S60 Geartronic Fluid Change

[Dash300]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

The transmission is "sealed for life". Volvo claim that the fluid only needs to be changed if the vehicle is used for towing heavy loads or as a taxi. In their view, it doesn't need to be changed if the vehicle isn't used for these purposes! However, lots of manufacturers claim their transmissions are also "sealed for life", so Volvo aren't on their own in that department.

I agree the transmission fluid needs to be changed at some point (even if it isn't used as a taxi or for towing). It wouldn't be wise to drive a car without ever changing the oil, nor is it wise to never change the transmission fluid using that same logic either. Plus, there's a drain & fill plug that's accessible = Fluid can be emptied & filled back up again (meaning the transmission isn't exactly "sealed" if you can drain/fill the fluid from it relatively easily). Volvo & other manufacturers just use the term "sealed for life" as a way of saying "maintenance free" (just a different slogan that means the same thing). Although, the transmission itself isn't "sealed" as such.

Its easy to see why people don't bother changing the transmission fluid in many respects. If the manufacturer doesn't specify it for cars that aren't used for towing heavy loads or as a taxi, then its a job that's forgotten about the majority of the time by those that don't use their vehicles for this purpose because Volvo say it doesn't need to be done. In fact, it may well be forgotten by those that do use their vehicles for taxi or towing purposes!

There's many a car bonnet throughout the country that is barely opened throughout the year, so it doesn't surprise me that the transmission is forgotten about. Although, one would hope that owners realise that no fluids or oil lasts forever & need to be changed to maintain strong operation.

Originally Posted by Simmy

dont pay £480 thats a rip off main dealer price find a good local indie or do it yourself and save ££££££££s

The last two changes by my Volvo main dealer were £290. I'm more than happy with that as it is done properly and software updated accordingly.

[The Thong]

Originally Posted by Dash300

The last two changes by my Volvo main dealer were £290. I'm more than happy with that as it is done properly and software updated accordingly.

My local dealers (as in two of them) won’t entertain it. I mention it annnnd they go yeah ok. I pick the car up after a reset and it’s just the same a few days after. We tested it and it seems fine, can’t find anything. Is it my imagination??

TT

[Dash300]

Originally Posted by The Thong

My local dealers (as in two of them) won’t entertain it. I mention it annnnd they go yeah ok. I pick the car up after a reset and it’s just the same a few days after. We tested it and it seems fine, can’t find anything. Is it my imagination??

TT

Strange for a main dealer to be so dismissive of a transmission fluid change.
It's a matter of trust of course, as one can never tell whether they have actually done a proper flush and fill! All I can say is that my auto box still performs as it did when new. Even though I have not towed this year as all shows were cancelled I will still be getting the 3rd fluid change done in Feb along with it's service. To me trans fluid is as important as engine oil.

[Bonefishblues]

I've encountered the same thing from a Main Dealer too.

[The Thong]

You’ve got Horton just down the road, they seem happy to take on the job.

TT

[The Thong]

Originally Posted by Dash300

Strange for a main dealer to be so dismissive of a transmission fluid change.
It's a matter of trust of course, as one can never tell whether they have actually done a proper flush and fill! All I can say is that my auto box still performs as it did when new. Even though I have not towed this year as all shows were cancelled I will still be getting the 3rd fluid change done in Feb along with it's service. To me trans fluid is as important as engine oil.

I pressed them on the subject and they said they were concerned about getting contaminants in the valve block. Ok, sounds plausible but there’s plenty of motors that had this done and never had an issue. I think they don’t want to risk it. I get an intermittent flare and as been as my motor is still warranted I can see why they’re being evasive

TT

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by The Thong

You’ve got Horton just down the road, they seem happy to take on the job.

TT

Me? That's where I go. You'll see I linked their service and machine earlier in the thread. Graham reckons it changes 95%of atf in one go.

I was talking to the dealer who had been servicing the car I'd bought to get an understanding of its service history and asked if they had ever done an atf change. At that point I got the full-monty sealed for life spiel.

[The Thong]

Originally Posted by Bonefishblues

Me? That's where I go. You'll see I linked their service and machine earlier in the thread. Graham reckons it changes 95%of atf in one go.

I was talking to the dealer who had been servicing the car I'd bought to get an understanding of its service history and asked if they had ever done an atf change. At that point I got the full-monty sealed for life spiel.

Annoying isn’t it? I’ve messaged Horton, I’m awaiting a reply.

TT

[Kev0607]

Here's a summary I found on another website, which relates to the EDT machine being used to change the transmission fluid:

"Here at EDT Automotive, we are proud to say we are well known for our Engine Decontamination Machine. However, EDT also offers gearbox treatments. The auto transmission machine removes accumulated contaminants that build up over time.

An independent Volvo specialist, Horton Cars, Buckinghamshire, stated: “The obvious issue with automatic gearboxes is that it’s very difficult to get all of the fluid out of the gearbox when you do an oil change.

“Using the EDT machine, you can remove all of the oil from the gearbox and clean out every last little bit”

Graham Lange – Volvo Specialist, Horton Cars

Graham continued: “The figure is something like 97% of the oil is changed, which is not possible with simply draining the oil and replacing it – even if you flush the oil two or three times, you will not get the same result as you do with the EDT machine”.

The EDT machine undertakes automatic transmission fluid exchanges, removing old fluids and flushing the transmission through, with a bespoke cleaner, before replenishing it with new fluid and conditioner. This results in smoother gear changes, improved power delivery and fuel economy.

The EDT machine comes with a set of adaptors which is compatible with the majority of gearboxes. The machine becomes part of the gearbox circuit once connected, and works by flowing through the gears, ensuring all the oil reaches through the valve body and the torque converter. This ensures the fluid is flowing all the way through the gearbox and being cleaned and removed."

This machine sounds like a great piece of kit. Although, I'm not sure it'd be a good idea using it on a higher mileage vehicle (100,000 miles plus) with no record of the fluid ever being changed. On a vehicle with lower miles like the original poster has, then it probably wouldn't be much of an issue.

Repeated drain & fills over time may be best option on higher mileage vehicles with no transmission service records, presumably? Renewing all the fluid in one go on a vehicle that has high mileage with no service records could cause more damage than good (potential loose dirt that builds up over the years could get trapped in the internals using this machine). Or is this machine that good that this won't happen?

[Bonefishblues]

It's a bit like seeing your car on a vehicular life support system.