the fill port and adding back exactly what was drained, then reset the transmission fluid counter via vida? There would be no need to set the level as such because it hasn't been drained via the drain plug.

The Gibbons method. Anyone remember that :-). Use Volvo fluid so Ive been informed else the box clunks. And mine did.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by DieselDoNicely

The Gibbons method. Anyone remember that :-). Use Volvo fluid so Ive been informed else the box clunks. And mine did.

You can use what brand fluid you want, its the spec of the fluid that matters. For example, my car takes JWS3309 transmission fluid. You can buy any brand you want, so long as the spec meets or exceeds JWS3309. You can't just throw any old fluid in it. Plenty of people on here use alternative brands and never had an issue, but they buy the right spec.

If your transmission was clunking after a fluid change and remained clunking, its likely that there was a problem beforehand and the new fluid having new properties made the transmission slip or bang. Volvo fluid isn't magic... if there's a problem with the transmission, Volvo fluid alone won't solve it. Although fluid changes help, but its not always guaranteed to be a success. Maybe your transmission was clunking because you didn't put the right fluid in? Not that I'm trying to point the finger, I'm just saying its an easy mistake. Or its a possibility that the car didn't have regular transmission servicing in the past, maybe a high mileage car for example. Or, of course, you could have just been unlucky.

When replacing fluid, the car needs to "learn" the transmission how to change via the transmission control module, this is called adaptions. You can do this in VIDA or let the car do it itself, but new fluid can cause the transmission to be a bit jerky at first until the car learns how to "adapt" with the new fluid.

The most important thing is the right spec of fluid is used. Check your owner's manual to find the specs, or ask on here. Like I said, I'm not trying to blame you, but its unusual that Volvo fluid alone solved the problems with the rough gear changes. Sounds to me like the transmission wasn't serviced properly in the past.