Aisin TG-81SC Transmission fluid change on high milage

[KarolisG]

Hi Guys,

So here is the story,
I bought second hand company owned 2017 Volvo V90 D4 Inscription few months ago with 113k miles (I know what you thinking, I must be mad buying such high milage car ) anyway it had full Volvo dealership service history with belt done at 87k (which is unusual.. people usually ditching cars around 90k mikes so they wouldn't need to pay £1k to change it) car had almost full spec and I couldn't resist it.
So back to Transmission, since I bought it I have done around 7k miles and car now has over 120k miles on the clock. I noticed some harder shifting especially when slowing down from high speeds when approaching some junction or roundabouts..
I spoke to dealership where car have been serviced and there is no record of TF being changed.
I dont believe this Volvo "sealed for life" nonsense because its probably covered for 3years/60k miles while car has warranty. After all its mechanical part with lots of movement involved.
And here is the million £$ question should I change it or should I not (and just sell the car ?)
Because half of the people say change it, other half says leave it because it might make it worse.

Thanks
Karl

[Roosterb]

Yes change it. BMW claim the same. I changed mine in my last beemer at 100k miles and it was like a different car. Much smoother.

[Bonefishblues]

Change.

[Kev0607]

Agreed... Change it.

[Hoot]

Will the main dealer do the fluid change, or do you need to go to a Volvo specialist to get this done.
Why would getting it changed make it worse?

[KarolisG]

I would change it my self, the reason for that is, I don't like Volvo separating normal TF change procedure in to 3 stages and trying to charge me fortune for it.
I had quote from main Volvo dealership here in Kent for TF change and thats what they charge :

To drain TF and refill with new ~£380 (thats around 4L)
To reset gearbox and "If" it needs adaptation (which obviously will, because c'mon for them its free money right? ) thats extra £120
And if I want to flush it thats £25 pounds per x amount.

Also Im not very keen on flushing it, I rather drain it --> fill it up --> go through the gears --> drain it --> repeat process 3-4 times --> fill it up and drain access fluid when gearbox is at 50c-60c and bob's your uncle.

I have seen people doing it :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9bw...hannel=FCPEuro

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAb9...el=volvosweden

Also Im not complete noob, I have decent knowledge of mechanics so most of work on cars I do my self (brakes, timing belt pump's and so on)

About why it would make it worst Im not sure, people are saying if you leave TF for too long it becomes thicker and new fluid would make gear box slip or something.

Thats why I need some info from you guys

[Bonefishblues]

You look like you've read the threads, you know the procedure, and have mechanical knowledge, clearly.

What additional info do you need, specifically?

[cheshired5]

I did it recently on YouTube on a car receiving its first change in 135k miles.
The improvement in gear change is exactly as you might expect with no downside so I'm not understanding the uncertainty either.
An initial 3 litre drain followed by 3 fills of around 3.2 litres, in total £30 worth of fluid.

[KarolisG]

Hey guys,

So finally I end up changing oil and you were right it does improve shifts big time, oil from first drain was literally black no redness at all, after another 2 drains it did improved but still dark red, so Im thinking will do another change in next 10-15k miles.
Thanks for advice

[Backinavolvo]

Did you do any software or literally just changed fluid?