Auto trans specialist - Herts or Beds area

[stu440]

I hope this is ok in the 'General' section and not the 'Tech' area, i thought it quite a general query and not tied to one model. Here goes...

About a year ago when my 2010 XC70 T6 Auto went in for its previous service, i asked the garage (local Volvo Indy specialist) if they could change the trans oil as it was a bit jerky pulling away even on minimal throttle. Mileage was on about 70k.
When i collected it they said they didn't bother with the oil as it shouldn't need doing, but they did do a software reload on the trans. Didn't make any difference.
So 2 weeks ago it went in for this years service at 83k. I asked again if they could change the trans oil (having read many forum comments on how beneficial it is) and now the trans shifts quite hard from N-D when moving the lever from Neutral to Drive. Feels like someone's gone into the back of the car. Shifts ok when moving though. i'm sure they said they'd change the oil this time & do a software update.
Anyways, no oil change done, still bangs from N-D. The recommendation was to visit the local Automatic Transmission Specialist (A1 Premier Transmissions in Biggleswade, Beds).
They said it sounds like either the valve body or clutch pack and could be either £1-2k to fix. They didn't see the point in just changing the oil.
Is this just because they can get more money from the bigger jobs? They said that the box is designed to last 100k miles, and since it's done over 80 it could well need parts like the valve body etc.
If it needs doing, it needs doing but I feel like I need a 2nd opinion.
...So a couple of questions really:
- Why are 2 places reluctant to change the oil?
- Does anyone have any experience of A1 Premier Transmissions?, or can recommend a trans specialist in Herts / Beds?

ok, so that was 3 questions.

Any advice gratefully received.
Stuart.

[S60D5-185]

Stuart , I can see no reason why they would be reluctant other than they may be worried in case the box acts up after changing the fluid.

I've never known this to be the case and have changed the fluid on every Volvo Auto that I've owned and had no issues whatsoever afterwards in fact the gearbox has always felt better. You really do need to get it changed..

Why not change the oil yourself BUT make sure that you get the correct oil for your car.

This video shows what is involved and the oil can be bought relatively cheaply if you shop around.

+ YouTube Video

[DSK]

As above, every 70,000 miles is more than enough miles for a geabox oil change and ideally every 40,000 miles is better still for gearbox oil changes. Since this has come to light over the years, manufacturers no longer say 'yep the gear oil is for life'.

Usually when auto boxes start to play up, a proper full drain, flush and fill using the correct spec oil can make them healthy as new again. This is always the first thing to do unless, someone like a auto box technician states that you're gearbox is damaged and needs repair.

Oil as with everything degrades which, in turn causes various functionality issues for the gearbox.

Using the correct spec fluid (can be very costly) is vital as incorrect fluid can also do a lot of harm.

[S60D5-185]

The fluid in the Geartronic Box on my XC90 is now nice and clean after a series of sump dumps.

For the cost involved I now intend doing a single sump dump every time I change the engine oil which in my case is every 10k.

Hopefully, that should ensure the box has a longer life.

[XC90Mk1]

Originally Posted by S60D5-185

The fluid in the Geartronic Box on my XC90 is now nice and clean after a series of sump dumps.

For the cost involved I now intend doing a single sump dump every time I change the engine oil which in my case is every 10k.

Hopefully, that should ensure the box has a longer life.

That’s a great idea. Everyone should do that.

[volvoid]

I visited A1 a while ago, got the impression that they work on fancy costly cars and charge accordingly. They didnt know how to fix the manual box on my vehicle.

I went to the place behind Baldock services, take the farm track between the motorway roundabout and the services.
Much better, helpful, quick fix done very cheaply for my particular problem. A couple of local mechanics suggested them, I may not have found it otherwise. Phone them, or just turn up.

HERTS & BEDS TRANSMISSIONS LTD.
01462 835358
https://hbtrans.co/

[volvoid]

As for flushing the oil of an auto box - its easy, and it can cure a lot of problems. Cant do any harm. Use the correct oil.

[stu440]

Originally Posted by volvoid

I visited A1 a while ago, got the impression that they work on fancy costly cars and charge accordingly. They didnt know how to fix the manual box on my vehicle.

I went to the place behind Baldock services, take the farm track between the motorway roundabout and the services.
Much better, helpful, quick fix done very cheaply for my particular problem. A couple of local mechanics suggested them, I may not have found it otherwise. Phone them, or just turn up.

HERTS & BEDS TRANSMISSIONS LTD.
01462 835358
https://hbtrans.co/

Thank you Sir!
i'll pop along after work on the way home.
I got the impression with A1 that i'd be without the car for quite a while. And likely be relieved of a fair bit of cash.

[phil1968]

Originally Posted by volvoid

As for flushing the oil of an auto box - its easy, and it can cure a lot of problems. Cant do any harm. Use the correct oil.

Do you mean flushing or just replacing the transmission fluid? There is a school of thought that suggests flushing can cause problems

[The Thong]

If you don’t mind going off Reservation a bit then try these, they seem to know their onions

https://www.hortoncars.co.uk

They might be able to give you some guidance if nothing else.

TT