Geartronic fluid change

[mordred1973]

has anyone paid for this?

I know a few people suggest it is done (and even Volvo seem to suggest it when the vehicle is used for towing, which ours is several times a year with a heavy caravan)

Just asked a dealer who says it is £256 to do the gearbox oil change (ouch!)

time to look for a decent independent in Northamptonshire I think...

[GJB]

Originally Posted by mordred1973

has anyone paid for this?

I know a few people suggest it is done (and even Volvo seem to suggest it when the vehicle is used for towing, which ours is several times a year with a heavy caravan)

Just asked a dealer who says it is £256 to do the gearbox oil change (ouch!)

time to look for a decent independent in Northamptonshire I think...

I am sure that gearbox oil from Toyoto is equivalent at 1/2 price Threadl on here somewhere.

[luggsey]

Loads of threads on this and the methods used. Look for Gibbons method on youtube.
Order 20l of Mannol 3309 ATF from German ebay for £60 delivered save yourself a small fortune!

[mordred1973]

thanks for comments, no way would I try changing the fluid myself.....

just spoke to an Independent Volvo specialist, who said "don't touch the gearbox if its working fine leave well alone, if you change the oil and carry out a tcm upgrade (software) then it can cause problems with the gearbox, not going into a lot of technical jargon but the oil that is in the box is one consistency and the new oil is a different consistency and this can cause issues."

Is he scaremongering?

why would you change with a different consistency, surely it should be replaced with the same oil? Why would you have to do a software update for changing the gearbox oil?

[GJB]

Originally Posted by mordred1973

thanks for comments, no way would I try changing the fluid myself.....

just spoke to an Independent Volvo specialist, who said "don't touch the gearbox if its working fine leave well alone, if you change the oil and carry out a tcm upgrade (software) then it can cause problems with the gearbox, not going into a lot of technical jargon but the oil that is in the box is one consistency and the new oil is a different consistency and this can cause issues."

Is he scaremongering?

why would you change with a different consistency, surely it should be replaced with the same oil? Why would you have to do a software update for changing the gearbox oil?

As long as you are having a complete oil change no problems I think the only ones able to do a software update are volvo it is something about re setting the gearbox data after an oil change (£256 cheap in comparison to exchange gear box Approx £6000)

[mordred1973]

yeah if the independent isn't hugely cheaper than I will do Volvo because they aren't questioning whereas he is suggesting potential issues as a result of changing the fluid. see what he comes back with as he said he needs the reg to price it.

[mordred1973]

indi says £180, so a fair saving and says they have checked the car reg with a Volvo dealer and no software updates required....

[luggsey]

The only time an oil change may cause problems is if the clutch packs are worn out and the new oil makes them slip.
There was a survey on here a while back and nobody with a good working box has had problems after an oil change. Virtually everyone reports improved gear changes and smoother changes.
One of the members here, Clan, is a 40 year experienced Volvo man and he also recommends a full oil change.
Just ensure 3309 ATF is used (check your manual for your car as it's newer and may require a different spec oil) and make 100% sure the level is set correctly.
Loads have oil changed their box oil without any resets, I did.

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by mordred1973

thanks for comments, no way would I try changing the fluid myself.....

just spoke to an Independent Volvo specialist, who said "don't touch the gearbox if its working fine leave well alone, if you change the oil and carry out a tcm upgrade (software) then it can cause problems with the gearbox, not going into a lot of technical jargon but the oil that is in the box is one consistency and the new oil is a different consistency and this can cause issues."

Is he scaremongering?

why would you change with a different consistency, surely it should be replaced with the same oil? Why would you have to do a software update for changing the gearbox oil?

Yes, total nonsense. However it has given you a warning to stay well away from that particular independent.

I've had several Geartronic oil changes on my car and the box is as sweet as anything. And you are correct about the oil. It has a very specific specification and will always be the same consistency.

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by GJB

As long as you are having a complete oil change no problems I think the only ones able to do a software update are volvo it is something about re setting the gearbox data after an oil change (£256 cheap in comparison to exchange gear box Approx £6000)

The box does not need an update from Sweden but just telling via VIDA that the oil has been changed.

The oil itself is a very large part of the cost. You can buy the oil yourself and ask a competent independent (who has VIDA) to change it. You need 16 litres for a full change though so that is why it appears so costly. It's only once every 4 years or 48k mile though so well worth doing if you don't want to end up with a big bill. It's just nice to have a auto box that changes nicely all the time as well.