XC70: Gearbox Auto Transmission Fluid Change

[RM955I]

Hi, I'll be picking up my 'new' V70 shortly and a series of "sump dumps" is high on my list. The car is a 2009 D5 205bhp auto which, as far as I know, is the 6sp auto. I've done a few of the 5sp AW boxes but not one of these.

Does this procedure relate to all 6sp or just the XC?

Thanks

[MartinK]

Originally Posted by RM955I

Does this procedure relate to all 6sp or just the XC?

Thanks

All 6 speed geartronic...

[RM955I]

I've done about 5 sump dumps now - the ATF is a lot better but still a long way from coming out cherry red, which in my view just goes to show the benefit of letting the clean ATF and the detergent in it, really go to work.

What I did do on the last one was to set the level and not rely on having taken measurements from a calibrated jug. Even having been careful in my measurements on each and every sump dump, I was about 200ml under when measured 'the proper way'.

If you're going to do a few sump dumps I would suggest checking using the prescribed method once you've done a few.

[richardt1994]

Hello All,

When I bought my V70 (second hand) from Rigby Volvo in Birmingham, I persuaded them to change the AFT fluid as there was no indication on the service record that it had ever been done and the car had a tow bar fitted indicating that at some point it had been towing something. Does anyone know how Volvo dealers change the ATF fluid? they cannot be doing the "sump dump" method as it would require repeat visits to them. Do they have a machine/pump that does this and empties ALL of the ATF fluid before re-filling it? I would hate to think that Rigby just did one sump dump and that was all.

On my old Audi A6 the Audi dealers had a machine that drained and replaced the oil in the multitronic gearbox which was needed every 40,000 miles. My local indie Audi specialist did not have this machine and advised me to go to Audi for the 40,000 mile service to get the fluid changed. Must have worked as I did 180,000 miles in 7 years with no gearbox issues. (Admittedly the engine did go bang eventually, but not the gearbox!)

Any thoughts anyone?

[MartinK]

Richard

It's called the "Gibbons Method" (for some reason)

They take a pipe off the cooler, run the waste out, and with the car running, pull the oil through the system at the same time

Takes around 16 litres of oil to "flush" the system

Well documented, and also I have a pdf of the process if you want me to mail it to you.

[MartinK]

Richard - link to volvo pdf for "gibbons" here:
http://www.defender2.net/gallery/alb...d_change~0.pdf

You will notice I picked some of the diagrams for my initial write-up

[richardt1994]

Hi Martin,

Thanks very much for the information and link to the PDF file. To be honest it is probably a bit beyond my mechanical ability! I think I will stick to getting it done by the dealer every 2 years or so to be on the safe side.

BTW, this is going to sound a little bit mad but I think I may know you. If you are who I think you are I will send you an email to you work email address to see if I am right. :-)

Thanks anyway.

[Finbo]

Interestingly, today I booked my 08 plate XC70 in for its 9th annual service with the Volvo dealer I use. I was told over the phone what was listed by Volvo as being required for this service. And guess what, changing the automatic gearbox oil was listed.
Has Volvo changed its policy so it longer states that the box is 'sealed for life', unless used as a taxi or for towing?
Anyone else heard of this being a service item now?

[RM955I]

Volvo never did claim the box was sealed for life: they maintained the ATF would not need changing during the normal working life of the vehicle unless used for taxi work or towing. "Chinese whispers" have resulted in the wrong information passing into folklore.

[RM955I]

I did yet another sump dump yesterday. I've lost count - must be up to 6 maybe 7 now and the fluid is still a long way from coming out the colour it went in. That's positive as it tells me the fresh fluid (and detergent) continues to break down deposits.

What I can say is that these 'boxes are sensitive to fluid level. The first 4 or 5 times I measured and replaced. The next one I used the prescribed method to check level and found myself 200ml short. Yesterday I did the same and still found that I needed about an extra 100ml until it started coming out - I can't explain that but suspect that residual oil in the container and jug, plus perhaps the difference that the meniscus makes in the jug all contribute (there are no leaks before anyone assumes that)

I allowed it to drip until it reached 50 degrees. Ramps are useful for removing the undertray but the filler (drip) plug can be reached at arm's length without them. There is a noticeable improvement in lower gear shifts and it's now starting to shift even more smoothly - it was never an issue but I believe in 'preventative maintenance'.

To reiterate, these boxes do seem very sensitive to level so use the prescribed method - measure and fill isn't always accurate enough.