The BIG Transmission Posting: Gibbons method + other goodies!

[Astro14]

I don't like it...every time you disconnect that line, you have to replace the o-rings...so for a D&F, you're replacing the o-rings? And if you're off by 200 ml (which is likely...mine drains slightly differently each time), then what, you're going to pull the cooler hose again?

Just get a $1.99 funnel that's got a long and flexible tube on it, keep it clean use it only for this...

And for the 6 speed (which should be discussed in another forum), those transmissions have very specific fill/level check procedures...very specific...so, without a dipstick, why would you be adding fluid unless you followed those procedures?? Incidentally, this is true for lots of late-model cars, they have sealed transmissions...

[hounddog]

Just wanted to say that if the serial # on your Aisen Warner falls within the range quoted on the forum, by all means get the kit (under $25.!) and have it
installed (about $80.) Generally the range includes XC 70s manufactured between March '01 and July '02.

I had serious shift harshness/rpm flare from 2nd to 3rd, and this install fixed the problem completely. Not only that, it provided a much smoother downshift from 3rd to 2nd.

This is my first post to the forum, and it appears this fix saved me $4K!!!

I have also heard from a number of Volvo mechanics that a power flush for high mileage transmissions IS dangerous because it can dislodge sludge that could then clog the valve body. A better fix is frequent service which allows for half the trans fluid to be drained and replaced, with the addition of a half pint of Seafoam Transtune. This hopefully will clean the valve body over time with less danger of a clog forming.

Best ~ Hounddog

[sdshawver]

I'm taking my '01 V70XC to the dealer for the fuel pump recall. I'm going to have the transmission flashed as well. Just had it rebuilt but they didn't flash the transmission and I have the neutral stop issue. I have a copy of the 2006 TSB to reflash to remove and update the software. I think I have the same problem with many that the service writer is going to tell me either I don't need it or sell me more service. She claims $125 for the work. Doesn't sound bad, but the TSB says .3 hr labor. I love the help here as it is big help to know what has transpired before. Seems like in Texas the word Volvo is not in any of the known languages on Earth.

[Astro14]

My understanding of the Volvo Service for Life policy is this: if your car is in for other work, they will update the software for FREE.

So, with the fuel pump recall, your car is already in for work...so, why the charge?? Search the threads, there are several threads on the policy as stated by Volvo...and lots of dealers that try to slime out (intransitive verb...meaning to dishonestly avoid) of that policy and charge you for what the company says should be provided for free...

http://www.volvocars.com/us/top/your...s/default.aspx

http://www.volvocars.com/us/top/your...e_for_Life.pdf

[Davidatthepoint]

How can you not disconnect this line if you're doing a flush? However I see your point when it comes to getting a final level at the end .....I did do that small amount through the dipstick hole.
I guess I like idea of all that nice new fluid flowing over and through the valve body.

[Astro14]

Looks like a neater/cleaner way to fill it...I'll have to give it a try...

Since the old fluid goes into a measured container ( I use a washer fluid bottle, 2 Qts at a time), there should be no problem with filling this way...

But I don't think that it matters that the fluid lands on the VB...the only fluid going through it came through the pump first...

[mustangman]

I want to install the magnetic micro inline filter like Folkster did. Does any one happen to know the inside diameter of the hose I have to cut is? I think it's ether 5/16 or 3/8. Would like to have the filter ready ti install so if I knew what the hose diameter is I could order it now. Great site, have leaned a lot from you all.

[Astro14]

Check out Howard's site .. He describes how he installed it...google Howard's Volvo

[tribologist]

Hi,

I did the oil on my 2001 with 125K last night.

I been reading the forum on various ways to change the oil and I was concerned over all the disasters described and the sensitivity of the fill volume and the significant thermal expansion of the ATF fluid. To address that I did it little different. I purchased new o-rings and a new clip for the cooler connection and when I changed them I measured all the dimensions of the fitting and made a copy of it that I put a 1/2" hose barb on. I re-used the old rings and the clip for it.This allowed me to get a 100% secure hose connection. I also got a hose that slipped nicely over the oil return fitting that I connected to a funnel for filling the new fluid into the tranny.

(I was intending to fill through the dip stick and made a "dipstick lookaliker" with a hose barb on but it appeared easier to fill through the return line.)

To change the oil I put a gallon bottle on a Sams club remote readout shipping scale that allowed me to measure the weight of the oil I pumped out while sitting in the car. I then weighted and marked the Toyota oil bottles (nom 870g total, 800g oil). Using the shipping scale I took out about 1600g oil at the time and filled back two quarts. After I was almost through my 12 qt I did a careful tally on all the container weights using a more precise 5g resolution kitchen scale allowing me to fill the oil back within +-20 grams. A full gallon bottle is only about 3000g so you don't need a big scale. Make sure you weigh and mark all containers (including the fresh oil ones) before starting.

I also measured the dry weight on my rag so I could account for the oil spill I got when disconnecting the hose from the cooler.

This is probably nothing new but it is worth repeating since it makes it much easier and less risky. It is quite hard to measure three gallon very precisely and the dip stick sensitivity and the oil expansion issue makes it tricky to know how much oil to add back in when filling. Using the mass of the fluid eliminates most errors and it allow you to know exactly how much oil you took out and putting back in including minor spills. (Just weight the rag after you collected the spilled oil on it.)

the Harbor freight 5000g $19 scale is probably perfectly fine for this.

Here are the fittings I made, the second one is for the dipstick tube but I have not needed it yet since I filled through the return hose.

[Julien]

Hi, a small point, but is the transmission drain plug washer the same part as the engine oil drain plug?