Good

Well, I left my FL2 with a Volvo specialist yesterday for its auto gearbox fluid change and I have to say I’m a bit flummoxed! I should say that the chap in question is well regarded in Volvo circles locally and has extensive experience of servicing Volvos and, in particular, their AWD systems. While I’ve never had an AWD Volvo I’ve had our two turbo automatic Volvos serviced by him for many years and have full confidence in the work he’s done on them.

However, I’m not convinced that his method for doing the ATF change is logical as he didn’t use the filler opening on the top of the gearbox but fills the box via the level tube in the drain plug using a large syringe. He said that he measured the amount of fluid drained out and replaced it with the same amount of fresh fluid using the syringe. My initial thought was that this seemed a tedious way to do it but as long as the same amount of fluid went back in, then OK. However on reflecting on it it seems to me that it would be impossible to replace the same amount this way as the correct fluid level without the engine running will always be higher than the top of the level tube. It’s only with the engine running, and the fluid pumped round the gearbox, that the level drops to the top of the level tube.

We were due to take a 200 mile trip this weekend but I’m concerned lest there’s insufficient ATF in the box and we might damage it. Am I right to be concerned?

I have seen a similar method such as you describe done on a Citroen on Youtube. However, as long as he was fastidious in putting in the same quantity as he took out I guess it is ok. Personally, I take the longer route. Overfill, get the box hot then check/adjust the level.

Bob 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)

Thanks, Bob. My concern is that I can’t see how he could put back the same amount as drained out as, by definition, the correct amount of ATF fluid will fill the box above the level tube until the engine is running and the fluid is pumped round the gearbox. And it surely isn’t possible to fill above the level tube by this method? I will look for the YouTube video you mention to see if it throws any light on this but, like you, I think the only safe way to do it is overfill, warm the gearbox up and use the level tube to set the final level with the engine running.

He would have filled it through the level tube. As long as qty in = qty out you should be safe.

Bob 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)

Thanks again, Bob. He was filling it through the level tube but I’m not certain that, having filled it to that level with the engine off, he then started the engine and added more. I need to go back to him on Monday and find out exactly what he did.

P.S. This is the link to the YouTube video of a Citroen gearbox being filled via the level tube -
- and of course the engine has to be running for the final 1/2 litre or so. I must assume my guy did it this way but I will check with him!

Simon J wrote:

Well, I left my FL2 with a Volvo specialist yesterday for its auto gearbox fluid change and I have to say I’m a bit flummoxed! I should say that the chap in question is well regarded in Volvo circles locally and has extensive experience of servicing Volvos and, in particular, their AWD systems. While I’ve never had an AWD Volvo I’ve had our two turbo automatic Volvos serviced by him for many years and have full confidence in the work he’s done on them.

However, I’m not convinced that his method for doing the ATF change is logical as he didn’t use the filler opening on the top of the gearbox but fills the box via the level tube in the drain plug using a large syringe. He said that he measured the amount of fluid drained out and replaced it with the same amount of fresh fluid using the syringe. My initial thought was that this seemed a tedious way to do it but as long as the same amount of fluid went back in, then OK. However on reflecting on it it seems to me that it would be impossible to replace the same amount this way as the correct fluid level without the engine running will always be higher than the top of the level tube. It’s only with the engine running, and the fluid pumped round the gearbox, that the level drops to the top of the level tube.

We were due to take a 200 mile trip this weekend but I’m concerned lest there’s insufficient ATF in the box and we might damage it. Am I right to be concerned?

Many thanks, Steve. Obviously the secret is that the last 1/2 litre or so can only be added with the engine running so that’s what I have to check on Monday.

Pretty sure that’s how the FFRR box was levelled, take the main drain out to (guess what) drain, put it back in and remove the centre small filler nit, fill box from underbelow until the expensive stuff ran out and done.

Something like that anyway...... Regards

David

Lovely i6 has now gone, but not me......

Please let me know if anything in my post offends you, as I may wish to offend you again......

About to flush our 2010 auto. Has anyone heard of or used this Mannol 8218 ATF? It is JWS 3309 and seems pretty reasonable on price. Too cheap maybe? Another one is Pemco. Don’t know them either.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=ht...3081772419

@ milltime Have a look at Smith and Allan - Ive used them for several years

https://www.smithandallan.com/ Jules

Simon J wrote:

Well, I left my FL2 with a Volvo specialist yesterday for its auto gearbox fluid change and I have to say I’m a bit flummoxed! I should say that the chap in question is well regarded in Volvo circles locally and has extensive experience of servicing Volvos and, in particular, their AWD systems. While I’ve never had an AWD Volvo I’ve had our two turbo automatic Volvos serviced by him for many years and have full confidence in the work he’s done on them.

However, I’m not convinced that his method for doing the ATF change is logical as he didn’t use the filler opening on the top of the gearbox but fills the box via the level tube in the drain plug using a large syringe. He said that he measured the amount of fluid drained out and replaced it with the same amount of fresh fluid using the syringe. My initial thought was that this seemed a tedious way to do it but as long as the same amount of fluid went back in, then OK. However on reflecting on it it seems to me that it would be impossible to replace the same amount this way as the correct fluid level without the engine running will always be higher than the top of the level tube. It’s only with the engine running, and the fluid pumped round the gearbox, that the level drops to the top of the level tube.

We were due to take a 200 mile trip this weekend but I’m concerned lest there’s insufficient ATF in the box and we might damage it. Am I right to be concerned?

jules wrote:

@ milltime Have a look at Smith and Allan - Ive used them for several years

https://www.smithandallan.com/

Great supplier..... Regards

David

Lovely i6 has now gone, but not me......

Please let me know if anything in my post offends you, as I may wish to offend you again......

Thanks very much for the recommendations. 20l duly ordered from Smith and Allan. I’m planning to flush from the cooler connections. The only additional thing I’m planning to do is empty the sump and refill with new oil before I flush. My thinking is if I just flush it, I have to dilute all the oil in the sump as well as the oil in the torque converter. If I have already changed the sump oil, my theory is that it will flush with less fluid as the new fluid in the sump should give it a bit of a head start. Time will tell!

I have a question is it possible flush the box using a Vacuum Oil Pump Fluid Extractor attached to the oil cooler return extracting the automatic transmission fluid both in the auto box and torque converter without the engine running.