2000 S70 GLT-SE Automatic. Front wheel drive.

Getting 100k mile service done at dealer later this week. Transmission fluid has never been changed. Service write up clerk offered BG Transmission Power Flush. Is this worth the 200 or so?

I'm planning on keeping the car, but my understanding is that they refill it with BG Synthetic transfluid, NOT Mobil/Volvo 3309. Is that a concern? From searching archives and other sites, people really feel strong about using the Volvo/Mobil 3309.

Thanks. I just wonder if they are Flushing my wallet. Dealer seems real tight with BG products now, they dump some in at every oil change, also uses BG for power stearing flush, Oil system flush, etc.

I did read Klauses idea to use the 3 gallon method but I can't find Mobil3309 locally and don't have the time to do it. I'd rather pay to have them do it, but I want it done with the appropriate fluid, not something the service advisor is pushing.

Hey Oak,
If you are still listening (people who do not register cannot be relied on) there is an easier way to flush.

Remove the intake air pipe from the air cooler to the front of the car. This gives you easy access to the Tranny dip stick and the oil cooler line. The top line to the radiator (driver's side) is the output line from the tranny. Undo the clip and pull the line off. Attach a clear line with enough length to get to the floor next to the front wheel. Have 3 gallon jugs (empty milk cartons work), each marked at the 2 quart level.
When you start the car, the ATF will pour into the gallon jug. As the fluid reaches the 2 quart mark, turn off the engine and add 2 new quarts of ATF through the dipstic hole. Repeat until you have "flushed" all 12 quarts and added 12 quarts. This take about 30 minutes. The hardest part is waiting for the new fluid to go through the funnel.
Reattach the tranny line to the radiator. Put the intake air line back on. Drive around for 15 minutes to get the tranny nice and hot. Check the fluid level.

Recycle the fluid at the same place you bring used motor oil.

Klaus
--
1975 164 w/174,800mi (Sold) 1995 850T w/91,000mi, 1998 V70R w/129,000mi

Hello Klaus,

I hate to argue, but the problem with that method is that it doesn't flush the cooler, just the transaxle. I mentioned that in my post (not sure if you read it or not), as I was sure that someone would suggest this "easier" method. The procedure that I gave him is what Volvo suggests and what I have always done. As I said, it's a more complete flush and runs no risk of breaking those plastic clips at the radiator end (can be a real problem if you don't have new one's on hand). Also, 15 minutes of driving is not long enough to get a tranny "nice and hot". Anyway, your method would work, but my suggestion is much more thorough.

Joe S. - Volvo Master Technician

2000 S70 AWD, 1995 850 Turbo, 1981 242 Turbo w/intercooler

P.S. - I hope you didn't mean to be insulting to Oak when you questioned his reliability. Kinda sounded that way...

Hello all,

Model year 2000 S70's with turbo engines (as in question) have the 4 speed automatic (AW50-42). Non-turbo models received the AW55, which is the 5 speed auto. The transaxle that you have requires regular Dexron ATF, no special fluid. The Volvo, BG, or Mobil fluids can be used safely in the AW50-42, but are not required and are only wasting your money. Regular Dexron, flushed every 30k miles, is as good as any synthetic. I would recommend the do-it-yourself flush with 12-16 quarts of ATF. Remove the battery and battery tray, disconnect the return line at the transmisssion side pan (7/8" nut) and connect a long clear hose to the disconected line (plug the hole in the pan). Temporarily reinstall the battery. Insert the clear hose into a clear gallon jug. Run the engine (in park) until bubbles start to form in the clear hose and then shut off (approximately 2-3 quarts). Add 2 quarts and repeat. Do this until the fluid is transparent and bright red (if never done since new, it may take 16-18 quarts). Once finished, reinstall the cooler line on the side pan and reinstall the battery and tray. Run the vehicle afterward, run through the shifter positions (5 seconds in each position), and check fluid level (adjust if necessary). This is the best way to do it and only costs you the price of the oil. It may sound complicated, but it's really not. It's an easy job and I'm sure you could do it yourself. Anyway, let me know if you need anything else.

Joe S. - Volvo Master Technician

2000 S70 AWD, 1995 850 Turbo, 1981 242 Turbo w/intercooler

P.S. - Others may suggest disconnecting the top line at the radiator instead, but that method doesn't flush the cooler, just the transmission itself. You also run the risk of breaking the plastic locks at the radiator end if done that way.

Thanks to everyone. I decided to skip the BG Flush. Too expensive, I'm going to try to do it myself.

I also looked at my old dealer write ups and I found they did a 'mini trans flush', only 4 quarts, but used regular dexron ATF @$2.10/quart. Some I'm confident that I don't need the more expensive '3309' since mine is a 4 speed automatic and doesn't have transmission that requires the other fluid.

Thanks again! And Joe S., if you or anybody has a pics of the return line at the transmission side pan please let me know. I've never done anything like this before but it does sound easy enough and I'm fairly handy. Just want to make sure I unhook the right line. Is that the only 7/8 nut in that area below the battery?

Hello again,

As you guessed, it is the only 7/8" nut there. I have an image, but am having trouble uploading it. Once you remove the battery tray, look for the pipe that is bolted directly to the transmission side pan. There are only two cooler lines, and the other goes to the bottom of the transmission (out of sight from above) and attaches differently. It is easiest to use a crows-foot socket and a long extension. If never removed, it will be TIGHT (you'd swear that you're going to twist off the extension). Use a counterhold (an open end wrench will do) on the nut welded to the pan (that will keep the force on the pipe's nut from distorting and possibly damaging the pan). Anyway, use a little PB Blaster on the nut and you should be okay. Let me know if you need anything else.

Joe S. - Volvo Master Technician

2000 S70 AWD, 1995 850 Turbo, 1981 242 Turbo w/intercooler

I have a 1996 850 glt with 292k on it and have not been good about changing the fluid on my trany but I have done it by just removing the cooler line and running into a bucket until it is running clear. Usually takes me about 20 quarts or so. Should I take htis tranny to a specialist for other things to be done? Is there something that Im missing by flushing it myself?

Marty

Marty,

Sounds like you're doing okay to me. It may take up to 20 quarts, depending on how dirty the old fluid is. If done every 30k miles, it should take less though. There's not really anything more that a specialist would do, considering there is no filter to replace on the AW series transaxles. The flush that you've done should be just fine. Again, do it every 30k though.

Good Luck,

Joe S. - Volvo Master Technician

2000 S70 AWD, 1995 850 Turbo, 1981 242 Turbo w/intercooler

Actually BG synthetic 312 transmission fluid is a perfect alternative to the Volvo/Mobil3309 fluid. I use BG here at our dealership and I can honestly say its just as good if not better than genuine Volvo fluid and at less than half the cost. Until I started selling BG I was losing transmission flush jobs all the time now with BG at 13.99$ Per L I have problems keeping this stuff on the shelf.

A volvo dealer that do4es not use volvo stuff? Do they charge less for that? Then call Volvo's 800 number and ask them what they think? LOL

Check the back of the owner's manual for your particular car. I thought all 2000+ had the 5 speed AT.

Klaus
--
1975 164 w/174,800mi (Sold) 1995 850T w/91,000mi, 1998 V70R w/129,000mi

Mobil 3309 is only need on 5 speed transmissions my 2000 S70 GLT-SE is only 4.

--
1996 964 172K, 2000 S70 62K