Transmission problems

[Elkbanner]

Hi Forum Members I am hoping I can get some advice concerning my transmission. I am the original owner of a 2004 XC70 with 310K miles. I have never touched the transmission fluid. Recently my transmission has been jerky when I start to accelerate, it seems to hesitate before jerking into gear. There is no metal sound when this happens and it does not do it all the time. I was recently in the mountains and transmission was jerking more frequently, but now that I have returned to level ground, the transmission is acting more normal. I would love to keep the car running as long as possible and I am wondering if I should do something now, such as a flush, or do nothing and hope it for the best. FYI, 2 years ago, I had the rear propeller shaft removed (by a mechanic) and it is now solely a front wheel drive car.

[vtl]

Most likely you need to repair a valve body.

[kutcht1]

WOW WEE, 310,000 miles on any transmission and it owes you nothing if you have never maintained it. That is incredible. Not sure how to advise on that one other than maybe have it looked at by someone familiar with the volvo. I for sure want to find out how this turns out as there can't be may of these transmission that have gone that far.
TomK

[AKAMick]

Well you really have done well with that mileage on a transmission that has never seen a fluid change, sounds like it has exceeded its expected life, you could try a fluid exchange, the valve body and the linear solenoids are probably really worn out and clogged up, but the rest of the transmission cannot be far behind, so anything you do probably wont extend its life too much, maybe check the ATF level though,

[Astro14]

Change the fluid first. After those kind of miles, the fluid has completely sheared out of grade. Low viscosity = low pressure. Low pressure = shift problems. Get 16 quarts and do a complete cooler line fluid exchange. When you're done, I promise it will shift better. Even if I'm wrong, you're out $100, tops.

[Elkbanner]

Thank you for your input. I am not mechanically inclined, I could probably fix it if it involved a table saw or a router - I think you are recommending a transmission flush as opposed to a fluid change?

Also, I would like to thank everyone who participates in this forum, I do not post much, however, I read a lot of the threads and have found them very helpful. For example, this site saved me money by educating me on the bread clip fix.

[Astro14]

I think we need to clarify terms.

I'm suggesting that you disconnect the lower cooler line. Slip a clear plastic hose over it. Put the hose in a graduated bucket. Run the engine until two quarts have pumped out. Shut off the engine. Add two quarts to the transmission via funnel. Repeat this seven times and the fluid will change from ugly, dark, particulate filled gunk to clear red fluid.

That's a cooler line exchange AKA "Gibbons flush". A complete exchange of fluid.

Buy this kit: https://www.ipdusa.com/products/4808...flush-hose-kit you need the clips and o-rings as yours will surely be brittle and break.

Download and follow the directions on that page. Buy 16 (I would recommend 14, but you might need one more cycle) quarts of T-IV fluid. Toyota fluid is cheap at the dealer. Valvoline import multi vehicle claims to meet JWS-3309 and works in our XC. Or, you can buy Mobil 3309 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mobil-55221-A...smission+fluid

Do not buy Volvo fluid it's Mobil 3309 that's been shipped to Sweden, put in fancy bottles, and shipped back to be sold for four times the price.

If you still have your fingers after using a table saw, you can do this.

[JRL]

Personally, the life of your tranny has exceeded normal use considering you never changed the fluid and starting to change fluid now or installing a new or rebuilt balvebosy is a total waste of time and money.

Astro, this XC has too many miles to start spending money on fooling with a bad tranny

For a little more money search for a GUARANTEED used transmission and install it.
If you go that route or rebuild yours, for GOD'S SAKE! Change the damn fluid every 30K miles from now on!

Call Erie
www.erievovo.com or 1 888 VOLVO 13

[Astro14]

You're likely right, Jim...at 300,000+ it could very easily be completely worn out...and running on old fluid likely caused more rapid wear...

But I personally would take a chance and spend the $100 or so that the new fluid represents. Worst case, he's out $100...best case, it keeps the car on the road a little while longer...

But I don't want to get my hopes up, either...

[Scopeman]

Also, I am sure that the fluid counter should be reset using VIDA.